Veteran and decendent of soldier 16/401 1st Maori Battalion NZ

[Tumatauenga]

Hello all, I am an ex Australian Army soldier that has served in the Middle East and have recently discovered that my Great Grandfather (16/401 1st Maori Battalion Gallipoli/France) shares the same enlistment and discharge date as me (both 21/10 1914/2003 and 03/06 1918/205). Although my reasons for leaving the Army were vastly different - mine to be with family, his due to a GW to his head I feel that we have a connection to strong to be ignored. We also share the same name, Rawiri and both joined our respective services at 20 years old.

I have been looking into his military equipment in hope to find where it is now and if it is safely in the hands of family (I'm sure it is as I've been told it was kept in a steel chest at his original house since his passing) but I am now searching for NZ pioneer and 1st Maori Battalion relics to build a small collection to personally hold in memory. I look forward to hearing of similar stories and viewing the many photos on this forum and beyond that relate to our worlds past war history.

Rawiri S

[Tinto]

Welcome to the Forum, Rawiri.

Best wishes in your search for relics pertaining to your 16/401 Great Grandfather.

There's plenty of information stored away in the Forum's archives and lots of chaps willing to help with questions.

Cheers,

Tinto