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Haere ra Brothers

 

A memorable 2014 visit from six U.S.World War II veterans now has added poignancy as the Trust has learnt that four of the six men who called themselves “The Band of Brothers” have died over the past year.

 Band of Brothers

 

The group of Marines, then aged 88-93 all trained in New Zealand as part of the Second Marine Division – prior to fighting in the four-day Battle of Tarawa.  They were all stationed in Camps in Kapiti and Porirua.

In the past year veterans: Arvin J. Bowden, San Antonio, Texas; C.J. Daigle, Cincinnati, Ohio;  James Morrow, Sommerville, South Carolina and C.; Dean Woodward, Pittsburg, Texas have all passed. The two remaining members of the group are Dean Ladd, Seattle, Washington; Wendell Perkins, Walnut Grove, California. 

Trust Chair Jenny Rowan says: It is incredibly sad to see these remarkable men pass on. They were all fantastic people and their life-long enthusiasm for New Zealand was heart-warming and inspiring. Our loving thoughts are with their families and loved ones.

“Visits like these give us real motivation for the work we do. They keep us inspired to create a place where future generations can come to learn about the lives of over 15,000 young Marines who lived and trained on our land before fighting in the Pacific war.”

The Battle of Tarawa came at a considerable human cost with more than 5,000 Japanese and 1,000 U.S. lives lost.

 

Band of Brothers

The Brothers leaving L.A. Airport on their way to New Zealand.  Left to right (front row): Dean Woodward, Dean Ladd, A.J.Bowden. (Back Row): Tour leader Mark Noah, Jim Morrow, Wendell Perkins, A.J.Daigle.

 

 

 

Band of Brothers

 
 

Band of Brothers images

The Brothers visiting Tarawa to repatriate the bodies of their brothers killed in World War II. Read more in a 2014 story called Mission Accomplished

C.J.Daigle looks at the U.S.Marines exhibit at the Paekakariki Station Museum

C.J.Daigle looks at the U.S.Marines exhibit at the Paekakariki Station Museum.

 Jim Morrow visiting the U.S.Marines Hall in Titahi Bay.

Jim Morrow visiting the U.S.Marines Hall in Titahi Bay.  He was stationed at this Camp during World War II. Read more about Porirua Camps.

N.Z.Soldier presents a wreath at the U.S.Marines Memorial

N.Z.Soldier presents a wreath at the U.S.Marines Memorial in 2014. Brothers in the background are:  C.J.Daigle, Jim Morrow, A.J.Bowden and Wendell Perkins.

 

 

 

 
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