Exhibition returns to Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 419, 14 January 1992, Page 5

Exhibition returns to Waiouru

One of the most colourful characters in Ncw Zealand's history, Lieutenant-General Sir Bemard Freyberg, is the subject of a special exhibition to be opened at the Army Memorial Museum in Waiouru on Friday 17 Januaiy. The exhibition is

having its second showing, having previously been displayed in 1987. Most people will be familiar with Freyberg's role as General Officer commanding the 2nd New Zealand division in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy during

the Second World War. In addition to examining Freyberg the soldier, "Freyberg, VC" reveals a sportsman, strikebreaker and would-be politician who rose to become Governer-Gen-eral of New Zealand. The exhibition commences with Freyberg's decision to turn his back on the relatively quiet life of a dentist to ride with Massey's Cossacks during the 1912 strike, and his subsequent departure from New Zealand in search of adventure (which was to include fighting in the Mexican Revolution) He reappeared as a British Officer at Gallipoli, and went on to win the Victoria Cross and two Distinguished Service Orders during the first World War. His potential as one of the British Army's most brilliant officers seemed to have been dashed in the 1930's when he was discharged with health problems, but was later resurrected and fulfilled as a Divisional Commander and, later, one of our most respccted Gov-erner-General. He emcrges as a man almost unavoidable destined for greatness. "Freyberg, VC" will rcmain on display at the Army Muscum until midMarch.