Thames (NZ): Memorial Service for Private Ngapo (c1892-1921) at Shortland cemetery

At a  chance visit to the Thames Museum today, I learnt about a special commemoration service that was being held at Shortland Cemetery today. On arrival at the cemetery, it soon became clear the mana and importance of the event.

Local iwi, kaumatua and dignitaries, gathered to welcome descendants of Robert Ngapa, along with members / leaders of the Cook Island community.

Great War Soldier Robert Ngapo Serial Number 16/1227, was working as a cook in Auckland when he enlisted 20 October 1915. He was born in the Cook Islands and gave his next of kin as: Mr Kapatian, Tauta, Aitutaki, Cook Islands.

Ngapo served in the 3rd Maori contingent, they left New Zealand 4 February 1916. Bob, who signed his name only as Ngapo on enlistment, served overseas until 28 January 1919 - in total 3 years 139 days war service home and abroad.

Private Ngapo was transferred to the Rarotongan Company, and also served in Arras (France) as part of the New Zealand Tunnelling Company. He was Wounded in Action 10 June 1917, then during May-June 1918 was hospitalised in Egypt several times with bronchitis.

Private Bob Ngapo died of pneumonia 28 October 1921 at Thames Hospital. Ngapo is interred at Shortland Cemetery Thames, Plot 2958, at the southern end of the extension adjacent to Danby Street.

 

Thames Star Newspaper, 29 October 1921

Photos of the Memorial Service: 5 April 2021

 

Hon. Scott Simpson MP, with Her Majesty Queen Pa Upokotini Tepaeru Marie Ariki and 

Cook Islands Consul General Mr Keutekarakia Mataroa.

Source: Scott Simpson Facebook page

~~ Lest We Forget ~~

Thames (NZ): Armistice Day 11 November 2020

 Did you remember the significance of the day?

11 November? We call it Armistice Day, while in England it is called Remembrance Day.

In 2018, a large number of Thamesites gathered at the Peace Memorial to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War One.

Above: Armistice Day 11 November 2018

How did the town remember the Armistice Day 2020?

While the facebook community posted endless "Lest We Forget' messages, the gathering at the Peace Memorial this year was small. Maybe next year, people may find the time to remember in person, and not just on the internet.

Armistice Day Commemorations at Thames 11 November 2020

 

Previous blog articles relating to Armistice Day / WWI ROH.

• Armistice Day 2013
• Armistice Day 2014
• Armistice Day 2017
• Armistice Day 1918 & 2018
• Armistice Day in the Thames Star 2018
• Armistice Day 2019
• WWI ROH names
• WWI ROH slideshow

Thames (NZ): WWI Letters to Jane of Thames

 The message of the day - Never stop hunting, Never stop looking for new family history!

Why? When we were on the hunt for World War letters a few years back, I never once considered that there would be anything from my paternal side. Then out of the blue, two family photos were retrieved which has started a whole new journey.

Postcard A above & Postcard B below

Postcard A: Back of card: "To Janie, Cliff, Cora & Bob. With best love & kisses from Tommy."

Postcard B: Back of card: "6m active service. Mrs C Barker, Kauaeranga, Thames, Auckland.
Dear Janie …. Good bye to all & Good luck, With fondest love Tommy."

This card was postmarked 9 October 1915, the day Thomas Pascoe left New Zealand. Rifleman Pascoe would not be back on New Zealand soil until 15 July 1919.

Part of Rifleman Pascoe's service record.

Source: New Zealand Archives.

Who was Tommy?

Thomas Pascoe was the son of Benjamin Eddy and Honour Pascoe. Ben and Honour were from St Just in Penwith (Cornwall), they emigrated to New Zealand and married in Timaru in 1881. Thomas was one of eleven children, born 27 April 1892 in Napier - he married Mavis McConnell in 1924 and they had five children. Thomas Pascoe passed away 19 May 1971 at Auckland.

     In the regimental band photo, Thomas Pascoe is at the right hand end of the 2nd row from the top (there is a small mark to his right). In postcard B, Thomas is standing on the right at the back of photo of three.

Who was Mrs C Barker?

These postcards were written to Jane Barker (nee Pascoe), who was Thomas Pascoe's older sister. Jane lived up the Kauaeranga Valley with her husband Cliff Barker - my grandparents. Tommy Pascoe was my father's uncle.

