VICTORIA CROSS MEDAL AWARD
Second Lieutenant Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, 28th (Maori) Battalion, 2NZEF
Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu was the first Māori soldier to win the VC. A second lieutenant in the 28th (Maori) Battalion’s C Company, he took part in the assault at Tebaga Gap, Tunisia, in March 1943. The battalion’s objective was a strategically important hill known as Point 209. The first task was to take high ground below the summit. Ngārimu led his platoon up one of these lower hills on 26 March, personally knocking out several machine-gun posts. After capturing the crest, his men repelled a number of fierce German counter-attacks during the night. Despite wounds to his shoulder and leg, Ngārimu refused to leave his position. He was killed the next morning fighting off another enemy attack.
His VC was presented to his parents at a hui at Ruatōria on 6 October 1943. He was born at Wharepango, on the East Coast, Gisborne area, on 7 April 1919.
I have to paste this here. RIP Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu. His bravery and determination has earned him the VC medal. This must be very difficult his family but the memories live on.
Hey Sam,
ReplyDeleteIt's Jade C here from the Summer Learning Journey team.
Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngārimu was a very courageous and brave soldier and His family would've missed him greatl. We all need to remember those brave soldiers who lost their valuable lives in the war.
I chose Charles Upham. He is the only person to be given 2 VCs. He is considered as a hero and one of the people who changed the history. What I've learnt from this is that just one ordinary person can change the history by his or her actions. I hope you enjoyed researching about the world war.
I look forward to reading more of your posts!
All the best,
Jade C.