Eruera Ratana

Ingoa whānau
Ratana
Ingoa tuatahi
Eruera

World War 2

Tau Rangatū
26003
Tūnga
Private
Wāhi noho
Herekino, New Zealand
Whanaunga tino tata i te wā o te kuhunga
Mr Atama (father), Hapakuku Ratana, Herekino, New Zealand

Takupu (1)

Last Unit Served: 28 (Maori) Battalion, A Company. Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. I am the very proud daughter of Eruera (Buck) Ratana-Hapakuku. (Late 2004) My father never spoke much of his experiences of WWII. Once I asked him why and he replied "Because those who died over there, deserve their memories to be allowed to Rest In Peace". When he reached his 60s, he did share a little of a few of his experiences. He was very brave and had the medals to prove it. He was a man of few words, so he was worth listening to when he did speak. We as a Whanau, Hapu and Iwi, have felt the impact of this great man's death. He along with his Comrade's courage, strength, bravery and determination, made the Maori Battalion, one of the most feared and powerful fighting forces of WWII. He was a gentleman and conducted himself in a manner that demanded respect. He had a keen sense of humour, a real man's man. He was a good husband, father and provider. We never wanted for anything during our childhood. Unfortunately for Maori, men like my dad and of his ilk, are few and far between, nowadays. A dying breed, sadly for Maori wahine and whanau. These Men serve to remind us all, we indeed Once were Warriors! I love and miss you dad. Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.*Original post 10 June 2010 edited post dated above.