The Belgians have not forgotten

Important Visitors from New Zealand in the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917

2012-02-04T22:11:00.002+01:00

A New Zealand delegation lead by Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Jonathan Coleman and includes Chief of Defence Force, Lt Gen R. R. (Rhys) Jones; Secretary of Defence, John McKinnon; and New Zealand's Ambassador to the European Union and Belgium, Vangelis Vitalis was visiting the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 today. They were hosted by the Mayor Dir Cardoen, Deputy Mayor Franky Bryon and Executive Officer Francis Claeys. Prof Christopher Pugsley was guiding the group for a battlefield tour in the trail of the New Zealand soldiers during WWI.

a Minister in the frontline!

Chief of Defence Force, Lt Gen R. R. (Rhys) Jones and Prof Chris Pugsley talking with one of the Belgians. The Minister is listening.

afternoon thea

Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Jonathan Coleman
With New Zealand's Ambassador to the European Union and Belgium, Vangelis Vitalis on his left.
They were all very interested in the museum and our projects!

Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Jonathan Coleman in the middel, Chief of Defence Force, Lt Gen R. R. (Rhys) Jones on the right and Secretary of Defence, John McKinnon on the left

Snow over an Unknown Soldiers Grave

2012-02-04T21:48:00.000+01:00

This morning, one of our Passchendaele Society Volunteers, Freddy L. went to Messines Ridge Cemetery to take this picture of the Unknown Soldier from the Rifle Brigade who was reburied yesterday.

Reburial of a an unknown New Zealand soldier today

2012-02-03T21:10:00.009+01:00

Today, it was a cold and freezing day. An unknown New Zealand Soldier from the Rifle Brigade, about 25 years old and 1,70 m tall has been buried after being discovered last year.
The New Zealand government did what they could do to identify this young man who was killed here about 95 years ago in the Battle of Messines, the prologue of the Battle of Passchendaele.

you can click on the picture to enlarge and see the wreath of Waimakariri. Waimakariri was represented by her twin town Zonnebeke.

Both New Zealand and Belgian dignitaries attended the ceremony as well as people from Passchendaele, Ypres, Comines-Warneton and even friends of New Zealand from France!

Prof. Chris Pugsley was given interpretation about the circumstances if his dead on the 7th of June 1917.

the Mayor of Zonnebeke after the wreath laying. on the left the NZ Minister of Defence, ont he right the Flemish Minister of Tourism.

His final resting place.

Amongst the dignitaries also Michèle Hostekint , the grand granddaughter of an unknown NZ soldier. We are doing research to find his name since last year on Anzac day (see http://thebelgianshavenotforgotten.blogspot.com/2011/04/special-request-for-anzac-week.html )

She's flanked by the Province Commander, the Governor of West-Flanders and the Mayor of Messines.

The Chief of the New Zealand Defence Forces, Lt Gen. Rhys Jones.

the catafalk party

the Belgian firing squad from the Competence Center Material and Products in Ieper/Ypres.

The NZ Minister of Defense and one of the Belgians paying their respect to the Unknown Rifle Brigade Soldier ( RSA poppy )

His grave.

Volunteers of the Passchendaele Society put some flax crosses from the Dolores project on the gravestones.

It was a moving, beautiful and very special reburial service.
Lest we forget.
see also National television Belgium: http://www.deredactie.be/permalink/1.1211727
see also 3 news (NZ news)
http://www.3news.co.nz/NZ-soldier-laid-to-rest-in-Belgium/tabid/309/articleID/241840/Default.aspx
and TV NZ
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/kiwi-killed-in-wwi-laid-rest-after-95-years-4711282/video
see also local Flemish TV: http://www.focus-wtv.tv/video/soldaat-herbegraven-mesen

Reburial service for an unknown New Zealand soldier

2012-01-16T11:41:00.000+01:00

The remains of an unknown soldier from the First World War were discovered during excavations of a building site in July 2011 in Mesen, West Flanders. Based on objects recovered with the remains including, unit insignia of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade as well as the location of the find, the remains were accepted in December 2011 as that of an unidentified New Zealand soldier.
A reburial service will be held on 3 February 2012 at the Messines Ridge British Cemetery in Mesen. The service will commence at approximately 3pm. New Zealand will have a high-level delegation at the reburial. This will be led by Minister of Defence, the Honourable Dr Jonathan Coleman and includes Chief of Defence Force, Lt Gen R. R. (Rhys) Jones; Secretary of Defence, John McKinnon; and New Zealand's Ambassador to the European Union and Belgium, Vangelis Vitalis.
The reburial service is open to members of the public. Individuals wishing to attend are asked to advise the New Zealand Embassy of their intention in order to assist preparations.
When: Friday, 3 February at 3pm
Where: Messines Ridge British Cemetery, Nieuwkerkestraat, 8957 Mesen
RSVPs or queries can be directed to Mr Keawe Woodmore, First Secretary, New Zealand Embassy, Brussels (bruevents@mfat.govt.nz) or by phone on 02 512 1040.

Belgian and New Zealand flags flying in Rangiora (Waimakariri)

2011-11-14T10:38:00.002+01:00

Mayor David Ayers from Waimakariri send me this picture taken taken Friday 11/11 after a wreath-laying service at the Rangiora Cenotaph!

Belgian Consul in Christchurch awarded with Belgian Order of the Crown

2011-10-30T23:30:00.004+01:00

Lieve Bierque, Belgian Consul in Christchurch , has been awarded with the Belgian Order of the Crown for her effort to help the Belgian Citizens in and around Christchurch during the earthquake and the after shocks.

Despite the fact that her house was badly damaged and she and her husband Gavin had to reside at the home of their friends, she did whatever was possible to help them all.

We are very pleased Lieve has been awarded. As you can see, the Belgians have not forgotten!

Thanks Lieve for the good work you're doing!

Visitors from Christchurch

2011-10-14T21:06:00.003+02:00

Today and yesterday I was on the Battlefield with Patrick and Ella Duggan.

Patrick is since years Parade Marshal at the ANZAC service in Christchurch. There we met for the first time in 2009. He is also the author of "What have they done to the rain" (see http://www.kukupapress.com/ ).

Patrick is a veteran who served in Vietnam.

He was here in the trail of his great-uncle MANN CHARLES ELDRICH, Charles was a New Zealand Lance Corporal in the Otago Regiment and he was missed in action on 27/11/1917, during the preparation of the attack on Polderhoek Chateau (03/12/1917). He is one of the 3.000 NZ soldiers that have been lost during the winter of 1917-1918 in the Polygon Wood sector.

We have been together for two days and have done everything we could in this short time to see all the places of interest.

Patrick and Ella at 's Graventafel Paschendaele 14/10/2011

Patrick sticking a RSA poppy next to the name of his great-uncle who's commemorated at the Memorial for the Missing New Zealanders at Butte's New Cemetery.

Patrick was giving two New Zealand WWI badges from Kevin Brown JP - President of RSA Kaiapoi - as a gift for the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917. They will be on display from next year on in the museum extension.

The 94th anniversary of New Zealands bloodiest day

2011-10-12T19:07:00.001+02:00

A tiny flax cross with a RSA poppy at 's Graventafel near Belle Vue to commemorate today the ultimate sacrifice of those who came from the Uttermost Ends of the Earth

Today, I was there alone. I hope one day, we will be many to commemorate.
Rendez vous next year at 11 AM !

Lest it be forgot

Passchendaele Society commemorate 94th anniversary Battle of Passchendaele in Auckland

2011-09-13T09:48:00.006+02:00

The Passchendaele Society will commemorate the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele in Auckland with

• A Commemoration Ceremony at the Auckland War memorial Museum Wednesday 12 October at 11am preceded by a performance by the Tongan Brass band from 10am. Details following.

• Daily screenings of

The New Zealanders on the Western Front: 3 Documentaries 6th to 12th October (see poster attached)
2pm at the Academy Theatre in Auckland City
10am at the Victoria Theatre in Devonport

There will be Questions and Answer sessions facilitated by the Passchendaele Society after every session.

The New Zealanders on the Western Front: 3 Documentaries were shown at the Victoria Theatre last ANZAC Day to a full house, so bookings are definitely recommended at www.iconiccinemas.co.nz/movies/4853.php

Actor Robyn Malcolm, sculptor Helen Pollock and film maker David Blyth have individually made the journey back to the WW1 battlefields of Northern France and Belgium to retrace the footsteps of their forefathers. Each has created a personal tribute to the sacrifices of the New Zealand Division on the Western Front.

The films contain interesting archival footage of the New Zealanders on the Western Front in WW1; and particularly around Passchendaele and Le Quesnoy.

Russel Briggs from Auckland War Memorial and Jo Kane on Battlefield Tour

2011-04-27T23:25:00.000+02:00

visit of Ewen Taylor

Memorial for Sgt Nicholas VC

Polygon wood cemetery

the wreath from Waimakariri on Buttes New Cemetery

A Dolores cross for Ewen Taylor

Jo in action

Dawn Service Buttes New British Cemetery 25/04/2011 06.00 am

2011-04-25T22:29:00.003+02:00

Early start, special place on the battlefield

Jo Kane on behalf of the People of Waimakariri

every year more people are coming to commemorate

more and more young people

The Tatty Tenors on Buttes, national hymnes from New Zealand, Australia and Belgium (in both languages Flemish and French). Congratulations to these beautiful voices!

from Australia and New Zealand together with Belgians and people from the UK

wreaths from the officials but also private wreaths

Sons of the British Empire project

H.E. Dr Brendan Nelson Australian Ambassador, patron of the project

Jo Kane and Ingrid Vandepitte, with a Tatty Tenor, Marc Verstraete in the rum and coffee breakfast after the dawn service

John and Marianne Sutherland with the deputy of the Australian Embassy talking about the New Zealand Dolores project

Mr Don Rowe President, NSW Branch, Returned and Services League had a chat with the Australian Ambassador

Those two did the work for the Sons of the British Empire project on Buttes

ANZAC Tattoo in the Chateau Park

2011-04-25T22:11:00.004+02:00

The Passchendaele Pipe & Drumband

the Tatty Tenors from Australia

panoramic view

modern times , even in tattoo

warming up Haka

London New Zealand Rugby Team with the Haka

a Scottish Band

Rugby in Passchendaele

2011-04-25T22:01:00.001+02:00

The London New Zealand Rugby team was playing against the London Scottish

The coach drivers have their own "grandstand"

sometimes hard but always sportsmanlike

"coach" Jo Kane is giving a debriefing

The real ANZAC spirit thru the sport

Jo Kane is Honorary Citizen in Zonnebeke 23/04/2011

2011-04-23T16:49:00.002+02:00

Jo and the Council together in front of the Town Hall

panoramic view of the council room

1st Alderman Franky Bryon is giving a speech to welcome Jo.
She's only the third person to receive this honorary title and the first foreigner.

Jo thanks the Community for this honor, the twinning and the support

The gift presented to her is a copper sculpture made by Rik Ryon. A Sunflower made from scrap from the battlefield! Zonne in the name Zonnebeke means Sun.

Signing of the Guest Book

Brigadier John Gray, author of "From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth" visited Passchendaele

2011-04-22T16:00:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, we've got a special visitor from NZ.

Brigadier John Gray, CBE,OBE,ED,JP well known as the author of "From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth"

has been in the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 to hand over a new book about the Auckland Infantry. He 's a friend of the museum for many years. His wife Olive was with him this time.

They will attend ANZAC day in Le Quesnoy.

link for a review of his book "From the Uttermost Ends of the Earth":

http://www.westernfrontassociation.com/book-reviews/92-histories/1792-from-the-uttermost-ends-of-the-earth-the-new-zealand-division-on-the-western-front-1916-1918.html

You can buy the book at special price:

http://www.tommiesguides.co.uk/webstore/product.asp?P_ID=170026&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=gray&numPageStartPosition=11&strSearchCriteria=any&PT_ID=all

More news about the book "Auckland Infantry" can be find here:

http://www.wheelers.co.nz/books/9780473174521-auckland-infantry-the-story-of-the-auckland-countess-of-ranfurlys-own-and-north-auckland-regiments-and-of-the-citizen-soldiers-who-served-ne/

for a review look here:

https://www.thebestlittlebookstore.co.nz/product-info.php?Auckland_Infantry-pid263.html

Unknown Kiwi Soldier

2011-04-19T22:26:00.007+02:00

Some friends already did some research.

The cap badge worn by our mystery soldier looks very like that of the Royal Sussex Regiment.

He may very well have been a Kiwi serving in the British Army.

This is also a trail we can follow, of course.

Thank you Aaron and Buck for your contribution.

Special Request for ANZAC week

2011-04-18T12:33:00.001+02:00

We believe this soldier is a Kiwi!

We don't know his name, rank or number. We only have a picture. His cap badge could be Signals Corps (NZ Engineers) badge. During WW1 the NZ Signals was part of the Corps of Engineers.

We are not sure but it’s quite reasonable that this man was killed here during WWI.

There is a special story about it, a love story between a Belgian Girl (Lia was her name) and the New Zealand Soldier. We would like to give that man a name....and perhaps a happy end after almost 100 years!

He seems to be the father of a Belgian boy during WWI, but the mother never had contact with him again.

Her son was born on October 31st 1918 and registered in Somerset House, Marylebone, London.

We suppose this soldier died or disappeared between February and November 1918.
Around the first 3 months of 1918 he should have been in London.

Roger married on April 11, 1942 and had also children who are still alive. Roger's son Patrick is in contact with me and he also has children.

The boy's name was Roggie, later Roger.

LT GEN Rhys Jones, Chief of Defence Force visited the Battlefields of Passchendaele

2011-03-09T23:06:00.001+01:00

LT GEN Rhys Jones, Chief of Defence Force, BRIG Phil Gibbons, Head NZDS-London and New Zealand MilRep to NATO, CDR James Routledge, Naval Attaché NZDS-London and Deputy MilRep to NATO, WGCDR Mark Stevens, PSO to CDF and Mr Alex Rogers, First Secretary, New Zealand Embassy made a pelgrimage to the Battlefield of Passchendaele yesterday.

