100 years from Gallipoli

Despite 2014 being the anniversary of the start of the World War 1, this year there is a much higher profile than previously as 2015 marks the involvement of Kiwis and the establishment of the Anzac movement in the quest for world peace.

Locally displays have been set up at the Mangawhai Museum where a monument has been erected in the foyer which includes the names of those from local families who participated and those who had fallen from Gallipoli 1915, The Somme 1916, Passchendaele 1917 and the Western Front 1918.

Says local historian Bev Ross: “The names listed are what our records show but there may well be others from the area we are not aware of so we have a booklet on the counter and invite any visitors to list the name(s) of anyone not included on the monument. This will also help us to update our records.”

The corner of Thelma Rd also sports a decorative commemorative board depicting the 100 years and on the front lawn at Mangawhai Beach School is a ‘Field of Remembrance,’ a display of white crosses listing the names of those from the wider local area who were lost in the war. This was an initiative from the Ministry of Education who sent out kits to each school which included the crosses and information and statistics.

Last Friday week the whole school assembled in their own Anzac parade to pay tribute with a representative from each class laying a wreath, reciting the oath and singing the national anthem together with the raising and lowering of the flag.

The significance of this event has been readily adopted and accepted by the younger generation and it is pleasing to see their interest in this major part of New Zealand’s history.

Mangawhai couple Charlie and Sue Shepherd of Margaret St are among the 10,000 visitors at the Gallipoli services in Turkey this year having won a place in the nationwide ballot.

“I was determined to be top of the list,” said Sue. “The moment the ballot opened almost a year ago I was straight on the phone to register.”

More than 9,800 applications were received for 950 double passes that were available.

“It’s a great thrill to be chosen – better than winning lotto,”she says.

The couple flew out last Saturday and will join the other 19 couples from Northland and a total of 200 Kiwis including dignitaries who will represent us at Anzac Cove.

The Man from Matakohe, Gordon Coates – soldier, farmer and politician – served during World War 1 from 1916 to 1919, receiving a Military Cross for ‘Conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to Duty’ at La Basseville on 31 July 1917, and a Bar for his leadership at Mailly-Maillet on 26 March 1918.

He represented Kaipara as a Member of Parliament from age 33 up until his death in 1943, and from 1925 to 1928 held office as New Zealand’s first native-born elected Prime Minister. He is the subject of an extensive display at Matakohe Museum which runs until November.