Samuel Mendes

Surname
Mendes
Forename(s)
Samuel
Date of death
18-Feb-44
Place of death
Italy

World War 2

Serial No
39382
Rank
Private
Address on enlistment
Motukaraka, New Zealand
Next of kin
Mrs W. Haney (mother), Motukaraka, New Zealand
Notes
He also had two brothers in the 28th Māori Battalion: Michael Mendes and Joseph Mendes

Comments (3)

My speech today is about a famous person. Well he was not famous himself, but was in a famous event. He was not famous in life but death. He died in World War II with thousands of other men. His name was Samuel Mendes and he was my Great Grandfather. Last month was the 60th anniversary of the World War II battle of Monte Casino in Italy. New Zealand Veterans travelled back to remember that time in 1944 and pay respect to their friends and allies who didn't make it. Many New Zealanders lost their lives. It was a fierce and bloody battle and conditions were really bad. Most of the men who fought in the battle did not travel back for the anniversary. They had never left Italy. They died there over 60 years ago. My Great Grandfather was one of them he was discovered missing in February 1944 and finally declared killed in action on 21st September 1944. He never stood a chance. He and his mates were shot down as the advanced forward in land faraway. In a battle for freedom, for Italians and for us. To me my Great Grandfather was a hero. Of course I never met him and do not know what sort of person he was or if he was even nice. I have never seen a photo of him. I can only imagine what being a soldier in World War II would have been like. He would have had to be very brave, when might have wished he was anywhere else. He probably felt really scared. And didn't want to be there. My Great Grandfather was not himself a famous person when we think of famous people. If I said his name you wouldn't have a clue who he was. But I think he deserves to be famous. As well as all the brave people in the war. He was 29 when he died a member of the famous 28th Maori Battalion on the front line first to go into battle. He was Northern Maori his tribe was Ngapuhi. Ngapuhi are a proud and strong tribe. With a long history of tough warriors. I hope we never forget what these brave men did for us. They died so we could have freedom and the great lives we have in New Zealand. This speech is a tribute to those soldiers and especially to my Great Grandfather, to Private Samuel Mendes of the 28th Maori Battalion. I want to thank you for the sacrifice you made for us.

Wow, this is sooo coool. It is the eve of ANZAC and I was sitting thinking about our brave soldiers and how lucky we are to have the life we do when I decided to google my grand fathers name....well and look what I found. This is amazing, Im so excited. It is great to see photos of my grandfather and his brothers, I'd heard the names before, but had never really made a connection - now I do. I never meet my grandfather, but I have heard some stories about how he went to war and left behind a daughter my aunty Helen and a son Alan(my father). We do have a photo of him, an exact photo of what is on here and and I think its still in its original photo frame. I remember my father talking about my grandfather and some of the things he knew -I know he thought highly of him and thought he was brave. I think he was too. I know I am very proud of my grandfather and I know my father will be too, soo early tomorrow morning I will waking up early to remember their bravery and their courage to fight for our country. Love you heaps Koro Dawn

Sunday 6th September,2020.

Tena koutou katoa,

My name is Patricia Hikuroa. I am a Lecturer at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi in Whangarei Campus. My research, Masters of Indigenous Studies paper is about the 28th ( Maori ) Battalion and an Unknown Soldier. Our Lecturer is Reuben Collier and he gave each Masters student in our study group a Military Number of an Unknown Soldier. Our first task was to enter the number into the 28th ( Maori ) Battalion site online. I am very fortunate to be researching Private Samuel Mendes from Motukaraka, Hokianga of Maori and Dalmatian Parents.

I am very privilreged to be studying about a very brave and courageous member of your Whanau; Private Samuel Mendes, 39382, of the 28th ( Maori ) Battalion. who is buried in The Military Cemetery at Cassino, Italy.

It will be my honour and absolute privilege to meetwith Whanau  or talk by phone, or communicate by email  with Whanau members of Private Samuel Mendes; to learn more about a hero who fought to save and free the People of North Africa, Crete and  the Italians at Cassino.

I have commenced writing a Report about Private Samuel Mendes which will be compiled from 28th (Maori ) Battalion websites, information online and from The Ministry of Defence but also it would be especially valued of information by Whanau and Schools about Private Samuel Mendes.

 

I will be very appreciative of any Whanau members of Private Samuel Mendes, 39382 who served with the  A Company, 28th ( Maori ) Battalion representing New Zealand during the World War Two after enlisting in 24th February, 1942.

May I acknowledge Private Samuel Mendes, 39382; for the  outstanding service and contributions when he  represented Ngai Tupoto and Ngapuhi during the Second World War in North Africa and Italy.

I shall respect and value any information about Private Samuel Mendes, 39382; that will be recorded in my Report about his life that he gave for the freedom that we enjoy at home in New Zealand.

 

Yours sincerely,

Patricia Hikuroa.