Media Statement
2 December 2007
Early this morning (December 2) security staff were alerted to an alarm activation caused by a forced entry at the Waiouru Army Museum. Upon attending the scene they found the museum's Valour annex had been targeted and a number of displays broken into.
As the investigation is still being conducted, a definitive list of what has been taken is not available. However it is feared that a number of Victoria Crosses, George Crosses and other medals have been stolen.
These include:
- Frickleton VC
- Andrew VC
- Ridling (Albert Medal)
- Judson VC,DCM,MM
- Grant VC
- Laurent VC
- Hinton VC
- Hulme VC
- Elliot VC
- Upham VC and Bar
- Russell GC
- Hudson GC
The Victoria Cross for New Zealand medal, recently awarded to Corporal Willie Apiata VC, is not one of the medals believed stolen.
Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner said the theft was far bigger than a theft from the New Zealand Army.
“This theft is not just from the New Zealand Defence Force and the Army, it is a theft from the Nation. New Zealand’s history and heritage is closely interwoven with its military history and heritage.
“These medals were awarded to their recipients for their extraordinary valour, and have come to symbolise the huge sacrifices that all New Zealanders made in the many conflicts fought for the freedoms we have come to accept.
“Their theft is a theft from New Zealand and as such is a serious crime calling for the co-operation of all New Zealanders in their recovery.
The NZDF and NZ Army are working closely with police who are leading this investigation. Customs have also been notified and have put out a border alert.
The NZ Police have set up a hotline number and have asked for anyone in the Waiouru area or passing through Waiouru between 2400 and 0200 this morning who may have saw anything to contact them.
OPERATION VALOUR contact number: 0800 349 0600.
ENDS
For NZDF information please contact Kirsty Clokie, Defence Public Relations on 021 745 288.
For information on the Police investigation, please contact Inspector Steve Mastrovich, Ruapehu Area Commander on 027 241 7121.