LtGen Rhys Jones and his party have visited the Messines and Passchendaele area yesterday afternoon. From one place to another , listening to the people explaining the facts about New Zealands involvement here. Visiting the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 and the Menin Gate.

But it was , most of all, a pelgrimage. They have been to all the New Zealand Memorials , laying wreaths in every place, reading the Ode, and in salute for Those who had been lost here 94 years ago. A very moving afternoon!

Some non-professional photo's taking from the background

New Zealand Earthquake - Service of Remembrance in Brussels 18/03 6 PM

2011-03-09T16:59:00.000+01:00

A Service of Remembrance for all those affected by the recent earthquake in Canterbury, New Zealand will be held at Holy Trinity, Brussels on Friday 18 March at 6pm. This coincides with the day of the National Memorial Service being held in Christchurch which will be attended by Prime Minister John Key and HRH Prince William, amongst other dignitaries. A collection will be held and donated to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal to help those directly affected by the quake.

Directions to Holy Trinity can be found here:

http://www.holytrinity.be/content/where-holy-trinity-brussels

Contact person: rebecca.woodmore@gmail.com

________________________________________

2011-03-09T10:38:00.000+01:00

The prestigious 2011 Civic Trust Awards Ceremony was held at the People's History Museum in Manchester which saw 57 projects recognised from 333 entries. 27 Awards were given, including 7 projects that were chosen to receive a Special Award, demonstrating outstanding credentials in a specific area.

The Civic Trust Awards National Panel selected the visitor centre at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Zonnebeke, Belgium by Govaert & Vanhoutte Architectenburo as their favourite Award winner in 2011.

http://www.civictrustawards.org.uk/news/news-stories/2011-award-winners-announced/

SUPPORT WAIMAK

2011-03-08T12:06:00.000+01:00

The Zonnebeke District Council (which includes the town of Passchendaele) has started a local appeal to help the people of its twin town of Waimakariri following the September and February earthquakes.

The council has donated 2,500 euro to set the fund rolling.
The funds raised will be forwarded to social services in Waimakariri for distribution to those in most need. The donations account number is: 738-0184836-73.
The name of the account is GPS1917 vzw.
mention WAIMAK so it is clear for who your donation is.

STEUN WAIMAKARIRI

2011-03-08T12:04:00.002+01:00

Christchurch (Nieuw Zeeland) is getroffen door een aardbeving die talrijke mensenlevens heeft geeist en enorme verwoestingen heeft aangericht.

Uit solidariteit met Waimakariri, het zusterdistrict van Zonnebeke, schenkt de gemeente

2.500 euro en doet een oproep om eveneens een gift te storten op

rekening 738-0184836-73 van de vzw GPS1917 met vermelding van STEUN WAIMAK.

Alle gestorte bedragen zullen worden bezorgd aan de sociale dienst van Waimakariri om daar de hoogste nood te lenigen

Jo Kane, who lives on the outskirts of the southern city, said the quake had left people "shell-shocked".

2011-02-22T20:55:00.001+01:00

Jo Kane, who lives on the outskirts of the southern city, said the quake had left people "shell-shocked".
I'm a Wellington girl and I grew up with earthquakes, but I'm telling you I'm sitting here with an expression like an opossum in the headlights.

Witnesses Tell Of Quake Terror In NZ City

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Christchurch-Earthquake-Eyewitnesses-Tell-Of-Terror/Article/201102415938269

click on the link above and
dubble click on the video to see the damage

Devastating earthquake in Christchurch

2011-02-22T14:40:00.001+01:00

Our thoughts and our sympathy are with the victims and family of this devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

David Ayers, Mayor of Waimakariri District is reporting:
The Waimakariri District got through today relatively OK.
There is a lot of liquefaction (again) in Kaiapoi and Pines/Kairaki and further damage to buildings - but none of the tragic loss of life and damage experienced by Christchurch.
Our infrastructure has largely survived.
Our main worry is local people who would have been in Christchurch at the time of the quake.

On this site you can find the Google Person Finder if you are looking for someone.

A New Zealand soldier is buried with respect after 95 years

2011-02-21T15:23:00.000+01:00

A New Zealand soldier is buried with respect after 95 years

Visit to the Battlefields

2011-02-20T10:52:00.009+01:00

Chris Powell the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Auckland (CRO) & Northland Battalion group was our guest during the weekend. On the 16th LtCol Chris Powell attended a formal re-interment ceremony at Caterpillar Valley Cemetery for an Auckland Regiment Soldier of the Great War. After visiting in Northern France places as Flers, Arras and Le Quesnois he came to the Passchendaele Region, visiting not only Passchendaele but also Messines.

He was welcomed by 1st Alderman Franky Bryon. They know each other since they met in October 2009 for the opening of the exhibiton "The Belgians Have not Forgotten " in Auckland.

Chris was visiting the Museum in Passchendaele and in Messines, while he was doing a Battlefield trip "in the trail of the New Zealanders". But also 's Graventafel, Belle Vue spur, Tyne Cot, Polygon Wood Cemetery, Butte's New British Cemetery, The Nicholas VC and Frickleton VC memorials and Perth Cemetery, Wieltje, Kansas Cross, Berlin Wood and other places of interest for New Zealand as the Memorials for the Missing New Zealanders during WWI.

In the Visitor Centre at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Passchendaele he could see that Auckland Soldiers are also commemorated every day to pay a tribute to their sacrifice.

A lot of time was spend to commemorate all New Zealand victims on the different memorials , but also individual graves have been visited on different cemeteries.

At 8 PM, as every day, there was a Last Post under the Menin Gate. LtCol Powell was welcomed by Guy Gruwez, Honorary Chairman of the Last Post Association. Chris was given the honor to read the Ode in front of at least 500 visitors.

It was a very cold and wet weekend to do a Battlefield trip.
But Belgian beer and a plate of Belgian shrimps in good company was a worthy end for a commemorative weekend

2011-01-03T17:29:00.002+01:00

Menin Gate 19/12/2010 with Lieve Bierque

2010-12-22T21:02:00.016+01:00

Thank you Maria Vander Meiren for your beautiful pictures !!

The Menin Gate on Sunday evening

wreath laying
Lieve Bierque & Mayor Cardoen

Part of the Zonnebeke delegation together with Guy Gruwez Past Chairman LPA

Lieve tired but satisfied

The Menin Gate with Christmas trees

Belgian Consul from Christchurch in Passchendaele

2010-12-20T22:09:00.029+01:00

Oxford Road Cemetery
Lieve Bierque, the Belgian Consul in Christchurch, visited her family and friends in Belgium. She had a special mission. She was asked by the family of Ewen Taylor to visit his grave on Oxford Road Cemetery.

The grave of Ewen Taylor from New Zealand

He died 8 January 1918 at Reutel, he served with the Rifle Brigade.
His family is living near Christchurch and asked Lieve to honor Ewen .

His family hasn't been able to come over yet and to visit his grave

Lieve has put a picture of Ewen together with an RSA-poppy and a flower made of native flax from New Zealand

Under the Menin Gate, together with the Mayor of Zonnebeke and the LPA Past Chairman, Guy Gruwez

Lieve reading the Ode under the Menin Gate
Supported by a delegation of the Zonnebeke Town Council

Wreath laying together with Mayor Dirk Cardoen

meet and greet with the buglers

a cold Winter Sunday 19 December 2010 in Passchendaele!

Thank you for your visit Lieve, please take our best wishes for 2011 with you to the Uttermost end of the Earth.

Winter on Tyne Cot

2010-12-04T18:34:00.007+01:00

Some pictures of Tyne Cot covered by snow.
Those pictures have been taken by Johan Dejonghe,
a volunteer working for the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917.

This view, in the direction of Belle Vue spur
shows the Visitor Centre on the right of the picture.

Here you can see Berlin Wood from Tyne Cot.
Berlin Wood has been captured on October 4th 1917 by the New Zealand Division.

School from Le Quesnoy in Passchendaele

2010-11-29T22:40:00.014+01:00

On Friday 26 November 2010, it was cold and wet. At 10.00AM , a class from Le Quesnoy came to perform the Platoon Experience.
The students are taken the identity of an Australian soldier and will experience October 4th 1917.
They are starting with a visit of the museum and an overall introduction to WWI.

All this was done in English! So it was not only learning about history but also language.

If you know that those students are around 14-15 years old we must confirm that they have been well disciplined and very brave. Congratulations!

The lunch was a WWI meal , a kind of stew (vegetables, potatoes and corned beef), named Tommy Tucker with mineral water. Of course , as in WWI, the lunch was taken outside

One of the young ladies was an assistant teacher of the school and she had no problem with the
language. She's from Wellington, New Zealand!

distribution of webbing , backpack and weapon

Mr. Franck Bruyére is the man who made this all possible and he was also wearing a uniform (all teachers did so)

It was raining when the weapon drill was teached

quick march in extended order on the old railway, the Road to Passchendaele

Some reflection, time for remembrance.

This is an Australian memorial marking the start of the Road to Passchendaele.

Al students are around the guide who's explaining what happened 93 years ago.

This marks the place were Lt Hart was killed after capturing the Thames Farm pill box.

How should a concrete bunker been captured?

A little bit later it was dark when the group arrived at Tyne Cot cemetery, there was also a snowstorm and everybody was wet and cold.

But they succeeded to do the whole PE.

French are tough , that's for sure!

Well done!!

2010-11-11T22:45:00.000+01:00

www.stuff.co.nz

With flags flying at half mast, KiwiRail staff laid poppies on a new memorial to the railway men who died in World War I.

The memorial at KiwiRail's mechanical workshops in Lower Hutt was unveiled in conjunction with an Armistice Day memorial service, held at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – the time and date the war ended.

More than 7500 railway workers served in World War I, more than half the entire workforce. Of those, 444 were killed.

The memorial features a train wheel and a plaque, which is a replica of those that were placed on an Ab-class locomotive in 1925, naming it Passchendaele after the war's deadliest battle for Kiwis, in honour of servicemen who worked for the railway.

The original plaques were removed from the train during World War II and are on display in Christchurch and Dunedin railway stations.

KiwiRail director Bryan Jackson said the memorial was a way to honour the Kiwi soldiers who served their country, and the railwaymen among them.

"When you consider the loss of life and impact of the battle, this single contribution doesn't seem anywhere enough recognition for the loss of life ... it goes some way to marking the event and in particular railway's involvement, and helping to remember the sacrifice made by those who fought."

Belgian exchange student Manoelle Godin, 18, was at the service, and read the Ode of Remembrance in Flemish and English.

Passchendaele is in Belgium, where Armistice Day is a public holiday, and Manoelle said she was proud to take part in yesterday's service. She accompanied former railway worker Eileen Smeaton in laying a wreath on the memorial.

Mrs Smeaton, 95, who worked as a shorthand typist, was thrilled to take part. "It's wonderful that people remember – it feels like they didn't die in vain."

Railways workers were tightknit, she said. She had married a foundry worker, and would tell their two sons they had "railway blood in them".

KiwiRail workshop production manager Phil Hankinson organised the memorial. The replica plaque had been hanging in an office, but was now in the workshop's memorial garden

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4336993/KiwiRail-unveils-memorial-for-staff-lost-in-war

12 October - Remembrance Day for the fallen New Zealanders in Passchendaele

2010-10-12T09:34:00.011+02:00

Jo Kane reporting:

Today the Waimakariri Passhendaele Trust in conjunction with the combined RSA held a service to commemorate the links forged between our two countries during the first world war but importantly on the 12 October
I know that Don Staples in Wellington has organised a similar service , as have the Auckland connection.
We will together lift the prominence of this day in New Zelands history
We will be thinking of you all today

the picture is from Luke Thomas, The Christchurch Mail

Don Staples reporting:

I am very pleased to report that we held a commemoration for the Passchendaele Offensive this morning at the National War Memorial in Wellington.

Attending were Belgium Ambassador, H.E. Mr Patrick Renault, First Secretary, Ms Sophie Hottat , Honorary Consul Mr Don Staples and Consulate Secretary Mr John Rolls. From the National War Memorial were the Chairman, Rear Admiral David Ledson (rtd) and Curator Mr Paul Riley. From the NZ Returned and Services’ Association, Mrs Margaret Snow and New Zealand Army, Colonel Mike Shapland. Also attending was the retired Belgian Consul Mr Rowland Woods and his wife Anita.

The order of ceremony was as follows:

· Respects paid at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

· Tolling of the Peace Bell (by me) during which Admiral Ledson escorted the party into the Hall of Memories.

· Laying of wreath by H.E. Renault and H.Consul Staples

· The Last Post - sounded by NZ Air Force Bugler

· The Ode recited by RSA representative, Mrs Margaret Snow

· Reveille

· HE signed the Visitors' Book

· Laying of poppies on Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
Particularly poignant was the sounding of the Peace Bell and the Last Post which resonated mystically within the beautiful marble lined confines of the memorial

Iain MacKenzie reporting:

I have just returned from our Commemoration Service at the Cenotaph outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It felt just right. We had a meeting afterwards in the Museum and there was agreement that we should repeat this type of commemoration service next year with something a bit more special in 2012 and of course 2017.

There was a wish for a bit more formality in the organising group with people indicating a preference for an " Auckland Passchendaele Society" which would meet more regularly so the next meeting will be hosted by the 3rd Auckland and Northland Regiment and we will further that idea.

