What did Rommel think of the Maori Battalion?
Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, the famous Commander of the German Afrika Korps, once said, “Give me a Maori Battalion and I will conquer the world.” For these New Zealand soldiers had the reputation of being some of the best courageous fighters in two world wars, winning many decorations for bravery on European …
Why were the Maori Battalion respected?
The Māori Battalion’s reputation for courage and audacity was well-known both to their enemies and throughout the Allied forces. It greatly contributed to improved relations between Māori and Pākehā after the war.
What did Rommel say about New Zealand?
German commander Erwin Rommel was even quoted as saying: “If I had to take hell, I would use the Australians to take it and the New Zealanders to hold it. “If I’d had one division of Māori, I would have taken the canal in a week. If I’d had three, I’d have taken Baghdad.”
On which ship did the bulk of the Māori Battalion return to New Zealand?
More than 1000 men of the battalion arrived in Auckland on the Westmoreland on the evening of 5 April 1919. As the ship came in to the wharf the next morning, guns fired a salute, steamers sounded their sirens and bands played patriotic music.
What did the 28th Māori Battalion do?
By 1945, 28 (Maori) Battalion had became one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and decorated units. But Māori contributed to the war effort in many different ways, at home and overseas. The 28th (Maori) Battalion established a formidable reputation as one of New Zealand’s finest fighting forces.
Why was the 28th Māori Battalion created?
In October 1939 the government agreed to establish an all-Māori unit, the 28th (Māori) Battalion. Māori were eager to prove their equality with their Pākehā comrades as warriors and to earn the full benefits and privileges of citizenship. The Māori Battalion was organised on tribal lines under tribal leaders.
Was New Zealand bombed in ww2?
The raiders had some success: in the second half of 1940 they sank four ships in the seas around New Zealand, with the loss of more than 50 lives. The Germans had other targets in the Pacific. Then, on 27 December 1940, the German raider Komet bombarded Nauru Island itself, destroying the phosphate plant.
Why did they fight El Alamein?
The Axis advance threatened British control of the Suez Canal, the Middle East and its oil resources. The depression was impassable and meant that any attack had to be frontal; Axis attacks in the First Battle of El Alamein (1–27 July) had been defeated.
What did the Māori Battalion do?
The battalion fought through the North African campaigns of 1941–43. It was involved in taking Sollum and Gazala in Libya, the breakout at Minqar Qaim in Egypt and the Battle of Alamein. Against great odds it captured the key features at Tebaga Gap and the Takrouna pinnacle in Tunisia.
Why was it called the 28th Māori Battalion?
Many Māori were quick to answer the call to arms when war broke out in September 1939. In October, in response to calls from Sir Apirana Ngata and the other Māori MPs for an all-Māori unit, the government agreed to the formation of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.
What were some of the reasons men enlisted for the 28th Māori Battalion?
While leaders such as Apirana Ngata stressed the ‘price of citizenship’ line, ultimately many Māori enlisted for a mixture of reasons – to escape poverty or life in the backblocks or to follow their mates.