B Company gathering at Tūnohopu marae, Ōhinemutu, Rotorua, 1963.
Ex B Company Captain and commander Mr. Ted Hayward standing right rear wearing sun glasses noted on the back of this photo that "all are 39ers" I presume meaning these boys signed up for service during 1939 which makes them all part of the First Echelon to leave for duty with the Maori Battalion during the 2nd World War and most recieved due furlough back home November 1943.
I note that the Pakeha individual standing centre to be Ex 28 (Maori) Battalion Commanding Officer in Lt. Col. H.G.Dyer. Very much a hero to the Maori's in North Africa and beyond who pre and post war also resided in Rotorua.
Reference:
Hayward family Rotorua, Denis Clough archive.
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