Family of Hemara Aupouri

Family of Hemara Aupouri paying tribute at 42nd St, Crete in May 2014.
Left to right: Arnya Sarparki (Cretan Archaeologist), Waihuka Wanoa (relative), Libby Mills (grandaughter), Rhia-Maina Mataira (great grandaughter), Tawhai Aupouri (great grand nephew) and Ruby Mills (daughter).

At the Battle of 42nd Street Pte Hemara Aupouri possessed of ihi, wehi and wana jumped up onto the embankment and began the tutu-ngarahu – a haka in the moment of battle. This, it is said, inspires the Maori Battalion into action and the ferocious bayonet charge that mauled a fresh group of Austrian troops.

Aupouri served with C Company and embarked with the Main Body. He died of wounds on August 3rd, 1942 and is buried at El Alamein cemetery