Regimental Band Photo

Thanks to a facebook page Unknown Warriors of the NZEF, the next bit of the puzzle was answered. The facebook group also had a copy of 'Postcard A' and on the back was written: "Rifle Brigade Band. Camped at Rangiotu." It appears to be the last photo taken before the men departed for the battlefield in Europe - August 1915. 

     The Pascoe family, including Benjamin Eddy Pascoe had a strong connection to brass bands, both in Timaru and Waihi - winning numerous regional and national titles. It was no surprise then to see Thomas Pascoe as a member of the Regimental Band.

The Next Surprise!

While it was wonderful to have found these postcards and be able to know more about my father's uncle, the next find was even more amazing.

     While checking out the Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph entry for our Thomas Pascoe, further treasures were revealed. Attached to Pascoe's memorial are multiple cards sent Jane Barker of Thames from her brother.

CARD ONE:

Belgium, Xmas Eve 1917

My Dear Sister

Received your welcome letter a few days back very pleased to learn everyone is doing so well.  Well Janie it is hoped you are spending a better Xmas there.  I for one could hardly tell the difference in any other time here.  It is very cold here all the ponds are frozen & most of the boys are amusing themselves skating, some effort I tell you.  Hoping this finds you & all in the best of health as it leaves me at present with love & kisses to all. From Your brother Tom xxxxx

CARD TWO:

 

19/5/?16     In the Field

My Dear Sister

In answer to your most welcome letter which I received two days ago & was very pleased to hear from you. I was very sorry to hear all of you had bad colds & hope you are all well again.  We are having lovely weather here at present it hardly gets dark at night. I have not seen Jim Goldsworthy since I have been over here I think he must be over in England on leave.  I have not had news from Honour yet & have written to her a lot of times with best & fondest love I remain your loving brother Tommy xxxxx

CARD THREE

 

25/7/17

My Dear Sister,

Just a few lines to let you know I am still keeping my end up & going strong.  I have not heard from you for a mail or two now but as there is another mail in I suppose your letters will come in a heap.  There is not very much news at present in this part of the globe so please excuse this time. Best love to all from your loving brother Tom xxxx

I suppose I will get some now as the other young fellow ?has  ?hopped in.

OTHER CARDS

There are several other cards that were sent to Jane Barker of Thames by her brother, the donor was Brent English - at this stage I am not sure of any connection to the family / how he came to have my grandmother's cards.

WAR SERVICE for Thomas Pascoe

There are five cases on Thomas' Conduct Sheet in his war file, all related to misconduct and punishments.  From mining in Waihi to the Western Front, Thomas found it hard to adjust. At intervals he suffered from severe Depression. His feelings of helplessness evident in the brief words written to his sister Jane. Her letters gave him something to look forward to and then there was no mail, life was hard!

     What was the role of the regimental band, what would it have been like for Thomas Pascoe and his fellow bandsmen? The photograph below and explanation from The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, may help us to get a little understanding of what it was like to walk in their boots!

"A brass band plays at the New Zealand Rifle Brigade camp near Ypres, Belgium, on 19 September 1917. In the early years of the First World War bandsmen also acted as stretcher bearers. High stretcher-bearer casualties and the difficulty of replacing musicians meant that bandsmen were later withdrawn from the front line. Military authorities considered that the morale-boosting effect of music was the bandsmen's greatest contribution to the war effort."

Brass Band, New Zealand Rifle Brigade Camp, Belgium 19 September 1917.

YOUR CHALLENGE

Maybe you have treasured letters and cards from World War One? Have you shared them with fellow researchers? How about going to the Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph site, find your relative and share information and photographs. 

 

Left: Honour and Benjamin Pascoe. Right The Pascoe family, Thomas is far right (seated).

Ben Pascoe with his daughters. 

After his wife died, Ben came to Thames and lived with his daughter Jane Barker. 

Jane is in the back row, far left.

Thames (NZ): Battle of Britain Commemorations at Thames 13 September 2020

Sunday 13 September 2020

8.30am Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield, Ngāti Maru Highway, Thames.

(The programme for the day as per the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield Inc Facebook Page:)

Inauguration Service at the Sir Keith Park Memorial at the Airfield

• Speaking at the service was Wing Commander Andy Bryant, RAF, the UK Defence Attaché for the Ministry of Defence at the British High Commission.
• Dedication and blessing performed by unknown Reverend.

---------------------------------------------

Early Sunday morning, Thamesites and visitors from further afield gathered at the airfield for the dedication of Sir Keith Park's replica Hurricane. The Kerepehi Brass Band provided the music, and playlist included the National Anthem and the Last Post

 

 

This plaque, made by A & G Price will be added to the display when the statue arrives.

