Quote:
Originally Posted by 2/1kiwi
Hi all,
I was a member of A coy 4 Osouth before it become 2/4 RNZIR.
We were told at the time that kia mate toa was Fight unto death.
Just thought i would throw another spanner...
Thanks
Dan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2/1kiwi
Another spanner, pic is from the Garrison in Invercargill.
Not my photo, apologies for the quality.
upload pic |
No spanner at all.
Fight unto death is a modern version, and most fitting for the Otago/Southland Company which it represents.
However, it is the 8th Regiment Southland Rifles and their motto that was approved in 1911 that we are talking about, and the best way we can honour the memory of those who served during WW1, is to get their translation right, that is Die Game or Die Bravely.
As Puk alludes to in post No.12, if you type in “KIA MATE TOA" into Paperspast between the dates of 1911 to 1920, you will find it translates to Die Game or Die Bravely, and even if you adjust the date to 1950 there is no mention of Fight unto death.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/ne...ate=31-12-1950
Taken from Paperspast dated "5th SEPTEMBER 1911"
Paperspast 5th SEPTEMBER 1911.JPG