Maori Battalion '39er passes away

JOHN SELKIRK

REUNION: Takamoana Delamere, right, with fellow '39er Arthur Midwood at the final Maori Battalion reunion at Orakei Marae this month.

Ten days after attending the last 28th Maori Battalion reunion, one of their two '39ers has passed away.

Takamoana Delamere signed up with the battalion in 1939 and fought through the whole war with C Company.

His family announced he died yesterday.

His body was being taken to Omaio Marae in Opotiki today.

The battalion's only surviving '39 is Arthur Midwood, 91 of B Company.

Both men were together on Auckland's Orakei Marae two weekends ago for what was billed as the last reunion, although some members insist they will keep meeting until the last man is standing.

Mr Delamere's death leaves just 48 known members of the battalion alive.

Both Mr Delamere and Mr Midwood asked to be photographed together last week. It's the last photo of the `39ers.

Mr Delamere had suffered a stroke and was very ill.

"Age is catching up," Mr Midwood said.

"After all these years, we are down to the last . . . . As long as I can still walk, I'll be here."

Almost 3600 men served overseas with the Maori Battalion between 1940 and 1945. Of these, 649 were killed in action or died on active service. The men also served in Greece, Libya and North Africa.

- © Fairfax NZ News