2010-03-04T19:25:00.003+01:00

ANZAC PROGRAMME 24-25 APRIL 2010

2010-02-13T13:57:00.009+01:00

ANZAC DAY IN ZONNEBEKE
On April 24th and 25th 2010, the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 organizes for the sixth time an interesting museum weekend.
Place to be: Zonnebeke Chateau grounds.
This year, 3 themes are highlighted:
living history (historical evocation 1914-1918), the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (new exposition theme) and ANZAC-day.

On Sunday 25th of April, ANZAC-day will be remembered internationally for the 95th time. On that same day, Flanders organizes Inheritance day (Erfgoeddag).

Friday, April 23th 2010

20.00: Exhibition official inauguration Remember me:
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission 1917-2010 .- Chateau grounds, invitation required

Saturday, April 24th 2010

10.00 - 18.00: Historical evocation 1914-1918
Living History with recruitment, training camp, border crossing-point, British campsite , German soldier amusement, Russian prisoners of war ...
- Chateau grounds, free of charge

9.30 - 17.00: Colloquium Living History
- Town hall, Euro 12,50 including lunch20.00:
Anzac day remembrance concert with Carleen Ebbs (NZ), Heather Charlton (NZ), Wendy Quinlan (AUS) and the Royal Harmony (Koninklijke Harmonie) Sint-Cecilia from Beselare (B)
- Chateau grounds, Euro 5,00 (in advance) and Euro 7,50 (at the door)

Sunday, April 25th 2010 - Inheritance day - Anzac Day

6.00: Anzac day dawn service
Shuttle bus service at 5h15 (sharp), departing from Chateau grounds, Followed by a free breakfast and reception of delegations
- Buttes New British Cemetery, free of charge

10.00: Field service 1917 With free tea and tommy-cake
- Chateau grounds, free of charge

10.00 - 18.00: Historical evocation 1914-1918
Living History with recruitment, training camp, border crossing-point, British campsite , German soldier amusement, Russian prisoners of war ...
- Chateau grounds, free of charge

10.00 - 18.00: Treasures in the attic
grandfather s helmet or grandmother's vase, let them identify and evaluate for free by an expert antiques and military
- Chateau grounds, free of charge

13.00 - 18.00: Battlefield tour
Guided bus tour along less known places and once-only accessible Commonwealth War Graves Commission places
Euro 10 p.p. - only in advance registration, restricted number of participant

Liminal Spaces on Flanders Fields

2010-01-29T20:24:00.004+01:00

New Zealand documentary photographer Di Mackey and Belgian panoramic photographer Marc Dirkx have teamed up in an attempt to capture the liminal nature of Flanders Fields, Belgium. Together they have explored the concept of liminality, the ‘betwixt and between’ of these WW1 battlefields.

The Westhoek has become a special place where the past informs the present and the present nurtures the past. It is the diggers, historians and enthusiasts of today who cater to the families of the ‘boys’ who never returned from that terrible war of 1914-1918 and in turn, the families, the various militaries and governments created monuments so that the huge sacrifices made on this small area will never be forgotten.

visit the blog: http://liminalspacesonflandersfields.blogspot.com/
or copy this in your browser: liminalspacesonflandersfields.blogspot.com

2009-12-29T17:56:00.001+01:00

Merry Christmas, Happy 2010

2009-12-24T19:31:00.005+01:00

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

(c)Maria Van der Meiren

FIELD OF REMEMBRANCE CLOSING CEREMONY

2009-11-16T16:21:00.005+01:00

The Last Day of the Exhibition at Fort Takapuna on Sunday 15 November 2009 was one of the best attended days and brought the total number of visitors to almost 10, 000.

On the morning of Monday 16 November 2009 at 4.45 am they had a dawn ceremony to lift the sacred tapu put on the 5.000 white crosses and remove them from the Field of Remembrance.

A group of about 100 assembled in the pre-dawn darkness as Master of Ceremonies Chris Mullane ONZIM MBE welcome everyone and gave a special welcome to Jo Kane Chairperson of the Waimakariri Zonnebeke Trust, Gerard Uytterheagen First Secretary at the Embassy of Belgium in Canberra and his wife Bernadette Lambert and Laetitia Petersen Honorary Consul of Belgium in Auckland.

His Worship Mayor Andrew Williams spoke of the honour which the North Shore City Council and its people had felt in hosting such an historic event. Iain MacKenzie addressed his remarks to the enormous role played by the 5,000 white crosses in symbolising the 5,000 New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives fighting for freedom in Belgium more than 90 years ago. The President of the Peace Foundation of New Zealand spoke of the role of striving for peace in the world and the children of Vauxhall School confirmed this message as they released 50 white doves who soared into the air, circled the crosses three times and flew off into freedom.

The Last Post was sounded as the Belgian and New Zealand flags were lowered and then with the playing of rouse were again raised.Kamatua Heta Tobin lifted the tapu and then Lone Piper John Graham played a lament as the crosses were removed from the Field of Remembrance and the sun rose again to highlight a most moving closing ceremony

Text of the Farewell Message to the 5,000 white crosses

In Flemish there is an expression which goes along the lines of …” ..er is een tijd van komen een a tijd van gaan.. “………there is a time for coming and a time for going !

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses , row on row

In the field of remembrance at Fort Takapuna ,through a great deal of hard work from many individuals and groups these 5,000 white crosses and 5,000 red poppies came to this place 44 days ago. They became an incredibly intense emotional symbol and a recognisable reminder of the 5,000 New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives fighting for freedom in Belgium more than 90 years ago.

They were a visual New Zealand response to the message which arrived with the exhibition reminding us that the Belgians had not forgotten the immense sacrifice made by New Zealanders on the Western Front and at Passchendaele.

And as the time has come for the exhibition to go so too has the time come for these 5,000 spiritual symbols to go.

It is fitting however that before they go we take a moment to reflect on what they meant to us……………… They meant of course different things to different people and many of them became personalised by descendants who took the opportunity to tell the story behind their particular cross. Perhaps however it was when we put all those individual crosses together and when we looked at what it meant and saw the totality of it all that the enormity of New Zealand’s sacrifice ninety two years ago, really hit home to many of us.

The exhibition itself helped us to understand the circumstances surrounding this enormous tragedy. It didn’t take away the pain but in some way it did help to ease the pain when we were able to talk about what did happen on the other side of the world all those years ago. I am sure the crosses were listening and took satisfaction from our conversations and that they will leave this field of remembrance knowing that their deeds, their actions, their anquish and their sacrifice is better understood now than it was when they arrived here.

…”..er is een tijd van komen…en een tijd van gaan’’ The time has come for you to go…..Thank you for coming.. It has been for us all a most memorable visit. You reminded us of who we are . You reminded us of our history and you reminded us to value the freedom that we enjoy. A freedom enjoyed through your sacrifice.

Some of you will be carried from this field by families who will take you home. Others will be carried with honour and with respect to the starting point of another journey to other parts of New Zealand where you again will receive the great honour and great respect that you truly deserve.

Time to say goodbye. Con te Partiro
Goede Reis en Bon Voyage

Jo Kane is back to New Zealand

2009-11-14T20:47:00.009+01:00

Jo Kane, Chairperson of the Waimakariri-Zonnebeke Trust is back in her country since around midnight local New Zealand time.
Thanks to Maria Van der Meiren, Chairperson of the Municipal Council, we've got some pictures from the visit of Jo with Maria and her husband and Sabine (Alderperson of Zonnebeke) and her husband on a visit in the house and workshop of the artist Rik Ryon in Proven (near Poperinge).

Jo is now in Auckland again to pack the exhibition who is ending tomorrow our time and today New Zealand time. Volunteers in Auckland and Fort Takapuna will help her and also the people of Waiouru Army Museum and the New Zealand Army.
The Belgians are again very grateful to New Zealand. New Zealand allowed us to come with our exhibition to show you the battlefields of Flanders where we live and where we still commemorate your boys who were giving the ultimate sacrifice , today 92 years ago. We hope that it could be a start for New Zealand too, to not forget what their country has done for peace, democracy and freedom in the world.

Chairperson Waimakariri-Zonnebeke Trust in Passchendaele

2009-11-07T09:00:00.011+01:00

Jo Kane, chairperson of the Waimakariri-Zonnebeke Trust is in Passchendaele since Friday 6 November to commemorate Armistice Day in Flanders together with her friends from the Passchendaele Society 1917. She stays until 12 November and will be hosted by the council members of Zonnebeke. Martin O' Connor, also Honorary Member since 2007 and New Zealander living in Belgium did a five hours trip to be with us. He's leaving Belgium for a trip back home next week and will help Jo to pack the exhibition in Fort Takapuna, North Shore City, Auckland.

On this picture, from left to right: Alderman Franky Bryon and Mayor Dirk Cardoen from Zonnebeke, chairperson Jo Kane, chairman Passchendaele Society 1917 Freddy Declerck, curator Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 Franky Bostyn, Michael St Maur Sheil and Rik Ryon, the two artists who made the exhibition "the Belgians have not Forgotten" possible.

Jo Kane has been appointed Honorary Member of the Passchendaele Society 1917 for the tremendous work she did for the exhibition in New Zealand. Without her help and that of the Waimakariri-Zonnebeke Trust this exhibition was obviously not possible.

On today there are only six honorary members, 2 New Zealanders, 1 British, 1 Scottish, 1 Australian and 1 Belgium. Roger Verbeke, the only Belgium Honorary Member was also appointed yesterday because he resigned as a full committee member and he was one of the founders of the Passchendaele Society 1917 Trust in 2004. Roger is an authority on World War I and is very famous for his knowledge in Flanders and abroad.

Photography by Peter Roets.

Exhibition in Takapuna

2009-10-15T18:58:00.032+02:00

Includes the entrance to the Fort and the exhibition, some shots of the exhibition inside the fort and the wreaths laid during the Commemoration Ceremony

Passchendaele Commemoration Service 12/10/2009

2009-10-14T15:52:00.005+02:00

Iain MacKenzie
Honorary Consul of Belgium (2001-2009) reporting:

On a beautiful and sunny spring evening a memorable and touching Commemoration Ceremony was held at Fort Takapuna at 7 pm on Monday 12th October 2009

The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery entertained the large crowd of over one thousand people who had gathered outside the Fort in sight of the 5,000 white crosses erected in memory of the 5,000 New Zealand Soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country fighting for freedom in Flanders.

Master of Ceremonies Bob Davis introduced His Worship the Mayor of North Shore City Andrew Williams who spoke of the enormous sacrifice made by New Zealanders in Flanders and the relevance of holding the ceremony at Fort Takapuna where the Auckland Regiment and the Pioneer Maori Battalion had trained before leaving New Zealand for Flanders.

His Excellency the Ambassador of Belgium Patrick Renault responded by assuring New Zealanders of the gratitude of the people of Belgium even after 92 years had elapsed and promised that Belgium would continue to look after the graves of New Zealanders as they had done in the past. The Ambassador pointed out that although it was sunset in New Zealand it was sunrise in Belgium when 92 years to the minute the New Zealand Division was given the order to attack Belle Vue Ridge in what was to become the biggest disaster in New Zealand's history.

The Takapuna Grammar School Girls Choir then gave a beautiful rendition of " In Flanders Fields" which was written by the Canadian Lieutenant Colonel Dr John MacRae to music written and conducted by Robyn Goodge.

There followed a wonderful ceremonial presentation which was passed onto the New Zealand Army by the British Army and was a shortened version of the time - honoured Beating Retreat Ceremony which dates back to 1554 when the drums were beaten on the battlefield to tell the troops to retire to the rear whilst sentries were set up for the night. From 1788 the lowering of the flag became a tradition in the Army and now every evening in Military Camps throughout New Zealand a bugle sounds the retreat as the flag is lowered. This Sunset ceremony involved the parading and mounting of the guard, musical troop ,and the playing of music as the New Zealand ensign and the Belgian ensign were lowered.

The ceremony began with the marching on of the guard of the Battalion descended from the three battalions who fought at Passchendaele under the command of Lieutenant William Wright RNZIR and led by the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery to the famous march of the time " Invercargill ". The Guard took up position and conducted a formal dressing prior to the marching on of the Regimental Colour, which bears the battle honour Passchendaele. The large crowd then stood for the arrival of the Regimental Colours.

Major Terry O'Neill then inspected the guard. Historically this inspection is a ceremonial one which is carried out by looking into the eye of each soldier to see if they are fit and able to carry out their duties. If the day's fighting had fared badly the soldiers may well have been exhausted or wounded. If the fighting had been successful the soldiers may well have over-indulged in the issue of rum and not be fit for duty.

After the inspection of the guard the crowd stood for the National Anthems of Belgium and New Zealand followed by the Ode, which was recited by Theo Thomas of Papakura Returned Servicemen’s Association a veteran of World War 2 whose father fought in the first world war.

As the sun set the Belgian and New Zealand Ensigns were lowered and the Band played " Sunset " composed by Captain Arthur Green, Director of Music, Her Majesty's Royal Marines in 1932. Arthur Greens son John was part of the audience and confessed later to having been absolutely moved by this performance.

As the Regimental Colour marched off it was followed by a silence which was broken by Lone Piper John Graham playing the lament " Flowers of the Forest " and leading the Mayor , the Ambassador, the invited guests and the public to the 5,000 crosses where wreaths were laid as the Band played " The Day Thou Gavest Lord Has Ended, The Darkness Falls At Thy Behest."

A reception for invited Guests followed the laying of wreaths in the Fort Takapuna Officers Mess.

Commemorate the New Zealand victims in Belgium

2009-10-11T09:24:00.007+02:00

photos by

David Weikart

A momentous morning in North Shore City

2009-10-10T08:32:00.005+02:00

His Worship the Mayor Andrew Williams hosted a morning tea at 10 am and the dignitaries included The Prime Minister the Honorable John Key and His Excellency the Ambassador of Belgium Patrick Renault, The Minister of Defence the Honorable Dr Wayne Mapp and local Members of Parliament. The Mayor of Waimakariri Ron Keating was joined by the Mayor of Manukau Len Brown and many other community leaders.

