JonS Posted March 3, 2014 Author Share Posted March 3, 2014 03 March 1846 Te Rangihaeata’s warriors begin to harass settlers in the Hutt Valley on 3 March 1846. At Taita, Captain Eyeton’s company of the 96th Regiment drive off a Maori force. 03 March 1941 Egypt – the Second Echelon arrives in Egypt from the United Kingdom. The bulk of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary force is now concentrated in the Middle East for the first time, 18 months after war was declared. No NZ ground forces have yet seen action. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 4, 2014 Author Share Posted March 4, 2014 04 March 1958 Malaya – 1st Battalion, The New Zealand Regiment relieves 1st Battalion, Royal Lincoln Regiment in the state of Perak. Ptes S Cribb (King Country), and GA Horsefall stocking up with corn to take into the jungle. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 5, 2014 Author Share Posted March 5, 2014 05 March 1972 South Vietnam – the 2nd New Zealand Army Training Team commences operations. The 18-man team help to train 12 Cambodian Army infantry battalions. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 7, 2014 Author Share Posted March 7, 2014 07 March 1944 20 RNZAF aircraft take part in an attack on Rabaul, their first fighter-bomber attack on the area. Following the complete defeat of Japanese air forces based in the Solomon Islands Chain the RNZAF Fighter Wing modified its P-40 aircraft by fitting bomb racks in place of belly tanks, so that these machines rated as fighter-bombers capable of carrying 500-pound bombs at first and later 1000-pounders. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 10, 2014 Author Share Posted March 10, 2014 10 March 1943 A military court of inquiry at Featherston investigating the Japanese mutiny at the nearby prisoner of war camp ends. The camp had been established in September 1942 as a P.O.W. camp. About 800 prisoners from the Battle of Guadalcanal were housed there. The mutiny occurred on 25 February 1943 during a sit-in of 240 prisoners, who refused to work. The exact sequence of events is not known, but Lieutenant Adachi was shot and wounded by the camp adjutant. This led to the prisoners either charging or appearing to charge the guards, who opened fire. Thirty seconds later 31 prisoners were dead, with another 17 dying later of their injuries, and 74 wounded. Of the New Zealanders, a ricochet killed Private Walter Pelvin and six others were wounded. The court of inquiry exonerated the guards. It found that there were cultural differences in the camp, which led to the deadly actions and which needed to be addressed. Maori guard and prisoner at the Japanese prisoner of war camp near Featherston. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 13, 2014 Author Share Posted March 13, 2014 13 March 1942 A day after encountering two patrol vessels which dropped several depth charges, the Japanese submarine I-25 launches a Yokosuka E14Y "Glen" seaplane to make a reconnaissance flight over Auckland New Zealand. The crew report the presence of four transports in the harbour. LtCdr Tagami decides to attack a merchant sighted earlier in the day. At 1315 it is identified as a 20,000-ton camouflaged steamer. After sundown, I-25 launches four torpedoes in two spreads and claims two hits, and it is reported the target as sunk. 13 March 2014 Vince "Cyclone" McGlone, one of the last surviving veterans of the Battle of the River Plate, dies aged 97. The cruiser HMS ACHILLES seen from HMS AJAX at the Battle of the River Plate. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 18, 2014 Author Share Posted March 18, 2014 18 March 1915 Turkey (Gallipoli) – the naval attack on Turkish forts ceases when the battleships OCEAN, IRRESISTABLE, and BOUVET are sunk by mines. This naval defeat leads directly to the opening of the land campaign one month later. HMS Irresistible abandoned and sinking. The last moments of the French battleship Bouvet which capsized and sank within two minutes after striking a mine, killing over 600 men 18 March 1941 New Zealand troops arrive in Greece. They are sent to bolster Allied defences against Nazi forces that are invading the country. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 19, 2014 Author Share Posted March 19, 2014 19 March 1988 The Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport becomes the first corps in New Zealand to be presented with a corps banner. It is presented at Fort Dorset by Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, GCB CI GCVO GBE. Less than 10 years later the banner was laid up when the Corps was disbanded in December 1996. