SummaryChildren born to Great War veterans were invited to be part of a gathering at the Mount Maunganui R.S.A in July of 2014. It was hoped that a handful of "children" now mostly well into their retiring years would assemble to chew the fat and reminisce, even make connections with people whose Fathers had had similar experiences. However over 140 people registered for the event, ranging from as young as 64 years to as old as 96. The event was organised by Tauranga WW100, a collection of groups in Tauranga that include the Heritage Collection, City Libraries and R.S.A, all represented at the event. Main Body
Brian Walters with photographs and medals of his father, No 62468; Private Stanley Charles Walters, Lewis Gunner with the 13th Canterbury Infantry Regiment (NZ). Private Walters was badly wounded on the Somme, after 8 months of fighting (1917/1918).
Joan Quinlan (left) daughter of Claude Patrick Quinlan who served in Samoa and then Eqypt and France. Joan bought Claude's letters which have been lent to the Heritage Collections and City Libraries for digitisation.
This Iron Cross was discovered on the field by Private Robert Groves (N.Z.E.F. 25th reinforcements of the Auckland Regiment). The Iron cross was bought in by his daughter. It is usually stored in a Security Deposit Vault.