The Story of the Maori Battalion (by Wira Gardiner)

• 1992 First edition. 208 pages incl. index
• Publisher: Reed, NZ
• Format: Hard cover, black boards with dust jacket
• Condition. Very Good. Minor edge wear

Te Mura O Te Ahi

In Te Mura o te Ahi, Wira Gardiner (Ng?ti Awa, Ng?ti Pikiao, Whakat?hea, Te Whanau-?-Apanui) recounts the story of the M?ori Battalion, from its early beginnings to its eventual disbandment. The book sets out to portray how M?ori soldiers coped with the pressures on and off the battlefield during the Second World War. In this way Gardiner explores the lives, tragedies, humour, savagery and outstanding bravery of the M?ori soldiers. The Battalion produced a number of outstanding individuals whose exploits have passed into legend, and several leaders who made an unforgettable impression on their men.

Wira Gardiner interviewed several of the surviving veterans, whose personal accounts and photographs add a note of authenticity to the narrative. Of particular note are Gardiner’s insights into the Battalion’s military engagements and strategies, based on his own war experiences.