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 21, 2014 Author Share Posted March 21, 2014 21 March 1918 With the British 5th Army on the Western Front collapsing as a result of the Kaiser’s Offensive, the NZ Division conducts a forced march to close a hole in the line. 2nd Field Company of the NZ Engineers covers 23 miles in 11 hours without one man falling out. New Zealand World War 1 machine gun post on the Somme, near Mailly-Maillet, France, 31 March, 1918. 21 March 1945 18 Mosquitoes (including six from 487 (NZ) Squadron) take part in Op CARTHAGE, a daylight attack on Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen. The raid is a success, with numerous records destroyed and some Danish prisoners freed. However 86 school children are killed when a Mosquito clips an lamp post(!) and crashes into a school, starting a fire which attracts bombs from following waves. 487 Sqn had also taken part in the similar Op JERICHO on 18 Feb 1944. The Gestapo headquarters in the Shellhus, Copenhagen. A Mosquito can be seen pulling away from its bombing run on the extreme left-centre. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 24, 2014 Author Share Posted March 24, 2014 24 March 1901 South Africa - New Zealand troops capture Boer General De La Rey’s artillery and supply column in the Transvaal. 24 March 1918 Palestine - the Anzac Division, including the NZMR Brigade, takes part in the first raid on Amman. 24 March to 1 April. 24 March 1944 The largest prisoner of war breakout ever attempted, "the Great Escape", takes place at the German POW camp Stalag Luft III. Five New Zealand Airmen took part in the escape, including Victoria Cross recipient Group Captain Leonard Trent. Three of the Airmen were among the 50 Allied escapees executed by the Gestapo upon recapture. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 25 March 1845 New Zealand - The first Militia Ordinance is passed. This provides for all men between the ages of 18 and 60 to be liable for service within a 25-mile radius of their nearest Police Office. 25 March 1919 Germany – the New Zealand Division, which had become known as the Silent Division, was disbanded at Mulheim near Cologne after spending three years on the Western Front. The final draft of New Zealand troops left Germany for England on this date. 25 March 1944 New Zealand – the decision is made to withdraw the 3rd New Zealand Division from the Pacific to provide extra manpower for essential industries in New Zealand, and reinforcements for the 2nd New Zealand Division. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 26, 2014 Author Share Posted March 26, 2014 26 March 1917 Palestine - New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade is involved in the first battle of Gaza, in which they all but capture the town only to be ordered to withdraw at nightfall. 26 March 1918 Western Front - The NZ Division plays a key role in plugging a dangerous gap in the British Line between Hébuterne and Hamel. 26 March 1943 Tunisia – the New Zealand Corps breaks through the Axis line at Tebaga Gap on the night 26/27 March. Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa Ngarimu of 28 (Maori) Battalion is killed during an assault on a German position and is posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in leading his platoon 26 March 1944 Italy – the New Zealand Corps, having failed in its attempt to capture Cassino, is disbanded. 26 March 1945 Japan - Task Force 57, including HMNZS GAMBIA, in action off Sakishima Islands. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted March 28, 2014 Author Share Posted March 28, 2014 28 March 1975 Bristol Freighters 41 Squadron RNZAF operating from Tan Son Nhut assist in the evacuation of NZ nationals and the distribution of food in South Vietnam until 21 April 1975. Saigon, April 1975. The New Zealand Ambassador take his leave. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 1 April 1868 New Zealand - The government orders 70 men of the Armed Constabulary to go to Hokitika under command of Lieutenant Colonel McDonnell. Sectarian tensions between Irish Catholics and Protestants have been threatening violence. 1 April 1942 The Pacific War Council is formed in Washington D.C., with a membership consisting of representatives from Britain, China, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, India and the Philippines. The Council intended to control the Allied war effort in the Pacific and Asian campaigns of the Second World War. 1 April 1945 Task Force 57 is attacked by Japanese Kamikaze aircraft when operating off Myako and Ishigaki Islands, the carrier HMS INDEFATIGABLE and the cruiser ULSTER damaged. HMNZS GAMBIA took HMS ULSTER in tow for repairs. The tow lasts four days and covers 760 miles. