Colonel Humphrey Dyer

Colonel Humphrey Goring Dyer was the second commander of the Māori Battalion.  He was also Battalion 2 I/C and spent two years as commanding officer to D Company.

He was abruptly relieved of his command in May 1942.  This was tied to a store of enemy weapons that the Battalion had in its possession. These were supposed to have been handed in to Brigade Headquarters.  Dyer, had allowed the men to take with them much of what they had acquired between Sollum and Gazala. Dyer was ordered by Headquarters to turn these in, but Dyer refused believing this would breach his troops' trust.  He asked to be relieved of his command before being required to carry out the order. (Soutar, 2008, pp 214-215)