Matiu Ropata

In memoriam

Service Number ~ 26022 Unit ~ 28 (Maori) Battalion, D Company Enlistment Address ~ Care of D. Macdonald, Bag 87, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand Occupation on Enlistment ~ Labourer Next of Kin ~ Mrs Waimatai Ropata (mother), Te Uhi, North Clyde, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand Campaign ~ He was the Son of Wheti Ropata and of Warmatai Ropata (nee Paul), of Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. "During the campaign in Greece, the Maori Battalion were positioned defensively around the Olympus Pass. D Company were in the area of Skotina. During the German advance, 16 Platoon of D Company were attacked through the mist by German infantry. A confused melee took place at close quarters in the mist. Maori yells answered the shouting enemy, but 16 platoon, in their firing pits, were overrun. Corporal Taituha took cover behind a tree and it was his determined stand that permitted his section to move back. He kept shooting until the butt of his rifle was blown off and he was so seriously wounded that he was later left for dead. Private Ropata refused to move and fought on until mortally wounded." [Pg 61 Official History of the Maori Battalion J F Cody] Source: NZ War Graves Project...

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