This is a compilation of several recordings for radio made by officers of the Māori Battalion during World War II. (The original recordings are held in the collection.)
In the first (recorded 04 Jun 1941), Captain C.M. Bennett sends condolences to families and relatives of those lost in the campaign in Crete, pays tribute to the Cretan allies for their kindness and support and pays tribute to the British Navy for their efficiency, self-sacrifice and courage which made possible its occupation of Crete and finally, the evacuation.
he describes how he was transformed from someone with no experience to a veteran, during the Crete campaign, at Maleme Platania and Suda Bay. The conditions experienced by both Māori and Pākehā soldiers are described. He relates how Major Love took command until Colonel Dyer arrived when Colonel Dittmer was wounded in action.
In the next recording (20 Jan 1942), a description from Colonel Dyer about the Libyan Campaign.
An introduction to the Chaplain, Padre Harawira.
Captain Rangi Logan mentions his deepest gratitude to be able to speak to friends and relatives on behalf of 'D’ Company. He then speaks about the different areas of New Zealand that make up 'D' Company, namely Waikato, Taranaki, King Country, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington and the South Island. When he took command in Sollum, his platoon commanders were Mr Mateaere of Tirau, Mr J.R. Ormsby of Te Kuiti, and Sergeant Tainui of the South Island.
A tribute to Mr Matehaere for his fine leadership qualities is made and the experience of working with Ngāpuhi in annihilating the German Battalion for the loss of one man. In Gazala they fought side by side with the Poles, however men from 'D’ Company were mistaken for enemy troops and were taken prisoner by the Poles. In this attack 'D' Company suffered their greatest calamity. Sergeant Jack Tainui, one of their finest soldiers, was killed. It was their last fight and had he survived the attack for another ten minutes, he would have made it. They have been reinforced, and so too have their officers.