Surname
Takarangi
Forename(s)
James Wirihana
Also known as
Jim | Hemi
Date of death
Jan-09
Place of death
Wanganui, New Zealand
World War 2
Serial No
816576
Rank
Private
Address on enlistment
3 Anzac Parade, Whanganui, New Zealand
Notes
Editor's note: his middle name was incorrectly recorded on enlistment as Wirihaua.
See Tributes flow for Māori Battalion President (TVNZ)
Comments (3)
Please correct his name
Submitted by B Reuben on Mon, 19/10/2009 - 08:59
It is all likely that Jimmy
Submitted by freda.moffitt (not verified) on Mon, 16/07/2018 - 14:33
It is all likely that Jimmy enlisted with names shown on record. For purely practical reasons Military records will specify as informed by the recruit. In 2006 Jimmy participated in an audio/visual interview. Content reveals aspects of his service. Along with Bill Potaka-Osborne, Jimmy supported members of more recent theatres, that in 2004-5 worked to establish the 28th Maori Battalion Association Whanganui Branch. Material in hand, will be provided for this site.
Incorrect spelling of Maori Names
Submitted by Lee-Ora Lusis (not verified) on Fri, 12/02/2021 - 21:36
I beg to differ in response to your email. Many Maori names have been transcribed incorrectly. I doubt very much that my Uncle spelt his middle name incorrectly, it is a whanau name and spelling it incorrectly would have been an insult to his whanau, a whanau who are very proud and held in high regard.. I have also corrected my great grand uncles name who’s middle name was also spelt incorrectly.
Military records do get it wrong. Not only with spelling but in my own fathers records they report in his medical examination that he had brown eyes. His eyes were green, not even a hazel colour that may have been mistaken for brown but green.