This year marks the 100-year anniversary of WW1 Battle of Passchendaele, and commemorates New Zealand’s darkest day, 12 October 1917. Approximately 900 New Zealanders died on this single day, which is regarded as New Zealand’s greatest loss of men for any battle in any war.
Join us in Tauranga to commemorate the Battle of Passchendaele through a number of special events, and remember those whose lives were changed forever because of their involvement in the First World War.
On Thursday, 28 September head along to Tauranga Boys’ College for an informative Panel Discussion on New Zealand’s Darkest Hour. Join in on the discussion with Dr Cliff Simons, Lieutenant Colonel, New Zealand Defence Force and Tauranga born historian and author of ‘New Zealand and the First World War’, Dr Damien Fenton.
From Friday, 29 September to Thursday, 30 November stop by the Tauranga central library and learn about Charles Southey who was awarded a Military Medal. For Bravery in the Field explores the experiences of 2nd Lieutenant Southey, who returned to Tauranga after the war. He went on to make a significant contribution to his home town, including becoming headmaster of Tauranga District High School in 1942.
Between Friday, 6 October and Thursday, 16 November experience the exhibition I Died in Hell: From Tauranga to the Trenches, which will be on display at three different locations across the city. The exhibition tells the story of Carl Jordan through his own words and those of his friends, and includes excerpts from personal letters, as well as WW1 film footage.
On Sunday, 8 October, all children of WW1 veterans can take part in the Children of WW1 Veterans Afternoon Tea at the Mount Maunganui RSA to remember those who served during the war.
On Saturday, 14 October, join the Hauraki Patriots at the Passchendaele Memorial Service at the Mount Maunganui Cenotaph. The service will include a Parade Guard and Flag Party followed by an address, wreath laying, the Ode to the Fallen and the Last Post.
The First World War was one of the most significant events of the 20th century, and had a deep and lingering impact on New Zealand society. Ten percent of our population of one million served overseas, of which more than 18,000 died and over 40,000 were wounded. Nearly every New Zealand family was affected.
Full event details:
Passchendaele: A Panel Discussion on New Zealand’s Darkest Hour with Dr Damien Fenton & Dr Cliff Simons
Graham Young Theatre, Tauranga Boys’ College
Thursday, 28 September 2017, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, gold coin donation with proceeds to RSA
For Bravery in the Field
Tauranga City Library, Research Collections
Friday, 29 September – Thursday, 30 November 2017, open 7 days, library hours
I Died in Hell, Passchendaele: From Tauranga to the Trenches exhibition
Mount Maunganui RSA: Friday, 6 October – Sunday, 15 October
Phoenix Carpark, Mount Maunganui Road: Monday, 16 October – Sunday, 29 October
Outside Greerton Library: Monday, 30 October – Thursday, 16 November
open 7 days, 9:30am – 3:30pm
Children of WW1 Veterans Afternoon Tea
Mount Maunganui RSA, 544 Maunganui Road
Sunday, 8 October 2017, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Passchendaele Memorial Service, Hauraki Patriots DFMC
Cenotaph, Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui
Saturday, 14 October 2017, 2:00pm – 2:40pm
More information available at MyTauranga