The dignitaries proceeded to the front of the North Shore Council Chamber to watch the Auckland and District Pipe Band arrive with a skirl of the pipes and drums followed by a group of old soldiers and New Zealand citizens who received loud applause from the huge crowd. Then followed the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery Band and a hundred defence force soldiers, sailors and air force personnel. All received warm applause from the citizens of North Shore City.

Kamatua Morgan Peeni spoke in Maori and offered a prayer.

Mayor Williams was invited to inspect the Defence Forces on parade and the Ambassador joined him whilst the Artillery Band played.

The Mayor then spoke of the importance of commemorating the sacrifices of New Zealanders at Passchendaele and on the Western Front and His Excellency replied by confirming the gratitude of the people of Belgium to the sacrifices made by New Zealanders 92 years ago. As the rain began to fall the Ambassador remarked that it made him feel very much at home !

The Prime Minister then emphasised the links between New Zealand and Belgium and spoke about the similarity in the roles that both nations were playing in peace keeping activities throughout the world. He confirmed that the New Zealand Government was looking at ways of commemorating Passchendaele as a signifiant part of New Zealands history, culture and heritage.

Wreaths were laid at the North Shore City Council Memorial and then the National Anthems of both Countries were played..

The parade then marched off towards the sea and returned to march past the Mayor who took the officicial salute and again the crowds showed an emotional response in honouring the bands and the marchers.

The Dignitaries then returned to a civic reception provided by the North Shore City Council where the Belgians in informal speeches stressed the warm and human response of the North Shore Community and how they felt truly welcomed in New Zealand.

Three generations of Zonnebeke's

2009-10-09T15:29:00.015+02:00

Alexander Worsfold was the Grandfather of Phil Martell from Auckland.
He was a soldier in the Great War and he came to Flanders from 1917 till 1918.
He was in Zonnebeke when his daughter was born and he asked his wife Myrtle to give her the name...Zonnebeke. Unfortunateley Myrtle tragically died at age 24 during an influenza epidemic.

Alexander Worsfold in his army uniform

Alexander, Zonnebeke end Myrtle circa 1919

He enlisted in the Army in August 1914 (aged 23) at the outbreak of the war and joined the First NZ Expeditionary Forces to Samoa. His military number is 1/429. He was overseas until 15th April 1915 and was discharged after he came home.

In 1915 he married Myrtle Alabaster and it would also appear that she had just become pregnant when he rejoined and left for France via the UK on 9th June 1917. It is more than likely that he was unaware that she was expecting their first child and may have remained so until he found out eventually that she had been born.

As Myrtle died so early, Phil's mother was an only child. She married Reg Martell, Phil's Dad, in 1938 and had four children Vicki, Glenys, Phil(ip) and Christine. Phil gave his second daughter Lauren the middle name Zonn as this was what his mother’s name was often shortened to (or Zonnie) and then in the next generation there are two of Zonnies great grandchildren who have her name or a derivation as a second name too. So that connection carries on. Many members of the family, including his mother, have visited the town over the years and it has become somewhat of a family pilgrimage.

They are all immensely proud, as Zonnebeke was, to have this connection and in particular to know that it grew out of those terrible times when great sacrifices were made by so many. They were the lucky ones – Alexander came home from the killing fields in Flanders.

‘Three generations of Zonnebekes’ was taken just a few years ago before Zonnebeke’s death, in 2007. Around Zonnebeke Myrtle Martell (nee Worsfold) are from left to right, Phil's Daughter Lauren Zonn Meyers (nee Martell), her daughter Holly Zonnebeke Myers and Phoebe Zonne Videbeck granddaughter of Phil's sister Glenys Power and daughter of Kelley.

Alexander was a tailor and spent all his life in that trade, finishing up as manager for a large men’s suit manufacturer. He was from a large family who were settled in a small rural town of Feilding in the lower North Island of New Zealand. His parents emigrated from Horsham in the UK to New Zealand in 1874. Their home in Feilding was quite grand and set in magnificent gardens and so too was the neighbouring home owned by his Uncle. Alexander himself grew up with a great love of gardening. He also played the trumpet and there is evidence of his belonging to the military bands in both Samoa and Belgium. He was also involved in the Lodge and rose to the position of Grand Master in Wellington where he lived after leaving Feilding.

New Zealand’s blackest day to be remembered

2009-10-09T09:03:00.001+02:00

It was the worst military disaster in New Zealand’s history. Within a single day’s battle on 12 October 1917, more than 2700 New Zealanders died, were wounded or declared missing.

The number of Kiwi deaths that morning – more than 850 – was greater than the combined toll of the eruption of Mt Tarawera, Hawkes Bay earthquake, Tangiwai rail disaster, sinking of the Wahine, and Erebus plane crash.

Ninety-two years later, on Monday 12 October 2009, a commemorative ceremony will be held to remember those lost in the Battle of Passchendaele and the rest of the Western Front.

The ceremony, hosted by North Shore City Council, will take place from 7pm at the historic Fort Takapuna in Devonport.

It will include involvement by dignitaries, the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) and Northland Battalion Group of the New Zealand Army, along with members of the public and local school students.

Five thousand crosses have been erected on the former parade ground at Fort Takapuna in remembrance of the New Zealand lives lost in Belgium - and the fort itself is currently home to the exhibition Passchendaele: ‘The Belgians Have Not Forgotten’, now open daily until 15 November.

His Worship the Mayor of North Shore City, Andrew Williams says the battles on the Western Front of World War One were a terrible tragedy for New Zealand.

“We were a country of only a million people, so the loss of life in these battles had a devastating effect on our society and it cut to the heart of the New Zealanders who fought there.

“It’s an honour for North Shore City to be able to offer an opportunity, through the exhibition, commemoration ceremony and other events, for people to reflect on this period of our history and consider the great sacrifice of our soldiers.”

The commemoration ceremony will be held at sunset to reflect the ‘Last Post’ ceremony which takes place every night by the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. The ‘Last Post’ ceremony has been performed daily by Belgian buglers since the 1920s to express the gratitude of the Belgian people towards those who died during World War One, for their freedom and independence.

At Fort Takapuna, the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery will perform, and the sunset remembrance ceremony will feature the Regimental Colour of the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) and Northland Battalion Group.

The Takapuna Grammar School girls’ choir will perform a fitting tribute, with a song entitled “Poppies and Pohutukawa”.

Following this, wreaths will be laid by Mayor of North Shore City, Andrew Williams, His Excellency Patrick Renault, Ambassador of Belgium, invited guests and members of the public.

Lieutenant Colonel Chris Powell, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion Group, says he is delighted to be involved in commemorations.

“The Auckland Regiment was awarded the Battle Honour “Passchendaele’’ and the battle is therefore of great significance to those of us who serve now and have done so in the past.

“As direct descendants of the regiment that fought at the battle of Broodseinde, it’s important to us that we can be involved in this event,” he says.

The Battle of Broodseinde took place on 4 October 1917, eight days before the disastrous events of 12 October, and helped to open the way for New Zealand soldiers to Passchendaele.

Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony and are welcome to bring tributes to place on the white crosses.

The exhibition, Passchendaele: ‘The Belgians Have Not Forgotten’, will remain open to the public until 6.45pm on Monday, to allow those wishing to visit the exhibition prior to the commemoration ceremony to do so.

Those wanting to find out more about Passchendaele commemorations can visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz/passchendaele

ENDS

Passchendaele Commemoration Ceremony
Date: Monday 12 October 2009
Time: Ceremony starts at 7pm. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 6.45pm that day.
Location: Fort Takapuna, 170 Vauxhall Road, Devonport

Passchendaele: ‘The Belgians Have Not Forgotten’ Exhibition
October 4 – November 15, Open 10am – 4pm daily. Fort Takapuna, 170 Vauxhall Road, Devonport.

A moving exhibition by the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, featuring photographs, movies, music, information and artefacts from battles fought 92 years ago. The exhibition follows the journey of New Zealand soldiers from Gallipoli through Flanders to Passchendaele and highlights the memories which live on in Belgium today. The exhibition has been presented in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Featherston and Waiouru, before finishing its tour of New Zealand in North Shore City.

Contacts:
His Worship the Mayor of North Shore City, Andrew Williams, phone: 09 486 8687, email: mayor@northshorecity.govt.nz

Olivia Starrenburg, North Shore City Council Communications Advisor, phone: 09 486 8600 ext 8749 or 027 241 3165, email: Olivia.starrenburg@northshorecity.govt.nz

Iain MacKenzie, Honorary Consul of Belgium (2001-2009), phone: 09 575 6202 or 027 495 5226, email: ismackenzie@xtra.co.nz

Lieutenant Jeremy Seed, New Zealand Defence Force, 021-0233-2663

Exhibtion Newsletter N° 6

2009-10-07T12:13:00.002+02:00

Prime Minister of New Zealand the Honourable John Key will attend the Passchendaele March Past and Review

2009-10-06T09:29:00.006+02:00

We have just heard that the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Honourable John Key will attend the Passchendaele March Past and Review on Saturday 10 October 2009.
He will be accompanied by his Chief Press Secretary Kevin Taylor as well as a Police Contingent.
He will speak at the Review Ceremony and lay a wreath in commemoration of the lives lost at Passchendaele and in Flanders.
It's a great honour for us and we are very grateful that New Zealand is commemorating the day "the spirit of the New Zealand Division has been broken", 12 October 1917. A black day in the young history of a great Nation.

Passchendaele Concert at Bruce Mason Centre

2009-10-05T09:04:00.004+02:00

Report from Auckland:

The Passchendaele Concert at the Bruce Mason centre was sold out three weeks prior to Sunday 4 October 2009. The concert featured Auckland's four great bands, the Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery, Royal New Zealand Air Force - Base Auckland and the Auckland and District Pipe Band together with guest international vocalist Celine Toner.

The audience of twelve hundred people enjoyed a wonderful performance and there was absolute silence as Lode Notredame - a Belgian living in Auckland - gave a moving thanks to the New Zealand soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice at Passchendaele on the 12th October 1917 .

The audience included the Mayor of North Shore City Andrew Williams, the New Zealand Minister of Defence Dr Wayne Mapp and First Alderman Franky Bryon and other invited dignitaries.

Profits from the concert will go to the Ranfurly Home for veteran soldiers.

It was a wonderful afternoon of world class music and of course just as the rain had earlier poured down on the outdoor opening ceremony of the exhibition the sun shone down on the indoor concert.

Opening Ceremony Fort Takapuna

2009-10-04T11:13:00.015+02:00

Mayor Williams, Mayoress Williams,First Alderman Franky Bryon,Iain MacKenzie, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Powell Commanding Officer of the Auckland Regiment

Mayor Andrew Williams is first to enter the fort

Maori Kaumatua Morgan Peeni gives a prayer
Mayor Andrew Williams

Sharon Ryan from Northcote College reads " In Flanders Fields

Opening Ceremony guests enter the fort

First Alderman Franky Bryon from Passchendaele thanks North Shore City

Iain MacKenzie welcoming First Alderman Bryon and describes the Battle of Passchendaele

Iain MacKenzie former consul of Belgium In Auckland reported:
An emotionally exhausting day.
The weather seemed to be the same as that of October 1917!
The photographs are not brilliant but through the emotions of the participants we achieved our objectives.
First Alderman Franky Bryon made a wonderful speech and we were very honoured to have him with us today.

04 October 2009

2009-10-03T19:38:00.008+02:00

First Alderman Franky Bryon arrived in Auckland on the 3th of Ocotber and has met already some people involved in the commemoration and remembrance services that will be happen from today till 12 October 2009 and marks the start of the exhibition "the Belgians have not forgotten";
North Shore City in Auckland is the last stop before this exhibition who honours the sacrifice of New Zealand will be dismantled and send back to Belgium.
We , here in Belgium, are very grateful to everyone in New Zealand who was involved in this project because without their most appreciated help our dream would never have been turned out so well.
New Zealand should know that we have done this to bring Passchendaele (or at least a part of it) to the Country who brought the biggest sacrifice in relation to their population during WWI. The Country who raised money during the war since 1914 for those "poor little Belgians".
We did it also for the people who can not afford to make this trip to the "Uttermost end of the Earth" for various reasons (medical, financial, lack of time, ...) .
Finally we hope that we brought some knowledge about our common history, your ancestors and your families. We will take care of those who rest here in peace as they were our own boys. That's our ultimate goal, passing on the message to the next generations so they will not forget what really happened on this battlefield called "Passion Dale" and that they will be the next generation of ambassadors for peace.

We will always remember them.

North Shore locals invited to march

2009-10-02T11:48:00.000+02:00

A powerful street parade, to honour New Zealanders who fought bravely on the Western Front during WWI, will be held in North Shore City this October - and civilians with ties to the battles are invited to take part.

The March Past and Review, from 11am on Saturday 10 October, is part of a series of commemorative events in North Shore City during October to remember the 92nd Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele.

Locals with ancestors who fought in WWI, and members of the RSA and local Belgian community, are encouraged to be part of the parade – which will make its way up Lake Road in Takapuna, to The Strand.

It will be lead by the New Zealand Army, with contingents from the Navy and Air Force also involved, plus Tri-Service Cadets. Music will be performed by the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and Auckland and District Pipe Band.

North Shore City Council Democracy Services Manager, Beverley Rogers says there have been a number of enquiries from civilians wanting to get involved.

“I think the phone calls we’ve received are indicative of a wider community interest in this significant event, so we want to make it known that those who have a connection to the battles are welcome to be involved.

“It has been said that, bearing in mind the size of New Zealand’s population at the time, hardly a family was untouched by the tragedies of WWI.

“I think it will mean a lot to people that they are given an opportunity to honour their forefathers in this way,” she says.