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stalins Organ Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 Ulster was a Destroyer, not a Cruiser but nit picking aside, I enjoy reading these posts - keep it up 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 2 April 1846 New Zealand - What was known as the Wellington War begins, concluding in August. The Maori leaders who resisted the settling of part of the Hutt Valley are Te Rangihaeata and Te Mamaku Topine te Mamaku, principal chief of the Ngati-Haua-te-Rangi tribe of the Upper Wanganui area, New Zealand. 2 April 1868 New Zealand - Fenian rioting takes place in Westport in what is derisively called the Battle of Addison’s Flat. The Armed Constabulary are withdrawn in May 1868. Miners at Addisons Flat, West Coast. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 3, 2014 Author Share Posted April 3, 2014 3 April 1944 Northern Norway - Operation TUNGSTEN takes place against the German battleship Tirpitz in Alten Fjord. The 163 Fleet Air Arm airmen in the attacking units included 28 New Zealanders, three Canadians and a South African. A high proportion of these airmen were inexperienced, and many had not previously operated at sea. The Barracuda dive bombers attacked in two waves, carrying a total of nine 1,600-pound armour piercing bombs, 66 500-pound semi armour piercing bombs, as well as 500- and 600-pound general-purpose bombs and anti-submarine bombs intended to inflict casualties among the battleship's crew and cause underwater damage if they exploded in the water near her hull. Seafires, Wildcats, Hellcats and Corsairs provided fighter escorts and strafed the ship and shore-based AA batteries. 15 direct hits, along with several near misses, were achieved, causing significant damage and killing or wounding about a fifth of the ship's crew. Fairey Barracuda bombers and their fighter escort shortly before attacking Tirpitz in Alten Fjord Bombs exploding on and around Tirpitz during the first wave attack. The wake of a fast moving motor boat hurrying away from the battered Tirpitz can be seen as a huge cloud rises from an early hit on the German battleship. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 7 April 1943 HMNZS MOA is sunk near Tulagi Harbour, Solomon Islands, by a Japanese air attack. The ship was hit at least one bomb in the commanding officer's cabin, and there were two near misses, sinking her within 4 minutes. 5 seamen died and 15 were wounded. The recently launched Moa fitting out at the Robb shipyard in Scotland. The Bird-class ships were to have a 2-pounder anti-aircraft gun aft, but shortages saw them depart with nothing better than Lewis machine guns. The lack of decent anti-aircraft batteries plagued New Zealand’s British-designed ships during the Pacific War. The prop and rudder of HMNZS Moa in 2009 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 8 April 1940 England - 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF is formed. The New Zealand government had ordered 30 Vickers Wellington Mk1C bombers in 1938. RNZAF aircrew were sent to England to train on the new aircraft based at RAF Marham. The crews were to fly the aircraft to New Zealand in batches of six, but WWII broke out before any had left England. As a result of Britain declaring war against Germany, the New Zealand Government made the airman and the aircraft available to the RAF to help with the new war effort. A decision by the British Air Ministry to give them the defunct No. 75 Squadron numberplate on 4 April 1940 meant that the nucelus of The New Zealand Squadron personnel remained together as an operational unit of the RAF. This was the first Commonwealth squadron created in the Second World War. Although often referred to, then and since, as an RNZAF unit, 75 Squadron was equipped and controlled by the RAF throughout the war. This was not the case with most RNZAF units, as well as those from the other Dominions; technically these units were attached to the RAF under Article XV of the Empire Air Training Scheme, and were known as "Article XV squadrons".) Unofficial emblem painted on the side of a Vickers Wellington of No. 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF at Feltwell, Norfolk, depicting an 'RAF' soda-syphon spraying bombs. