Roddy (Herbert Roderick Francis) de Stacpoole was born on 26 March 1929 at Fraser Road, Takapau, Central Hawke’s Bay. His parents Francis and Marion de Stacpoole had five children and he was the only son. His father served in the Irish Guards in World War 1 and Roddy’s middle and day-to-day name was in remembrance of Francis’s youngest brother, a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery who was killed in action on 11 March 1915.
Schooled at Star of the Sea in Seatoun and St Patrick’s College Silverstream. While at Silverstream from 1940-46 he was in the school cadets for four years (with the rank of Private) and in the ATC for three years (Sergeant). Enlisted in the Territorial Force on 2 February 1950 and was posted to the 1st Battalion Hawke’s Bay Regiment with the rank of Private.
Roddy’s Kayforce service commenced with enlistment on 29 August 1950 with the rank of Temporary Lance Corporal. Posted to 16 Field Regiment Royal New Zealand Artillery.
On 10 December 1950 he embarked on the SS Ormonde and travelled with the main body to Korea via Brisbane and the Philippines. Entered Korea on 31 December 1950. Promoted to Sergeant on 9 January 1951. As a member of 163 Battery he fought at Kapyong in April 1951. The regimental history records that this was 16 Field Regiment’s first major battle when the Chinese attacked in great strength and sought to achieve a complete breakthrough. For four days the regiment was to fire almost without pause. Eleven gunners from 163 Battery were killed or wounded as a direct result of enemy infantry action. On 1 November 1951 the President of the Republic of Korea issued 16 Field Regiment with a Presidential Unit Citation “for exceptionally meritorious service and heroism”.
Served overseas 1 year and 220 days, arriving back in New Zealand on 16 July 1952. In total Roddy served 2 years 14 days and was discharged on 10 September 1952 holding the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Awarded the Korea Medal and the UN Medal with Korea Clasp.
On 29 January 1955 Roddy married Doreen Windle at St Vincent’s Church, Takapau and they had three children: Derek, Michael and Rayma.
Roddy de Stacpoole died on 25 August 2004, aged 75, and is buried at the Takapau Cemetery.
Public - Michael - Child - 1 September 2015 - Acknowledgements:
1) The New Zealand Defence Force Personnel Archives & Medals, Trentham Military Camp, Upper Hutt.
2) 16 Field Regiment Royal New Zealand Artillery. (1976). Some Aspects of Regimental History 1950-1976. Retrieved from http://www.rnzaa.org.nz/sites/all/files/Regt%20history%201975%2C%20updated.pdf
3) Compiled and published by Howard Chamberlain. (2013). The New Zealand Korea Roll : Honouring Those Who Served in the New Zealand Armed Forces in Korea 1950-1957.