Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu
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Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu (7 April 1918-27 March 1943) he grew up in Ruatoria in New Zealand. He was the recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
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[edit] Details
He was 24 years old, and a Second Lieutenant in the 28th Battalion, 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 26/27 March 1943 during the action at Tobaga Gap, Tunisia, Second Lieutenant Ngarimu, who was commanding a platoon in a vital hill feature strongly held by the enemy, led his men straight up the face of the hill and was first on the crest. He personally destroyed two machine-gun posts and owing to his inspired leadership several counter-attacks were beaten off during the night. He was twice wounded but refused to leave his men. By morning when only two of his platoon remained unwounded, reinforcements arrived. When the next counter-attack was launched, however, Second Lieutenant Ngarimu was killed.
Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu was an indigenous New Zealander, or Maori. He was of the Ngati Porou and Te Whanau-a-Apanui Tribes. The 28th Battalion was also know as "The Maori Battalion".
[edit] The medal
It was presented to his parents by the governor general, Sir Cyril Newall, at a hui at Ruatoria on 6 October 1943 attended by government leaders, diplomatic representatives and local people.
The only Victoria Cross ever awarded to a Maori, it was displayed in the Tairawhiti Museum’s (Gisborne New Zealand) Prize of Citizenship Gallery during 2004.
[edit] Reference
Waiouru war memorial museum
[edit] External links
- Second Lieutenant M.N.K. Ngarimu in The Art of War exhibition at the UK National Archives
- Ngarimu M.
- New Zealand Troops who have won the Victoria Cross (brief biography details)
