Dear Warren Wichman, The 105mm Howitzer provided by the NZ Defence Force, was for the contribution Cook Island men and women have made to the NZ Defence Force from WW1 onwards.

This includes WW2 (Coastwatcher’s), Korea, Malaya/Borneo, Vietnam, conflicts in the Middle East and Western Pacific.  From a personal point of view, my drive to acquire this particular gun, was due to its Vietnam legacy with 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery and the Cook Islanders involved in that war.   It was one of many that provided Direct Fire Support to Australia’s D Coy 6 RAR, at the Battle of Long Tan.  This action may have seen the Company of 108 men (including 3 New Zealanders) wiped out without such accurate Fire Support.

To the Royal New Zealand Artillery, the gun is considered as its colours.  There are no flags to fly on parade.  Etched on the barrel of each gun is the crest of the reigning monarch in this case Queen Elizabeth II. To Gunners the gun is treated with care and respect.

Regarding the costs of flying the gun over.  Due to the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui late last year, the RNZAF were flying ongoing trips to Samoa to support Navy activities.  This enabled NZDF Disposals to re-route a flight to Samoa via Rarotonga.  If this did not happen a local personality did offer to pay to freight the gun over.  Costs considered minimal.

In closing Warren, the Cook Islands RSA has a duty of care towards Veterans Welfare and to be mindful of family issues that may arise from that veteran’s problems.  ANZAC Day is a Day of Remembrance of those men and women who have served and passed on.  It will not be forgotten.  At the end of the day, we will say:

“We will remember them”

“Lest we Forget”

And We Won’t.

Denis Dwane

Welfare Officer

CIRSA.