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stalins Organ Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 After the war 75 Sqn was officially "gifted" to the RNZAF with it's title and badges, and remained an active combat squadron until the NZAF strike wing was dissolved in 2001. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 9, 2014 Author Share Posted April 9, 2014 9 April 1916 France (Western Front) – the New Zealand Pioneer (Maori) Battalion arrives in France. It is used to mill timber, dig trenches, erect barbed wire entanglements, build bunkers, and lay railway tracks. 9 April 1918 Western Front - Non-divisional New Zealanders are involved in fighting a new German offensive on the Lys. 9 April 1945 Italy – 2 New Zealand Division takes part in the assault to cross the Senio River over the period 9-10 April 1945. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 11, 2014 Author Share Posted April 11, 2014 11 April 1968 Vietnam War - New Zealand forces take part in Operation Toan Thang (Complete Victory), to clear 20,000 Viet Cong from 11 provinces in the area surrounding Saigon, as part of a reaction to the Tet offensive. This operation included the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in mid-May. Bombardier John Burns of Holland Park, Qld (left), speaks with Gunner Bruce Morris of Morwell, Vic, during Operation Toan Thang. The 105mm Howitzers of 102nd Battery, RAA, were in support of 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR), during the operation. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 15, 2014 Author Share Posted April 15, 2014 15 April 1986 six Army servicewomen make the first female military parachute descent in New Zealand, jumping from a Royal New Zealand Air Force Andover aircraft into the Waitemata Harbour. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 16, 2014 Author Share Posted April 16, 2014 16 April 1840 New Zealand - The first British soldiers take up permanent station in New Zealand at Auckland. They comprise two companies, 150 men, of the 80th Regiment of Foot under command of Major Thomas Bunbury. While in New Zealand, at least a few of the 80th's soldiers got up to the usual hijinks of soldiers on deployment. On Friday last, the tent store of Mr. Williamson, of Russell, was broken into, and about £40 in cash was stolen therefrom. Monday afternoon, three soldiers of the 80th Regiment, stationed at Russell, and two women, were taken into custody at Kororarika, on the supposition that they had committed the robbery, and have been fully committed for trial. 16 April 1917 Palestine - The second battle for Gaza begins. The town falls after three days of heavy fighting. Nearly 100 years later, the place is still regularly being fought over. A disabled British Mark I male tank following the Second Battle of Gaza in April 1917. The Turkish defenders incorporated this tank hull into a fortification that became known as "Tank Redoubt". 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonS Posted April 28, 2014 Author Share Posted April 28, 2014 28 April 1864 New Zealand - Lieutenant General Sir Duncan Cameron moves against the Gate Pa with 1700 troops. 28 April 1941 Greece - Sergeant John ‘Jack’ Hinton of 20 Battalion/6 Bde earns the Victoria Cross for his actions on the night of 28/29 April, as his battalion was preparing to evacuate. While organising a counter-attack Hinton was ordered to retreat and evacuate from the port. He dismissed the order with the words; "F**k that, who's coming with me". Sergeant Hinton rushed forward to the nearest gun and, hurling two grenades, killed the crew. He continued towards the quay, clearing out two light machine-gun nests and a mortar with grenades, then dealt with the garrison of a house where some of the enemy were sheltering. He then assisted in the capture of an artillery piece, but shortly after was shot in the stomach, immobilised and captured. He later explained his action as being because "I didn't like the way things were going". While a prisoner of war Hinton twice escaped, and made several other attempts. He was told he had been awarded the VC as he lay in hospital recovering from a beating given after one of these attempts. Jack Hinton received his Victoria Cross from King George VI on May 11, 1945, at Buckingham Palace. 28 April 1941 Greece – 6 Brigade is evacuated from Greece on the night 28-29 April directly back to Egypt, thus missing the Battle of Crete. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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