Civilians wishing to take part in the parade should report to Sanders Avenue at 10.30am on October 10. Official awards and medals may be worn by recipients on the left breast or by next of kin of deceased former service personnel on the right breast.

Laying of personal floral tributes is also welcomed.

Further questions can be directed to Actionline on 09 486 8600.

ENDS

Contact:
Lieutenant Jeremy Seed, New Zealand Defence Force, 021 0233 2663

Olivia Starrenburg, North Shore City Council Marketing and Communications Advisor, Olivia.starrenburg@northshorecity.govt.nz or 486 8600 ext 8749 or 027 241 3165

Commemoration has started in Auckland

2009-10-01T08:27:00.004+02:00

A group of approximately 100 people from the community of Devonport, North Shore City, attended a Field of Remembrance Ceremony at Fort Takapuna last night (30 September 2009). The ceremony was in order to bless the ground where 5,000 white crosses are being erected, as a memorial for the New Zealanders who died in Belgium during WWI. Local Kaumatua, Heta Tobin, of Ngati Whatua iwi blessed the ground, and moving words were shared by Lieut. Col. Chris Mullane and Deputy Mayor of North Shore City, Julia Parfitt. The crosses will be on display outside Fort Takapuna for the duration of the exhibition (October 4 - November 15).

Bloodiest Day Commemorated in Film

2009-09-30T09:08:00.001+02:00

A documentary marking the most disastrous day in New Zealand’s military history will be released this week, coinciding with the anniversary of the conflict which remains today, New Zealand’s bloodiest day.

Called ‘Our Bloodiest Day’, the documentary explores the New Zealand sacrifice at The Battle of Passchendaele, on October 12, 1917, where in just two hours more than 2800 men were killed, wounded or listed as missing in action.

Casualties on both sides were so bad that an informal ceasefire was granted to allow stretcher-bearers to clear the wounded from the battlefield, a task which took nearly three days.

Producer/Director, Lauren McKenzie says October 12 is a significant date in New Zealand’s history, where more people died in a single day than any other day in our history.

“It is well past time the courage, commitment and comradeship exhibited by the soldiers who fought and died there was more widely acknowledged and understood.

“While, sadly, the voices of the past are now lost to us, we have endeavoured to ensure their memories and experiences are not lost to future generations by talking with their loved ones and a new generation of Belgians who continue to treasure and honour our commitment to peace on their soil. “

Filmed during the 90th anniversary of the Battle, the documentary reflects on the differences of experience and memory of these events in the two countries, focusing on the historical value in the terms of today’s generation, in developing a better understanding of the events of Passchendaele, how it affected our country, communities and individuals.

Passchendaele Society Chairman, Freddy Declerck, helped organise the commemorations, along with members of the society, mostly volunteers and battlefield guides.

“I think no New Zealand family was untouched, and not only at Gallipoli, but even more at Passchendaele. Passchendaele should be important for you too.

“We here in Zonnebeke rever the sacrifice of so many of your young men on our soil and it is pleasing to at last see a film crew recording that event for new generations.

“This story is very dear to our hearts and we are pleased to support any effort to bring it more into focus for the people of your country.”

Lauren Mckenzie has a personal interest in that her great-uncle, Frank Kiddey, is one of those who (while surviving Passchendaele) never came home from the Great War.

He was killed on November 24th, 1917 and now lies buried on the outskirts of a small town called Zillebeke.

But even she had not appreciated the enormity of the battle, and the sacrifice of the New Zealanders, until she set foot herself on Belgian soil.

“Travelling to Europe to film the commemorations provided an opportunity to not only explore the meaning of Passchendaele and New Zealand’s role there, but also to put these events into today’s context, because they form a vital thread in our history to how New Zealand sees itself on the world stage today.

“It is only when we understand how Passchenaele helped form our identity we can better know and understand ourselves and who we are.”

She hopes the documentary will help give more prominence to the lives lost on the Western Front, and recognition, in particular, to the slaughter at Passchendaele.

“It is a part of our history too few know too little about.”

A ‘short’ version of the documentary has previewed during the touring exhibition, Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten.

The exhibition, Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten focuses on how memories of the New Zealanders efforts during the Battle of Passchendaele, more than 90 years ago, continue to occupy a place in the Belgian consciousness.

It features photographs, images, movies, information and artefacts.

Around 15 thousand people have so far visited the exhibition during showings in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Featherston and Waiouru.

It ends its season in Auckland this month, opening on October 4th at Fort Takapuna, where many soldiers, including the Maori Pioneer Battalion, were in camp before heading off to represent our country.

The exhibition ends on November 15th.
.

Ends

For more information:

Lauren McKenzie
Director
The Primrose Trust
P: 021 22 66 785

Ceremony started in Fort Takapuna

2009-09-30T08:44:00.002+02:00

Passchendaele Field of Remembrance at Fort Takapuna, Devonport
Sequence of a Ceremony to Place 5,000 Commemorative Crosses
Wednesday, 30 September 2009

Today, a few hours ago started the ceremonies and remembrance activities in Fort Takapuna with a very moving ceremony on the place where the 5,000 Commemorative Crosses will be placed.

Ceremony leaders have been Chris Mullane (MC), Norm Watson (Parks) together with Iwi Representatives and Community participants.

There was a brief speech of thanks by Deputy Mayor Julia Parfitt to those attending and contributing sponsors, at 6.30 pm the Ceremony commences:
· Bugler sounds Alert
· Mihi & Waahi tapu
· Alan Bloemendal, Bugler
· Heta Tobin, Kaumatua
followed by a General Introduction , Welcome, explanation of the purpose of Ceremony and the poem “Poppy & Pohutukawa” by Chris Mullane
at 6.42 pm the MC invites cross installation that was done by community groups and individuals. Piper John Graham plays throughout
· NSCC & Community Board lead the way
· NSCC Parks staff & contractors supervise

at 07.05 pm Bugler sounds Alert to signal end of installing crosses
Participants stand by crosses facing towards setting Sun & Vauxhall Road

at 07.06 pm Ode to the Fallen:
· Te Reo
· English
Minutes Silence
· Heta Tobin
by Jimmy Jones, President Devonport RSA

at 07.08 pm
· Piper plays short lament
· Bugler sounds Last Post

at 07.10 pm
Karakia – Whakaaria mai
Final Blessing by Heta Tobin
Led by George Ngatai & Beverly Rogers.

ending at 07.15 with Closure & Farewell by Chris Mullane

at 07.25 there was a Blessing of the Fort in preparation for installing the Exhibition
by Heta Tobin

more news and pictures will follow in the next hours

2009-09-29T15:17:00.000+02:00

2009-09-29T15:15:00.001+02:00

First Alderman Franky Bryon goes to Takapuna

2009-09-29T15:01:00.005+02:00

First Alderman Franky Bryon goes to Takapuna for the opening of the exhibition in North Shore City on the 4th of October. He will be there until the 12th of October.
So he will be there on the two most significant dates for the New Zealanders on the Western Front. The Battle of Broodseinde at 4 October 1917 what is known as the blackest day for the Germans in WWI. On that they the New Zealanders captured Gravenstafel (part of Passchendaele).
12 October 1917 is known as the first Battle of Passchendaele and was a massacre for New Zealand. They lost 2,700 fine young men in less then 4 hours.
Alderman Franky Bryon will represent the people of Zonnebeke/Passchendaele and the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917 on the commemorations in North Shore City.

We will remember them.

Exhibition Newsletter #5

2009-08-31T15:11:00.001+02:00

New Zealand Division 1915 -1918

2009-08-29T22:13:00.000+02:00

Visiting President of the Rangiora RSA, Bill Whitehead in Passchendaele

2009-08-28T21:03:00.004+02:00

Bill Whitehead, President of the Rangiora RSA had the honour to read the Ode under the Menin Gate in Ieper/Ypres, tonight at 8 pm.

His wife and friends assist to lay a wreath on behalf of the RSA and her members after a moving Last Post and Lament in remembrance of all those who came to fight for freedom, peace and democracy.

They came from New Zealand to visit the battlefields in Messines and Passchendaele and to see their Belgian friends in Zonnebeke.

Rangiora is part of Waimakariri District and Waimakariri is twinning with Zonnebeke.

some pictures from the opening in Waiouru

2009-08-27T11:22:00.009+02:00

Belgians ‘beam’ live to thank their Featherston hosts

2009-08-26T22:28:00.001+02:00

More than three thousand people visited the exhibition Passchendaele-The Belgians Have Not Forgotten, during its Featherston season, three times the expected number.

Even more are expected to have viewed it through a special ‘web cam’ link allowing visitors around New Zealand, and also in Belgium, to log in for a look.

Telecom provided the necessary broadband link to the venue at no charge.
The Chairman of the Passchendaele Museum, Freddy Declerck was able to use the Internet link to personally thank all those who had played a part in the exhibition’s success.

Speaking ‘live’ from his home in Belgium he told organisers, “Featherston was a must for us because of it’s historical significance in World War 1, but also because of the ANZAC Hall, (where the exhibition was held), - that building breathes history.
“We had expected maybe 1000 people might visit as Featherston is not a very big place, and to have three times that number, is a wonderful achievement for provincial New Zealand.
“I thank the volunteers who have worked hard to provide a wonderful experience. It is that passion and sense of ownership by the community that has made it so special.”

That passion was also evident among the hundreds of visitors, which included Barry Brook, whose uncle Lawrence Dart Brook, was killed at Passchendaele on October 12, 1917.

Barry, a piper since the age of 13, traveled from Palmerston North to play a lament for the fallen.

“Playing the pipes is the highest mark of respect I can afford my uncle and all those other young boys who fought for your country.”

DATES:
The exhbition will remain In Waiouru until September 27th, when it will be transported to Auckland.

Passchendaele:The Belgians Have Not Forgotten ends its New Zealand tour at Fort Takapuna where it will be on show from 4 October to 15 November.

Army Museum Archivist’s personal tribute to lost soldiers

2009-08-26T22:27:00.002+02:00

A year ago, Dolores Ho, the archivist at the National Army Museum, began weaving flax crosses as a tribute to the New Zealanders who lost their lives in overseas conflicts.

Her vision is to place a cross made from harakeke on every New Zealand war grave.

“The majority of soldiers have never had a visitor since the day they were buried and that prompted me to make an effort to encourage at least one visit to pay tribute, letting them have a piece of home on their graves.”

The ‘Dolores Cross’, as it has become known, was first placed on the graves of all 73 New Zealand soldiers in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery in Cannock Chase, Staffordshire UK, on ANZAC Day 2008.

Today, almost 18 hundred of the crosses can be found on graves in 40 cemeteries, mostly in the UK, but also as far a field as Sweden.

Students from Wellington College recently placed 50 crosses on Gallipoli graves.

“Relatives with no way of visiting their loved ones can now have a photo of the grave with a flax cross and know that someone made the effort to visit and lay a tribute, to show their loved ones have not been forgotten.”

Dolores relies on volunteers to place the crosses and photograph the headstones for her database. Also in Belgium are crosses placed on headstones by Maria Vander Meiren and Sabine Vanderhaeghen, two members of the Zonnebeke city council

All Black amongst those remembered in exhibition

2009-08-26T22:21:00.003+02:00

MEDIA RELEASE
Wednesday 26th August, 2009

Memories of New Zealanders Honoured by the People of Belgium in New Exhibition

Close on 60,000 New Zealanders who traveled from the “uttermost ends of the earth” to the Great War became casualties during the battles for the Western Front.
18 thousand, six times the death toll at Gallipoli, would never return home.
One such soldier, who made the ultimate sacrifice, is Sergeant Dave Gallaher (32513) captain of the 1905 “Original” All Blacks”
“Dave was a man of sterling worth … girded by great self-determination and self control. He was a valuable friend and could be, I think, a remorseless foe. To us All Blacks his words would often be ‘Give nothing away: take no chances’ …”
Ernest Booth, member of the 1905 “Original All Blacks”
Dave Gallaher first saw action during the Boer War in South Africa. He enlisted again, after the death of his younger brother, on 25 July 1916 at 40 years of age and was sent overseas.
After training in England he was sent to France and joined 2nd Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment ‘in the field’. Despite his age he was extremely fit and often in the thick of the action.
The morning of 4th October 1917 was no exception as the New Zealanders began their assault on Gravenstafel Spur.
A thousand prisoners were taken in the attack for a gain of 1000 metres, in World War 1 terms, a success. But it also cost the New Zealand Division 320 lives, including that of the former All Black captain, Dave Gallaher.
Severly wounded during the assault he was admitted to the No.3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station, but died later that day.
Gallaher is buried at Nine Elms British Cemetery, Poperinghe, Belgium. Officially listed as 41 at his death, he was actually almost 44 years old. He had first lowered his age when volunteering to fight in the South African War in 1901.
A picture of Gallaher’s grave is one of the features in the National Army Museum’s latest exhibition, “Passchendaele - The Belgians Have Not Forgotten”, developed and built by the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917.
It marks New Zealand’s involvement in one of the most devastating conflicts of the First World War, focusing on how memories of the New Zealander’s efforts during the Battle of Passchendaele, continue to occupy a place in the Belgian consciousness, more than 90 years later.
Memorial Museum Curator, Franky Bostyn, says they are particularly pleased the National Army Museum has agreed to host the travelling exhibition.
“We were priviledged, during the 90th commemorations of the Battle of Passchendaele, to host the exquisite exhibition developed by the Museum in Waiouru telling the New Zealand story of the battle and are pleased now to be able to return the favour with a Belgian tribute to the New Zealand sacrifice.”
Franky Bostyn believes the venue could not be more fitting.
“Whilst your country has tended to identify Gallipoli as the key battle of World War 1, the Somme, Messines and Passchendaele also had a profound effect on your small nation.
“It is appropriate that a museum dedicated to military history should host this exhibition honouring New Zealand’s involvement in a campaign which led to your country’s greatest military disaster, but also resulted in some of its greatest successes, without which, the world would have looked very different today.”
The exhibition – Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten - features unique copper sculptures, images and artefacts, audio-visual footage and story panels.
It is open until September 27th.
A diorama depicting attempts to save Dave Gallaher can be seen deep in the bowels of the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, 1917. The scene is part of a replica dugout system modeled on those created by the New Zealanders forced to winter over, underground, where headquarters, communication posts, first aid stations and up to two thousand men were housed.

