I remember Grandad saying the reason he and all of his brothers returned home despite serving in 28 Maori Battalion, with one of the highest casualty rates of any New Zealand unit, was because they could run faster than everyone else! It wasn't true of course. Grandad fought in every major battle from Crete to El Alamein, survived the horrors of Monte Cassino, and served with distinction. It was just pure luck they all lived when so many of their comrades didn't, and the fact he rarely - if ever - mentioned the war shows that, although never physically wounded, he still carried scars. A quiet man, ever present, while a little gruff, always gentle. It wasn't until after he died and I learned more about the war, the 28 Battalion and how he came to be a part of its story that I realised how much was hiding behind his silence. Lest we forget.

I know you Great Grandad. My normal Grandad told me about you. Love John-Allan Lambert, age 7

Grandad , I remember visiting you and Nanna as a young boy , you would tell me off if I tried to pinch a lolly from your lolly jar ! I remember mum saying you never liked to talk about your time at war , now as an adult I can begin to understand why . Grandad we all thank you and your brothers for the great sacrifices you made and the hellish experiences you must have suffered so far from home at such a young age . Lest we forget . RIP Grandad

Grandad, you are remembered fondly and not just for your lolly jar! Your grin and doing crosswords in your lazy boy are what I recall. While we were young we had no idea what you endured during your time at war. You didn't talk about it and we were to young to understand. Thank you for volunteering and serving Aotearoa. Your story and the story of New Zealand's sacrifices will be told to our children and generations to come. Your contribution will not be forgotten. Arohanui, Caron.

Thank you Dad for your contribution to making our place a better place to live. You and your brothers made a significant contribution when you signed up. RIP