George Katene

Ingoa whānau
Katene
Ingoa tuatahi
George
Date of death
7-Dec-43
Place of death
Italy

World War 2

Tau Rangatū
6125
Tūnga
Lieutenant
Wāhi noho
Porirua, New Zealand
Whanaunga tino tata i te wā o te kuhunga
Mrs Te Arohi Katene (mother), Porirua, New Zealand
Ngā tuhinga

From 28th Maori Battalion diary
'Field Return of Officers'
"Lieut Katene G, NZ Maori Inf, 7.12.43, Killed In Action"

Reference: Archives New Zealand - R23517744, ADQZ 18886, WAII 11666, DA 68/1/48 

From JF Cody's Official history, p.332

"Lieutenant Katene met Tomoana about this time and asked if there were any targets for the mortars. He then moved on towards A Company and was killed en route. Katene was a foundation member of the Maori Battalion and one of the very few still serving."

Takupu (2)

This article appeared in Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 17, 21 January 1944, Page 4:MAORI WAR DEAD MEMORIAL SERVICE In memory of the members of the Maori race who have been killed in this war, with special reference to Lieutenant George Katene, M.M., a memorial service is to be held on the marae at Porirua on Sunday next, January 23. The assembly will chiefly concern the relatives and friends of the late Lieut. Katene but facilities for public attendance are being provided by the Railway Department with special trains.- Lieut. Katene, who was 26 years of age left New Zealand with the Second Echelon of the Maori Battalion in 1939, and he served in Greece and Crete, then taking part in the fighting in North Africa, where he was wounded. He recovered in time to participate in the landing in Italy, and while serving with the Eighth Army's advance forces, he was killed in action on December 7 last. The memorial service on Sunday will begin at 11.30 a.m. and will comprise hymns, prayers, and appropriate addresses. A feature will be the singing of In Memoria, a sacred part song, by members of the Ngati-toa choir. Among the speakers will be the Rev. Paora Te Muera, vicar of the parish of Rangiatea (Church of England) and Mr. Matthew Cowley, mission president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  'Maori War Dead Memorial'. Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 17, 21 January 1944, Page 4  URL: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

Hello everyone,

I am the researcher and contributor for Poppy Places, Palemrston North (http://poppyplaces.nz/). I am currently researching the Awatapu subdivision and the 28th Maori Battalion individuals which the streets are named for as commemoration of their service overseas. I am looking for any and all information which anyone can supply about the following individuals: Major Wi Patene Anaru, Lieutenant George Katene, Sergeant E T M Pitama, Lieutenant Colonel H Ruha and Major M P Te Punga. I have already completed articles for Brigadier George Dittmer, Lieutenant Colonel J C Henare, Captain Wiremu Te Tau Huata and Captain M Wikiriwhi, but any more information would be greatly appreciated to add on.

If anyone can provide any information on these individuals it would be greatly appreciated. You can contact me via [email protected]

Thank you,

Evan Greensides