ENDS:

For more information:
Nicola Bannett
Marketing Managaer
National Army Museum
P: 06 387 6911
or
Lauren McKenzie
The Primrose Group (providing communications support to the exhibition)
P: 021 22 66 785
E: lauren@primrose.co.nz

Background:

Dave Gallaher’s passion was rugby.
He was selected for the All Blacks in the 1903 team to Australia.
In 1904, he played against the British Team at Athletic Park and was appointed captain of the 1905 “Original” All Blacks for their tour of Britain & France.
He was a rugged flanker and the team of ‘Colonials’ earned respect for their dazzling style and magnificent record (played 25 games, won 24, lost 1; points for: 747, against: 53).
After retiring from the game he became the sole Auckland selector from 1906 – 1916.
In recent years All Black teams touring France have paid homage to Gallaher at his Belgian grave.
His name lives on in the Gallaher Shield, awarded to the winner of Auckland’s premier club competition since 1922.
A more recent trophy, the Dave Gallaher Cup, has been awarded to the winner of the first rugby test between New Zealand and France in each calendar year since 2000.

Dave Gallaher was one of 13 former All Blacks to die during the Great War, 1 in 10, of those who had worn the black jersey during the previous decade. Four of them were killed within a fortnight in June 1917 when the New Zealand Division took part in the assault on the Messines Ridge.

133 international rugby players, including the 13 All Blacks, died during the conflict.
Ridge.

Whilst Dave Gallaher was the most famous the other New Zealand rugby representatives to die were:

Albert Downing at Gallipoli, aged 29
Henry Dewar, at Gallipoli, aged 31
Frank Wilson, on the Somme, aged 31
Robert Black, on the Somme, also aged 31
George Sellars, at Messines, aged 31
James Baird; at Messines, aged 23
Reginald Taylor, at Messines, aged 28
James McNeece, at Messines, aged 31
‘Jum” Turtill, in France, aged 38
Eric Harper, in Palestine, aged 40
Ernest Dodd, in France, aged 38
Alex Ridland, in France, aged 36

Gallaher’s brothers Douglas and Harry who were enlisted in the Australian Imperial Forces were also killed in action. A fourth brother was severely wounded in the region of the heart, while a fifth also served overseas.

Exhibition dismantled in Featherston on Sunday 16/08/09

2009-08-16T21:23:00.003+02:00

A wonderful touch to the dismantle at Featherston
A thank you afternoon tea with some superb Wairarapa wines and lovely food for all the volunteers.
The Team had hit over 3,000 people, a wonderful achievement for provincial New Zealand.
What was so special about Featherston was the passion and the sense of ownership by the community.
They had all worked so hard to provide such a wonderful experience.
It was fantastic that one of the Belgians could thank them personally, Don created a direct link to Belgium and I could speak with the people in the ANZAC hall (early this morning in Belgium). In New Zealand it was 05.30 pm. The people of Featherston we grateful that they had the opportunity to host the exhibition but in fact it's nothing more than common sense. We said that Featherston was a must for us because of its historical significance in WWI but also because of the ANZAC-hall – that building breathes history. We are all very grateful here in Belgium for what Featherston has done for bringing your history back to the place where it belong.
Alister, Chris and Jo started to pull the Exhibition apart at 4 pm. It was a little bit sad...... It really felt like it belonged in the hall.

The Museum down the road was was opened throughout the exhibition and there volunteers manned that for longer periods than they would normally to coincide with the opening times of the exhibition. So it was very much a community effort.

Featherston, thank you very very much, especially Mayor Adrienne and her husband Don Staples.
Of course we hope to see you in Flanders when you are visiting the battlefields. Passchendaele will always be a home base for you !

Featherston exhibition will be closed on Sunday 16/08/09 at 4 pm

2009-08-14T20:43:00.005+02:00

The exhibition closes at 4.00pm next Sunday and Mayor Staples has invited all the volunteers who have staffed the exhibition, Anzac Club members and Councillors to a closing celebration to commence at 4.30pm because everybody did a great job. Since they have the live Web Cam they will assemble everyone at 5.30pm NZT. This has been an outstanding success and a “collective thank you” would be very appropriate for all the volunteers who worked with us as an international team without knowing each other. By my calculation this would be 7.30am Belgium time!
I'll give you the link once more : http://anzachall.dnsalias.org/anzac.htm
I hope it works. I want to see those New Zealand friends together, I hope with a good glass of New Zealand wine. Because here it's early morning I will only have some coffee.
We are not only grateful for the offer brought by the soldiers during the Great War but also for all those kind people helping us to bring your history back home.

St Teresas School Project

2009-08-13T18:49:00.011+02:00

These photographs are of projects created by the children from Featherston's St Teresa's School after their visit to the exhibition and are on display in the Hall.

Barry Brook pipes lament at Featherston Passchendaele Exhibition

2009-08-08T11:39:00.011+02:00

Mayor Staples and Barry Brooks

Newspapers from 1916-1917

lots of people are very interested in the exhibition

EXHIBITION SPARKS TRIBUTE TO LOST SON

2009-08-05T09:47:00.006+02:00

Lawrence Dart Brook was just 20 when he lost his life fighting in the Great War.

The young soldier was killed, along with 844 other New Zealanders, at Passchen-daele on New Zealand’s bloodiest day, October 12th, 1917.

He is one of 1176 New Zealanders with no known grave commemorated on the New Zealand Apse at Tyne Cot Memorial, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery on the Western Front.

Like so many other young lads, Lawrence had lied about his age to go to war.

One of his three brothers, Goff, had previously been away on an excursion and he had heard stories from him, which inspired him to enlist with his hometown regi-ment.

He would be killed in action along with 194 other men of the 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, as the New Zealanders attempted to take Bellevue Spur – the Otago’s mown down as they led the first wave against at least eight German pillboxes, without adequate artillery support.

Lawrence’s father, George, never got over his death and wore a black tie in his memory until the day he too died.

This Saturday, (August 8th) at 1pm, Lawrence’s nephew, Barry, is planning a poignant tribute to his uncle and his comrades who lost their lives during the con-flict.

Drawing on the family’s Scottish heritage, Barry Brook, will play a lament on his bagpipes outside the ANZAC Hall in Featherston where the touring exhibition Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten is currently showing.

The lament will include Amazing Grace and the Scottish Soldier.

Barry, who lives in Palmerston North, learnt the pipes when he was 13 and played with the Manawatu Scottish Society in 1944 for both VD and JDay celebrations.

“Playing the pipes is the highest mark of respect I can afford my uncle and all those other young boys who fought for our country,” he says.

The Brook family has carried Lawrence’s legacy through the generations.

Barry’s second name is Lawrence, one of his sons, David Lawrence, is named af-ter the young soldier, and the other son, “Andrew Milton” in recognition of the area down south where young Lawrence’s family first settled on their arrival in New Zea-land.

The Brook’s later establishing a homestead in Feilding when Lawrence’s father, a miller, was commissioned to run the Tui flourmill.

The exhibition: Passchendaele The Belgians Have Not Forgotten ends its season in Featherston on August 16th. Until then it remains open 10am-4pm daily.

From Featherston, the exhibition moves to the National Army Museum in Waiouru, where it opens on August 24th.

Note: Barry is planning to play his lament at 1pm on Saturday August 8th.

Ends

For more information please contact:

Lauren McKenzie
Director
The Primrose Group
(Providing communications advise and support to the Passchendaele Exhibition)
P: 021 22 66 785

Or visit our blogsite – www.thebelgianshavenotforgotten.blogspot.com

*To make contact with Barry or confirm timing of the lament please contact his daugh-ter, Debbie Lee, on 021 190 6616

North Shore City to remember Passchendaele

2009-08-03T00:52:00.001+02:00

News release
For immediate release
3 August 2009

More than 18,000 New Zealand casualties, including 5,000 deaths, will be recognised in North Shore City at the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele this October – with North Shore City Council confirming its support for commemorative activities.

The sponsorship will go towards helping to bring a travelling exhibition by the Passchendaele Memorial Museum to Fort Takapuna, along with other civic events such as a March Past, civic reception, commemoration event and a massed bands performance.

The events will be part of North Shore City’s annual Heritage Festival (October 2 – 12) and, during this period, New Zealand and Belgian flags will hang side-by-side in the North Shore’s main streets.

Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten will open at Fort Takapuna on October 4, the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of s’Graventafel – a great victory for New Zealand soldiers which opened the way for them to Passchendaele. The exhibition will run until November 15.

It features photographs, images, movies, information and artefacts highlighting the memories of New Zealanders which live on in Belgium today.

Over the past four months the display has been mounted in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Featherston, and will soon open at the Waiouru Army Museum before making its way to Fort Takapuna.

Mayor of North Shore City, Andrew Williams says it is an honour for the city to be the final host for this tour through New Zealand.

“It is significant that North Shore City will be part of such a poignant exhibition on the 92nd anniversary of Passchendaele. Fort Takapuna is where many soldiers, including the Maori Pioneer Battalion, were in camp before heading off to represent our country, so it is fitting that the exhibition should be held at this historic military site.”

“The street march, culminating in a civic reception on Saturday 10 October, will also be a highlight and I encourage people from around the Auckland region to come along in support of our countrymen.”

Former Honorary Consul for Belgium and organiser of the exhibition, Iain MacKenzie says for many years New Zealanders have commemorated Gallipoli as the focus for our country’s involvement in World War One. But the battles on the Western Front far outweighed any losses before or since.

New Zealand lost 5,000 people in Flanders, Belgium from 1917 – 1918, more than double the number killed at Gallipoli. Passchendaele had a devastating effect on the social fabric of what was then a very small nation.

“Of all the battles fought by New Zealanders in foreign lands, there are more New Zealand soldiers buried in Belgium than in any other country,” says Mr MacKenzie.

“On October 12, 1917, which was the day of the greatest casualty, 845 New Zealand boys were killed – more than the combined total from the eruption of Mt Tarawera, the Hawke’s Bay earthquake, Tangiwai rail disaster, sinking of the Wahine and Erebus.

“The exhibition is the Belgian people’s way of demonstrating that they have not forgotten the great sacrifice made by New Zealanders 92 years ago.”

The New Zealand Division was withdrawn from Flanders in February 1918; eight months after major operations began. The division won three Victoria Crosses for bravery during this period.

Further details regarding Passchendaele commemorative activities in North Shore City will be posted to www.northshorecity.govt.nz

For more information regarding the exhibition visit www.thebelgianshavenotforgotten.blogspot.com

Contacts:
Olivia Starrenburg, North Shore City Council Communications Advisor, phone: 486 8600 ext 8749 or 027 241 3165, email: Olivia.starrenburg@northshorecity.govt.nz,

Iain MacKenzie, Honorary Consul of Belgium (2001-2009), phone: 09 575 6202 or 027 495 5226, email: ismackenzie@xtra.co.nz

Streaming video in Anzac Hall Featherston

2009-07-24T09:55:00.007+02:00

Don Staples has managed to install the streaming video server into the Anzac Hall and it is working. There is only one camera which mounted in the rafters but it does give a good view of the exhibition. Unfortunately during the night in New Zealand there are usually no lights on so you will most likely not see anything.
The url is slightly different than that we gave previously – now it is http://anzachall.dnsalias.org/anzac.htm
The native picture size is small as the bandwidth we have for upstream is not high.

Belgium Nation Day - Laying of Belgium Ribbon on Mooring Stone in New Zealand House of Parliament.

2009-07-23T09:50:00.010+02:00

On Belgium National Day, 21 July, a Belgium Ribbon was placed on the “mooring stone” in a special ceremony attended by The Speaker of the House of Parliament, Dr Lockwood Smith, the Honorary Belgium Consul, Rowland Woods, the 2nd Secretary of the Belgium Embassy, Sophie Hottat, Mayor Adrienne Staples from Featherston and her husband Don and invited Belgium and other guests.

This was a moving ceremony where Dr Smith spoke of the close and long enduring relationship between New Zealand and Belgium. In recognition of this special bond, Dr Smith said he was very pleased, as head of the House of Parliament, to facilitate the ribbon laying ceremony.
The mooring stone is located in the Galleria which provides a thoroughfare through Parliament House ( http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/interactive/galleria ) . Its walls are lined with marble and granite in a similar style to the outside of Parliament House. On the floor, three types of stone form a geometric design that imitates the pattern of the steel trusses that hang above. A magnificent curved staircase links the lower and upper levels. The artwork in the Galleria features a large ‘mooring’ stone on the Galleria floor that links symbolically to the elements suspended above. Over 50 brightly coloured ribbons are attached to the stone which have been provided by national and ethnic groups in New Zealand.

