|
|
 | This site has been created to present the WW2 stories of the men of the 23rd Battalion - a Battalion in which my father served (from the 8th reinforcements). I am lucky that Fred Marrett, current President of the 23rd battalion Association, passed on the stories you see here. |  |
|
Photo's page Links page "Episodes of War": R. J. Clucas - POW 'Hargest Story' - Ken Hargest, son of Brigadier James Hargest, follows his fathers "foot-steps'. 23rd Battalion Association Newsletter excerpts: (Issues not mentioned, I don't have. If there is no link, I haven't posted it yet.) No. 1 Jul 1995 No. 3 Mar 1996 No. 5 Nov 1996 No. 7 Jun 1997 No. 8 Oct 1997 No. 9 Mar 1998 No. 10 Jul1998 No. 11 Nov 1998 No. 12 Mar 1999 No. 13 Jul 1999 No. 14 Nov 1999 No. 15 Mar 2000 No. 16 Jul 2000 No. 17 Nov 2000 |
The 23rd Battalion was the South Island Infantry attached to 5th Infantry Brigade of 2NZEF raised on a volunteer basis. They boarded the 'Andes' in Lyttelton (Christchurch) on 1 May 1940, and sailed on 2 May as part of the 2nd Echelon. They were expected to go to the Middle East, but during the voyage they were diverted to the UK because of the crisis in Europe. They eventually joined the Division in the Middle East in March 1941, and thereafter took part in every campaign:
The Battalion was totally committed. A total of over 5,200 men passed through the unit having been brought up to strength from a total of 15 Reinforcements sent from New Zealand. The Battalion was disbanded on 28 January 1946, but it's spirit lives on. The 23rd Battalion Association has been very active over the years, to ensure their members deeds do not go forgotten. |
|
 |
To Ian's War site |
Contact the Webmaster. © February 2001, George McNeur, Christchurch N.Z.. |