Pages tagged with: maori pioneer battalion

Over 2000 Maori served in the Native Contingent and Pionee Battalion during the First World War

Maori reactions to serving in the First World War largely reflected iwi experiences of British actions in the 19th century.

In early 1916 the Native Contingent ceased to exist and was replaced with the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion.

Information on the New Zealand Rarotongan Company, which served in the Sinai and Palestine campaigns 1916-18.

The New Zealand Pioneer Battalion arrived in France in April 1916. It was the first unit of the New Zealand Division to move on to the bloody battlefield of the Somme.

The 3rd Maori Reinforcements embark at Queen's Wharf in Auckland for the voyage to Suez, February 1916.

Information about Private Ratu Tiale Bau Mara Vuiyasawa from Fiji, who served with the Pioneer Battalion and the Rarotongan Company during the First World War.

Niuean soldiers from No. 4 Platoon, 3rd Maori Reinforcements prior to leaving New Zealand for Egypt, 1915.

New Zealand Maori Pioneer Battalion flag attributed to Captain Pirimi Tahiwi.

More than 90 years after the Battle of the Somme it is still possible to find the physical traces of the hundreds of thousands of men who fought and died there in 1916. In 2007 a French family unearthed the identity disc of New Zealand soldier Richard Kemp, and in 2008 the disc was returned home.

This slide show illustrates the vital role played by horses and mules on the Belgian battlefields. Hundreds of these animals were employed hauling field guns and delivering munitions, rations and other supplies to the front line, often in appalling conditions.

Badges of the Native Contingent and New Zealand (Maori) Pioneer Battalion

Members of the Native Contingent aboard ship before their departure in February 1915.

Whanganui war memorial at Moutoa Gardens

Further information about Maori in the First World War.