21 July - National Day in Belgium

2009-07-21T09:56:00.001+02:00

As today is the National Day in Belgium, Russell and Raewyn Atkinson from Dunedin decided to mark it in appropriate fashion.

some pictures of the opening in Featherston

2009-07-18T12:37:00.010+02:00

Erica Tenquist, Rowland Woods and Sophie Hottat

Masterton District Brass Band, who played at the opening

Sophie Hottat, Belgium Embassy

Mayor Adrienne Staples and Major General Rhys Jones

An outline of speech given by Don Staples, President of Featherston Anzac Club Society

2009-07-18T12:35:00.001+02:00

The proceedings this evening are to celebrate the arrival of the superb “Passchendaele Exhibition” in Featherston and particularly that it is here in our magnificent Anzac Hall.
A few days ago I gave a speech at a Toastmasters meeting centred on the exhibition.
I spoke of the extremely large Featherston military camp - opened on January 26th 1916 was built in 5 months, comprised 252 buildings, 8000 soldiers in training at a time, more than 30,000 men passed through the camp.
The ANZAC Club was all also completed in 1916 and opened on October 16th having been erected “for the use of the soldiers and became the favorite resort of the men out on local leave”
A dance was held every week and was greatly appreciated by the soldiers as evidenced by attendance.
A farewell dance was held in the Hall just prior to the departure of each reinforcement for the South.
They eventually marched off over the Rimutaka Hills in a body usually composed of 2,000 men. – to Trentham Camp and then on ships to France and Belgium.
I spoke of the hell of trench warfare – the outstanding success for our brave New Zealander’s at the battle of Messines – success on the day of battle when Messines was liberated but serious loss in subsequent days from enemy shellfire. -3,660 casualties 700 Dead
I also spoke of how, in the space of 4 hours at Passchendaele, we suffered 3,296 casualties and 1,190 dead.
Our soldiers left the trenches at 5am on a wet cold morning and dragged themselves through a sea of thick clay mud – ground that had been churned by months of shellfire. The barbed wire entanglements had not been cut by shellfire – only a few of our guns had arrived and those that had sunk into the mud when they were fired making it impossible to aim accurately.
Those brave young kiwis were cut to pieces by enemy machine gun fire and even our own shellfire.
Fours hours of slaughter – causality every 4 seconds.
A soldier killed every 12 seconds.
The worst military disaster NZ has ever experienced.
…. at Passendaele.
So is it not fitting in 2009 this exhibition finds its way to the ANZAC Hall where many if not most of these men enjoyed there final hours on New Zealand soil.
As John Tenquist writes in his book “ The Anzac Club Story”
- The clatter of teacups and the animated conversation of young soldiers in no longer heard in Featherston’s Anzac Hall – but the ghosts of yester-year are surely present.
I feel this every time I enter this hall.
Where else in New Zealand is there a building more connected with those brave men – the Anzac Hall is a living memorial to those who fought and died and spilt their blood on Belgium soil.
After the cessation of hostilities the Anzac Club Committee met and passed the following motion:
“That the Anzac Club be presented to the Featherston Municipal Council as a memorial to the soldiers “
This building is certainly the memorial that was intended and here in this magnificent hall, 93 years after its opening, we remember again, their sacrifice!

Outline of speech given by her worship Mayor Adrienne Staples at the official opening of the Passchendaele Exhibition in the Featherston Anzac Hall

2009-07-18T12:24:00.007+02:00

Tena Tato Katoa
Good Evening and Welcome
It is a great honour to host this prestigious exhibition here in our historic ANZAC Hall. We believe there is no other place more fitting for these displays. Featherston has a relationship with Flanders that runs deeper and is more embedded in our history, than any other place in New Zealand. Its military history dates back to the training camp at Tauherenikau, opened in 1911 which then moved closer to town and greatly expanded to become the Featherston Military Training Camp in January 1916. The majority of soldiers who served in Flanders trained at Featherston. A good many of them would never return to our shores. As we all know, Passchendaele was New Zealand’s bloodiest battle of the Great War, where for 4 long hours a Kiwi was killed or injured every 4 seconds.
In more modern times Featherston and Messines entered into a formal twinning arrangement that now spans over thirty years. The friendship has stood the test of time and remains vitally important to both towns. If you are lucky enough to visit the small village of Messines you will find a beautiful town square with a map of New Zealand in-laid in the pavement. The only town marked on that map is Featherston.

With history like this you would think that it was fait accompli that the exhibition would come here but no! When Passchendaele Museum President Freddy De Clerc and museum Curator Franky Boston visited NZ to arrange the exhibition tour, Featherston was not even on the radar. It was only at the insistence of our good friend Rowland Woods that a visit was arranged. Don and I wished to return some of the wonderful hospitality we had experienced in Belgium so between morning tea at Cornucopia and lunch, with ample good Martinborough pinot noir and a little arm twisting, the lure of the ANZAC Hall was cemented and we secured the exhibition for Featherston. When Franky walked through the door of this hall, he looked around and he said, ‘yes, it has to come here’!
Now ladies and gentlemen a project of this size does not happen with a one-man-band and I would like to say some big thank you’s to everyone that has made it happen.
Firstly to Jo Kane for her work looking after the exhibition in New Zealand.
Next, a huge thank you to my husband Don who liaised directly with the Army to work out the logistics of delivery, organise forklifts, send me off with the horsefloat to pick up display cases, screen and of course coffee. The NZ Army are transporting all of this the length of the country so without them, it wouldn’t be here. We had a fantastic team of helpers to unpack and assist the staff from the Waiouru Army Museum who are supporting the exhibition during its tour.
Another person who deserves a special mention is Robyn Perry. Robyn has organised the very substantial roster of volunteers who are staffing the displays during the month-long stay. It’s a big job and a very vital one. Thank you Robyn and also thank you to all the volunteers themselves for donating their time to this wonderful cause. Last but not least is our resident sparky Garry Thomas. Garry has installed the security system and along with his apprentice Don, wired in several new spotlights and fixed the zip.
In closing, I very much need to thank our local sponsors:
They are listed on the back of your programme and I ask that you support them as they have supported us
Aratoi Museum of Art and History
A & G Electrics
Guten Appetit Catering
Julicher Wines
Leuven-Belgian Beer Café
MoreFM
Telecom
The Sign Factory
Ladies and Gentlemen, please put you hands together for our friends in Belgium and all the wonderful people who have made this exhibition a reality in Featherston.

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 16 July, 2009

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touring exhibition to ‘go live’ from featherston – the town where the journey of thousands of new zealand soldiers, who fought at passchendaele, began.
“It rained and rained and bloody rained, and rained and rained.” - Wairarapa lad Sidney Stanfield describing the prelude to the October offensive during World War 1 that would become known as New Zealand’s bloodiest day.

The farmhand, turned stretcher-bearer, who was born in Tinui near Masterton, was one of those tasked with clearing the battlefield following the failed attack on Passchendaele on October 12th 1917, which cost 845 of our soldiers lives.

“ …at one period I believe there were 600 cases laying around in the wet and cold, just dying there where they were dumped. ……We just carried till you couldn’t carry more. You just went until you couldn’t walk really, you just went until you couldn’t walk.”

Lying about his age to enlist, Sidney Stanfield sailed to war in 1916, after completing his final eight weeks of training at the nearby military camp at Featherston.

Built in short order, Featherston Camp was little short of a wonder – a mini town with over 130 buildings including a street of small shops, offices, hospital, workshop, post office, railway siding, canteen and sixteen dining halls – all constructed in just four months.

Today the camp has been returned to farmland but Featherston’s links with Belgium remain strong.

The town twinned with Messines in 1975 and there have been a number of mutual visits and exchanges between the two over the past thirty years.

This month, the town, from where more than 30,000 New Zealand soldiers departed for the Great War, will also host the touring exhibition, Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten.

The Mayor of South Wairarapa, Adrienne Staples, says the council is honoured to host such a prestigious exhibition, further cementing the bonds between Featherston and Belgium first forged almost a century ago.

“Our connection to the Great War dates back to the Featherston Military Camp where the majority of soldiers who served then, trained before being sent to foreign shores.

“The formal twinning between Featherston and Messines thirty years ago recognised and reinforced that connection which has not only stood the test of time but remains vitally important to both towns.”

The Curator of the Memorial Museum Passchendaele, Franky Bostyn, agrees Featherston is a fitting venue “given the sacrifice of those men whose journey from the ‘uttermost ends of the earth” began at this very point and ended in Flanders fields.

“It is thanks to these men who left there more than 90 years ago, who volunteered, they were not conscripted, these men who volunteered to come to Belgium to fight for our freedom, our democracy, that we are again one of the most prosperous areas in Europe.

“Yes it was a waste as a battle, but if that battle had not been fought, if your soldiers had not made that sacrifice, ah the world could have looked different if Passchendaele had not been conducted. “

Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten opens July 17 at the ANZAC Hall in Featherston, where, for the first time during its New Zealand tour, the exhibition will also be streamed live allowing visitors around New Zealand, and also in Belgium, to log in for a look. Telecom has provided the necessary broadband link to the venue at no charge.

While applauding the national telecommunications company for its patronage, South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples also acknowledges the support from locals for the exhibition.

“An army of volunteers has helped with the set-up and will staff the displays while they are here, cementing our belief, this exhibition commemorating the story of our soldiers involvement at Passchendaele, is not only keenly anticipated but also highly valued.

“We are pleased to have been able to facilitate its showing in Featherston for our community and surrounds and also on the Internet for visitors from afar to share.”

Last weekend members of Featherston’s ANZAC Club, with the help of a forklift supplied by ‘RD1’ and two army transport personnel, unloaded the packing cases housing the exhibits which then had to be man handled into the venue.

Personnel from the Waiouru Army Museum helped unpack the crates and assemble the exhibition.

Featherston Electrician, Garry Thomas, (who is also chairman of the Community Board) was on hand to install a new security system and enhanced lighting and when it was discovered the display panels would need to be free-standing, Featherston engineer, Hamish Donald, stepped in to design and manufacture ‘special’ feet on the spot.

The ANZAC Hall, which will house the exhibition, is one treasure from the days when Featherston camp was established that remains today.

Built in just four months as a place of rest and recreation, the land, building and furnishings were entirely paid for by descendants of the early Featherston pioneers as a showing of their appreciation for the soldiers in training.

Renowned throughout the Wairarapa for its fine dance floor, it has been an important venue for social gatherings in the district and continues in its role as a community hall.

Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten is open to the public from 10am to 4pm daily.

The webstream at http:anzachall.dnsalias.org. will be active from Monday July 20th.

Ends

For more information please contact:

Lauren McKenzie
Director
The Primrose Group
(Providing communications advise and support to the Passchendaele Exhibition)
P: 021 22 66 785

Or visit our blogsite – http://www.thebelgianshavenotforgotten.blogspot.com/

Note: Sidney Stanfield was interviewed in 1988 by Jane Tolerton and Nicholas Boyack. The interview forms part of the collections of the Alexander Turnbull Library, World War 1 Oral Archive OHC-002761 (side 2 of 9 – extracts 1–2); OHC-002762 (side 4 of 9 – extracts 3–5)

Set up in Featherston

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Exhibition arrives in Featherston

2009-07-11T22:58:00.002+02:00

The exhibition arrived in Featherston yesterday around 11.30am. ANZAC Club members were waiting and the larges packing cases were unloaded with a forklift which was supplied by the local “RD1” farm merchandising company. This was a real community effort. All the cases had to be manually carried into the hall – fortunately the two army transport personnel were young, fit and very strong. So along with the ‘older” ANZAC Club members they made short work of moving the cases. Around midday and right on time, two personnel from the Waiouru Army Museum, Alastair and Chris, arrived to get the unpacking and assembly under way. So with the assistance of the Anzac Club and South Wairarapa Mayor, Adrienne Staples, short work was made of the unpacking. It was about this time we realized that each display screen needed to be free standing but we did not have the necessary feet. Fortunately this was not a problem as the local expert Featherston Engineer, Hamish Donald, stepped into the breach and designed and manufactured the feet within a few hours which were much better than the originals! Waimakariri’s Jo Kane arrived mid afternoon and added her expertise to the assembly process. Also Featherston Electrician, Garry Thomas, and chairman of the Community Board, was very busy installing a new security system and applying his expertise to lighting.

Friday night was spent at the Featherston RSA where the visitors were welcomed, well watered and feed. Jo Kane gave an excellent speech on the exhibition and you could see the Featherston people swell with pride at having such an illustrious exhibition at the historic and well loved ANZAC hall.

Today, Saturday, they had an early start at 9am, and arranging the exhibition proceeded at a good pace. By mid afternoon the Waiouru Museum personnel had finished their work and were very pleased with the result. All that remained was some additional lighting to be installed. The exhibition will also be live web cast. So the next stage will be to add the cameras and necessary computer equipment. The NZ telecommunications service provider, Telecom, has very generously provided a broadband connection into the ANZAC Hall at no charge and a telephone line for the security system. The purpose of the webcast is to allow the Belgium friends to view the exhibition live. We hope this should be able to appear on the Passchendaele Blog.

Exhibition moves to Featherston

2009-07-08T09:15:00.006+02:00

Download PDF for full story

More activities in Dunedin

2009-06-13T11:54:00.004+02:00

Russell and Raewyn Atkinson have sent me an e-mail with more news from Dunedin.

"Sean Brosnahan was speaking at a "floor talk" at the exhibition last night. Another speaker was a local historian/archeologist whose great grandfather also fell on 12 October 1917, and is commemorated on the Wall at Tyne Cot. A significant number of the large crowd present had family members who died in the battle, or who survived and returned home. This is not surprising, given the disproportionately large number of Otago volunteers who fought in the campaign.

There were not very many dry eyes when we looked at the pictures on screen, and when Sean read an uncensored letter home written a few days after the battle. The other speaker related his experiences on a guided tour."

In remembrance of Lance Corporal Stanley Victor Carthew Vincent - Timaru, South Canterbury.
Killed in action 12 October 1917 near Belle Vue.
“C” Company, 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment.
Great uncle of Raewyn Atkinson.
Lest we forget

Dunedin, the exhibition

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Dunedin, Railway Station

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Minister Kate Wilkinson is coming to Passchendaele

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The Hon. Kate Wilkinson, Minister of Labour and for Food Safety and Associate Minister of Immigration & Associate Minister of Conservation is coming to Europe for a conference in Geneva. While in Europe she is taking a private trip to Passchendaele. Waimakariri was recently twinned with Zonnebeke in recognition of the service of The New Zealand soldiers who gave their lives in World War I fighting for the Belgian people at Passchendaele. The Hon. Kate Wilkinson says : "It is an absolute honour for me to have an opportunity to pay my respects there in person".

