Soldier honoured in museum

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 21, 28 October 1987, Page 7

Soldier honoured in museum

Returned Servicemen who were part of the Second NZ Expeditionary Force and Army officials gathered last week to pay homage to a distinguished soldier decorated for his supreme leadership and raw courage during two World Wars. Bernard Freyberg was a trainee dentist living in Levin, before he went to England at the outbreak of the First World War, an unknown Kiwi with almost no military experience. By chance he managed to secure a commission in Winston Churchill's Royal Naval Division. He fought in the conflicts at Gallipoli and on the battlefields of' Northern France and, by 1918, had risen to the rank of Brigadier-General, with a Victoria Cross and three Distinguished Service Orders to his credit. Freyberg offered his services to the Armed Forces once again at the onset of World War II. He led the Second NZ Expeditionary Force in some of the most desperate battles of that war. The exploits of Lord Freyberg VC are recorded in an exhibition at the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Museum at Waiouru. The 'Freyberg Exhibition' was officially opened to

the public by the Army's Chief of General Staff, Major-General John Mace and Sir William Gentry last Wednesday, to coincide with the launching of the television documentary 'Freyberg VC'. A bust was unveiled by Sir William, a close friend of the late Lord Freyberg. Sir William spoke glowingly of the man and referred to him as an unassuming man of great courage who was regarded with great affection by everyone who knew him. The exhibition's opening was preceded by a prayer and blessing offered by the Rev. Keith Elliot, VC.