The area around the replica plane will also be landscaped.

11am Thames War Memorial Civic Centre, Mary Street

• Speakers included RNZAF Air Commodore Walshe, Hon Scott Simpson and Russell Skeet (who read the message from Defence Minister Ron Mark.
• Wreaths were laid at the statue of Sir Keith Park outside the Thames Civic Centre
• A flypast by the Bristol Fighter F.2B in Sir Keith’s WW1 battle colours from NZ Warbirds

MP Scott Simpson.

Several wreaths were laid to commemorate the Battle of Britain 80 years ago. 

Left: Wing Commander Andy Bryant, RAF; Right: RNZAF Air Commodore Walshe.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

For more information on the Battle of Britain 1940, an excellent resource is Papers Past. There are the daily reports from England, along with reports and analysis over the following years. Example below.

 

OTAGO DAILY TIMES, ISSUE 26270, 30 SEPTEMBER 1946

Conclusion:

The Phrase heard several times today in relation to Sir Keith Park's involvement in the Battle of Britain:

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few

Winston Churchill

Keith Park standing by his Hurricane OK 1

Source: https://alchetron.com/Keith-Park

Thames (NZ): Sir Keith Park's Replica Hurricane arrives at Thames Airfield

Sir Keith Park at Thames

When the 1914-1918 World War Commemorations started back in 2014, the name of Thames born Sir Keith Park was remembered by many. Then in 2019 a generous donation led to a life size statue of Park being erected outside the Thames War Memorial Civic Hall.

There are many worthy historical projects needed at the Thames, this would for many be way down the list of priorities. But, hats off to the group who made this happen, they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for yet another statue and a replica plane that will be on display at the Thames Airfield, the Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield. The first phase is complete and the replica plane is to be officially unveiled on Sunday 13 September, followed by the marking of the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain - with a ceremony at the Civic Hall in Mary Street at 11am. (Details of the day)

Sir Keith Park's Hurricane

Below are photographs of the plane. It looks small as you drive along the Ngati Maru Highway, but once you get nearer, the size and the imagery are very impressive. Interesting to find out though, just as we will have two statues of Sir Keith within a few kilometres of each other, there is also another replica plane a short distance away in Auckland. At MOTAT, there is "a replica of Park's Mk 1 Hawker Hurricane 'OK 1' - the aircraft he used to visit airfields under his command during the Battle of Britain."

 

Several information boards give details on Park and the Battle of Britain.

Further Reading:

Details on Sir Keith Park - Blog Post 7 February 2019

Thames (NZ): WWI Soldier Thomas Davis at Shortland Cemetery (Update)

UPDATED STORY 28 July 2020

The answer was in my files all the time, too quick to post and connect the dots.

A photo taken some years back by Pauline (copy at The Treasury) had a plaque still on this plot estimated to be around the 3030s at Shortland Cemetery. The name was TAOHO REWIRI #16/352.

Plot 3034 Thomas Davis aka Taoho Rewiri (circled in blue, centre left)

Rewiri's military file is online at Archives New Zealand, and con\firms the death details at Tapu, Thames Coast. He was born at the Hokianga 16th February 1880, and worked as a bushman on enlistment.

Private Taoho Rewiri served four years and 130 days overseas in WWI

REST IN PEACE - LEST WE FORGET

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

This grave is at Shortland Cemetery. The plot reference is 3PUBL-PLOT-3034.

The council records record the person interred as: Thomas DAVIS, buried 10 January 1934 aged 56 years.

So whats so special? The clue is in the small broken headstone - which once had an inset plaque, which has long gone. These small headstones are typical of a World War One soldiers grave at Thames.

At present I don't have Thomas recorded in our list of Thames WWI soldiers, so it is urgent that we find the regimental number!

The Thames Star newspaper provides some information.

THAMES STAR, VOLUME LXV, ISSUE 19001, 9 JANUARY 1934

Another report gives the name as Tom Davis, whereas the report above gives the firstname as Allan.

So we now know that Davis was a member of the First Contingent of the Pioneer Battalion NZEF. 

Regimental Number? This is an ongoing investigation, hopefully with the help of readers we will find the match for Thomas / Allan Davis who may well have taken on an english version of his 'proper' name. I have checked the rolls in Monty Soutar's book Maori in the First World War - but no exact matches so far. No luck also on Auckland War Memorial cenotaph under "Thomas Davis".

Hopefully we will find more soon - let me know if you have solved the mystery!