The Belgians are very happy to welcome the Minister in Zonnebeke on 17 June 2009.

Images from Dunedin opening

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The RSA choir

thanks to Andre Gielen , Vice Consul for this pictures

Exhibiton Open in Dunedin

2009-06-05T15:32:00.003+02:00

Tonight, Friday 05 June 2009, the opening of the exhibition in Dunedin was a big success. 140 people attend the opening. An RSA choir was giving a very moving performance. Andre Gielen, the Belgium Vice Consul has opened the exhibition together with Jo kane the Exhibition Project Manager in New Zealand. Jo, the team in Christchurch and Dunedin, the New Zealand Army and the Belgian Embassy did a great job to make the opening of the exhibition a huge success.

EXHIBITION REVEALS STORIES BEHIND DUNEDIN ROLL OF HONOUR

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There are just over 2,500 names on Dunedin’s Roll of Honour.
The series of memorial banners records the names and details of all those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars of the twentieth century.
More than half (1545) of the soldiers named died during World War 1.
A number, including 22-year-old Corporal Donald Peter Brown Hosie, lost their lives at Passchendaele, on New Zealand’s bloodiest day, October 12th, 1917.
Before he enlisted, Hosie, of Kirkland Hill, Kaikorai, worked as an architect for the Dunedin firm of Edmund Anscombe and Associates.
Just prior to his conscription he had won a competition to design Wanganui’s new art gallery, the Sarjeant Gallery, and authorities agreed to a request by the then town mayor to defer his overseas posting until he had completed the working drawings.
Widely regarded as among the finest provincial examples in New Zealand, the gallery was opened by Prime Minister William Massey in September 1919.
It would be Hosie’s only work.
He died three weeks after the foundation stone was laid. He now lies buried at the Passchendaele New British Cemetery.
This month, (June 6 – May 7) the story of his sacrifice and that of his Otago mates will be commemorated with a special southern showing of the exhibition Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten, at the Otago Settlers Museum.
The exhibition, developed by the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, is being brought to Dunedin by the Belgians as a mark of deep respect for the ‘southern men’ who gave so much – more in fact, Curator, Franky Bostyn says, than any other region in New Zealand.
Of the 2700 New Zealand casualties on October 12th 1917 during the First Battle of Passchendaele – 800 were from Otago of whom195 were killed.

“It was the Otago Regiment who led the first wave against at least eight German pillboxes, without adequate artillery support. As a result Bellevue Spur would become the graveyard for many of these brave young men.”
Less than two months later on December 3rd 1917, once again it was the Otago Regiment, who shoulder to shoulder with the Canterbury Regiment would be first in line for the attack on Polderhoek Chateau, where Sgt Henry Nicholas of 1st Canterbury would earn his Victoria Cross.
“These young men from Otago and Southland constantly, tragically and heroically, put themselves on the line. They were extremely good soldiers.”
Franky Bostyn believes it is also fitting the southernmost season of the exhibition will be hosted by the Otago Settlers Museum.
The Museum sits between the Dunedin Railway Station – a Passchendaele Memorial in its own right - and the Dunedin Cenotaph.
Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten opens at the Otago Settlers Museum, 31 Queens Gardens, Dunedin, on June 6 and runs through until July 5.
It can be viewed daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is FREE.
The exhibition, Passchendaele:The Belgians Have Not Forgotten opened in Wellington in March and is currently in Christchurch.
It continues to stir emotions as it travels the country. Comments in the visitor’s book include:
'A very thought provoking display."
" A beautiful and dignified memorial...thank you."
"Special exhibition, helping our younger generation gain a little understanding of what our forefathers and fore mothers went through."
"A magnificent, powerful exhibition, wonderfully organised, in which facts were given great reverence by the sculptures as well as the photos - I am less ignorant than I was."
" A very moving tribute-the sculptures are truly beautiful."
" A sobering reminder of what my grandfather T Halstead(Jack) went through at Passchendaele.”
"A moving experience - thank you from a grateful generation."
" What our father never told us."
" A key factor in New Zealand's history that makes us who we are."“Thank you for bringing this exhibition to New Zealand. I could today pay tribute to my father’s eldest brother who died in France of wounds received at Passchendaele.”

For more information:

Lauren McKenzie
Communications Advisor
Waimakariri-Zonnebeke Trust
P: 021 22 66 785
E: lauren@primrose.co.nz

Or visit our blogsite – http://www.thebelgianshavenotforgotten.blogspot.com/

Venues and Dates:

‣ Dunedin 7 June – 5 July
Otago Settlers Museum
31 Queens Gardens
Open daily 10am – 5pm. Admission FREE
‣ Featherston 14 July – 16 August
Anzac Hall
‣ Waiouru 24 August – 27 September
New Zealand Army Museum
‣Auckland 4 October – 15 November
Fort Takapuna

The exhibition is supported by the Waimakariri-Zonnebeke Trust, formed following the official twinning of the two districts during the 90th commemorations of the Battle of Passchendaele to promote cultural, educational and business opportunities between the two.

Heading for Dunedin

2009-06-01T10:22:00.008+02:00

Great team work under leadership of Jo!
'Passchendeale, The Belgians Have Not Forgotten' is on the way to Dunedin.

2009-05-22T20:51:00.004+02:00

The exhibition is moving to Dunedin early June.
The Otago Settlers Museum is the place to be to see our exhibition in the South of he country. Tim, Tim, Sean, Linda, François, Jo and the rest of the team are hard working to be open from 05/06 on. Do not forget, 2 days later - on 07/06 - but in 1917 was the Battle of Messines. This was the prologue to the Battle of Passchendaele.

Battle of Passchendaele commemoration 2007

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Art work in RSA corner Kaiapoi with poppies, barbed wire and scrap from the Passchendaele battlefield

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RSA corner in Kaiapoi with some members

Visit to the Returned Service Association RSA

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Delegation meets RSA president and vice president Kaiapoi

Our Bloodiest Day !

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Monday 27/04/2009 - Tuesday 28/04/2009

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Ingrid and Els are staying one day in Christchurch before going home to do some shopping and visit a farm.
We, the rest of the delegation have a meeting with Mayor Adrienne and Don Staples about the exhibiton who will open at 16/07/2009 in Featherston.
With the plane we are heading for Wellington.
A quick visit to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial were the first venue of the exhibition was.
Tim was playing the Carillion especially for the delegation when we arrived.
It was a bit embarrassing as there was no wreath amongst all the countries who had laid them on Anzac day from the Belgium community. We thanked Paul Riley for his sterling work for the Wellington exhibition and Tim took us up to the top and again played the Carillion for the delegation.
We then invited both Rowland Woods and Don Staples to lunch at the Belgian Beer Café together with Tim and the delegation.
Then off to Featherston.
We all stayed at Mayor and Don Staples beautiful home…what a wonderful treat…..a fantastic home cooked meal consisting of crayfish, lamb and wonderful deserts, all served with the most exquisite Martinbourgh wines. Together with us was invited Wim Julicher ( from the Netherlands who could speak his mother tongue) with his wife Sue Darling and Solitaire, a councillor from Wairarapa.
A typical kiwi breakfast followed by a visit to the Museum, the Anzac hall, cemetery and the memorials.
Mayor Dirk Cardoen and Rita his wife then left for there private trip on the North Island and after lunch Don drove Jo and Freddy back to the airport.
Jo and Freddy had a debrief (as much as we could do as tired as we both were) and then they both departed………Jo to Waikuku beach and Freddy back to Belgium.
New Zealand we are still grateful, to your country and to the people. We made very good contacts to maintain the twinning and friendship between both districts.

Sunday 26/04/2009 End of Official Visit

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The delegation was all packed, ready to leave their host family’s
We visited the Waimakariri River, where Gavin (Lieves husband) took all for a jet boat ride. Again the weather was beautiful. We had a champagne toast to good health, lasting and enduring friendships.
We then went to Lieve’s and Gavin’s for a coffee and to look at her artwork.
What an amazing coincidence took place….It is hardly possible to explain but it is certainly a small world…. See the posted message on Sunday 12 April for an introduction. The surprise connection with the artwork Lieve made is that she used the same soldier for her art work as we have adopted here in Belgium without knowing of each other. 5000 soldiers were victims in Belgium and we took the same unkwown young man!!!!! The surprise is even more... Maria Vander Meiren who had placed the flax cross on his grave had bought that artwork about Ewen Taylor when she was there with the first delegation in March without knowing anything about the identity of the soldier mentioned in the art work.

We went to the people from Kaiapoi - Don and Carol Fairbrother the great neice of Ewen Taylor , we visited last year from who we received some personal memorabilia for the Museum - to tell them this incredible story.
We then headed to the award winning Pegasus Winery for wine tasting and a superb farewell lunch………we dropped the delegation to their hotel had a last drink and said our farewells.

Saturday 25/04/2009 ANZAC DAY

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Jo picked up a splendidly uniformed Freddy (he had to get special permission to wear his uniform and looked amazing), Mayor Cardoen and Rita at 4.30 am….dark but surprising warm..into Christchurch for the Dawn Service….Over 10,000…..Mayor Ron Keating/Mayor Dirk Cardoen/Councillor Ingrid and Freddy matched with the wreath bearers. Michael Petterson marched with the flag bearers holding the Belgium flag and both Mayoress”s, Els, Lieve, Gavin and I marched with the rest. The exhibition was mentioned as was the invitation to attend after the service (we had requested it to be open at 7 am)
Lots of introductions made to the dignitaries, we then caught the special tram to the breakfast at the Christchurch RSA. It is a big venue, absolutely crowded. Again the opportunity to speak….Freddy presented a gift and used the opportunity to invite them all to the exhibition. He went to the officers club with Micheal and we ate and had a beer (something the delegation felt was quite strange) with the assembled community.
Then off to Kaiapoi for the march down the street…over 3000 in attendance. Mayor Cardoen gave a great speech that was interpreted by Freddy. Wreaths were laid including the poppy signed by the Zonnebeke primary school. At least 3 people in the public came to congratulate Mayor Cardoen for his speech in Flemish because they were of Dutch descendance and they heard their language for the first time during an official function.
Onto the Rangiora Parade…again a large crowd (over 3000) a longer march to the Town Hall, service and speeches in the Town Hall, then marching back to the cenotaph to lay the wreaths.
Back into Christchurch for the Anzac Remberence Concert. It will be very hard for me to describe the unbelievable impact this concert had on us all.

The concert was a combination of the Woolston Brass Band and the New Zealand Army Band. Michael Petterson has organised our attendance and had Freddy prepared to read the ode during the concert.
We were meet by the Music Director of the NZ Army Band Leanne who looked after us all. After the first half comprised of popular war time music and a general sing a long,we moved into a spellbinding second half.
Dwayne Blooomfieds specially composed piece “Passchendaele 12 October 1917” was having its world premier. What transpired here was so very emotional,so powerful, so very personal - I cannot describe how it was. The tears that flowed ( from everyone) from this simply stunning piece of music befitting of its impact…….silence followed its conclusion, when Freddy arrived on stage to read the ode, followed by the last post, reveille and then the lowering of the flag……the crowds reaction ( 2000) of the impact of what they had just heard very significant. Freddy was then presented with the Music score and in his thankyou speech, replied the Belgium’s gift to New Zealand was the touring exhibition and invited them all to attend. He also mentioned the first Dawn service in Zonnebeke and the opening of the return exhibition.
We all went on stage to meet the band and to especially thank Dwayne for his professional musical brilliance in his music score.
It would be fair to say that when we all left...some of us still very emotional , it was a very quiet reflective drive back to Tuahiwi…where we visited the graves and to show the delegation the wreaths that had been laid on their behalf. Again a very moving experience.
A very tired delegation arrived at the dinner specially arranged by the delegation to thank their host families and some special invites. Again some very moving speeches, with Freddy capping off a very emotional day with his personal gift to Michael Petterson.
A very long day but one I think all of us will remember for a long time
It was interesting to note that the Prime Minister mentioned in his speech, the shared agreement and the exhibition…

Friday 24/04/2009 The Maori Experience

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Again an early start off to Okains Bay for a special welcome to the local Runanga. Elizabeth Cunningham and Jo work together on the Health Board and Jo had asked her to help with this day and she did a fantastic job of incorporating all the elements I specially wanted, knowing Freddy’s special interest in the Maori perspective. We were accompanied by 6 Waimakariri Councillors, What was quite funny was we knew we had to sing a waiata after each of our speakers, so Jo had handed out song sheets and we all practiced in the vans and at Little River we all got out and had a combined practice in the carpark, much to the curiosity of the locals.
The welcome was started with a challenge put to us “the visitors’
Watching the young warrior descending down on Mayor Cardoen with his spear and the challenge ritual was quite frightening for those who were unused to this…….but a tremendous turnout from the Runanga (40 people)
Again excellent speeches including from there side by Nigel Hampton QC , Chairman of the Museum Trust ,and a very well known and respected Cantabrian who had already visited the exhibition …fantastic insight to what the exhibition and this visit meant to this community. Our waiata’s were very well received too.
After the Hongi, exchange of gifts, and the Mayor was presented with a special carved mask. Lunch was followed by a tour of the Museum by Murray Thacker…we were also given a special viewing of some cloaks including a one made of Kiwi feathers including the albino…simply beautiful.
I think the relevance of this visit was that this is a living Museum … we have seen the Waka at the Auckland Museum but to see the waka that is actually used often, made it special.
Jo made them all pile out of the vans at the hill top for a photo and a beer despite the very windy conditions and cold..not popular !!!!
A quiet trip home, then onto the meet and greet at the Kaiapoi RSA, well organised by President Kevin Brown. A very good turnout as it was Poppy day….