Media Advisory
19 September 2008
The first group of commemorative banners for World War Two infantry battalion veterans will be presented in a special ceremony at Defence House on Monday September 22.
After an appeal from the Army to find 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) infantry battalion members from the 2nd and 3rd Divisions, representatives for 13 of the 18 battalions have come forward. Six units will be presented with their banners at the ceremony in Wellington.
The remaining five battalions: 29th, 34th, 30th, 35th and 37th, will have their banners presented to each unit’s modern-day equivalent.
The banners, similar to British legion flags, serve as a symbol of the sacrifice while serving for King and Country and will provide something for each unit to affiliate to as they are handed from generation to generation.
The 28th Maori Battalion received their unit flag at their annual reunion in Gisborne on the weekend of 23 March 2008.
Where: Defence House, Aitken Street Wellington
When: Monday 22 September, 1400 - 1445
What: Presentation of WW2 Infantry Battalion banners
Who: Chief of Army, WW2 Veterans
ENDS
Media interested in attending the ceremony are asked to register their interest with Bas Bolyn, Army Public Relations no later than 11am 22 September. Photo ID is required to enter Defence House.
For more information please contact Bas Bolyn on 04 496 0285 or 021 478 574.
The remaining banners will be presented at dates and locations throughout the country to be confirmed.
The recipients for Monday are: (places of residence in brackets)
18 Bn & Armd Regt - Mr Duncan Hart (Marton)
19 Bn & Armd Regt - Mr Bill Jarvie (Stokes Valley)
25 Bn - Mr Ian Stewart (Wellington)
27 (MG) Bn - Mr Stan Young (Upper Hutt)
36 Bn - Mr David Williams (Waikanae)
History:
As NZ and the other Dominions joined Great Britain in declaring war on Germany on 3 September 1939, the NZ Army comprised 578 Regular Force, 10,364 Territorial Force and 62 vehicles.
The title ‘Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force’ (2NZEF) was adopted officially on 12 December 1939 and on 5 January 1940 the first echelon comprising 354 officers and 6175 other ranks embarked for the Middle East.
The second echelon on followed in May 1940 and the third echelon in August 1940. Reinforcements followed throughout the remainder of the war.
Japans military alliance with the axis powers on 27 September 1940 resulted in NZ despatching, within a month, strong forces to Fiji. This force became the nucleus of the Third Division of 2NZEF deploying in support of the Pacific War effort.
Following a request from the 28 Battalion Association the Chief of Army at the time, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae directed that ceremonial banners be produced for all 2NZEF infantry battalions.
After consultation with the NZ Herald of Arms, Mr Philip O’Shea, a design was approved and the banners manufactured.
A description of the Banners is as follows – the 2NZEF ‘Onwards’ Badge proper, central on a field of red with the individual unit identifier printed below the badge. The Banners are mounted on a pike and secured with black and white cords and tassels, the NZ national colours. The pike is topped with a gilt spearhead finial.