Staff Sergeant R. Bluett, MM; Taneatua; born Whakatane, 25 Apr 1920; labourer; twice wounded. (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p.391.)

'The 23rd Battalion was sent off soon after the Maoris had settled in; its first objective was San Martino a Cossi and it had a hard fight to take and hold the village. Colonel Young was directed towards Tavarnelle, about three miles away along a highway running north-east. Patrols reported that the country in front was almost deserted and it was thought that 23 Battalion had scared the enemy away. One enemy party was located and dealt with. Lieutenant Hubbard (B Company) was returning from a fruitless quest when he saw suspicious movement in a two-storied house near by. Private Bluett volunteered to go and look the place over and disappeared into the undergrowth. He wormed his way into the house and on the ground floor surprised a German who was sent out with his hands in the air. An officer appeared on the stairs, fired at Bluett and missed; Bluett fired his tommy gun and did not miss. He then ran up the stairs, burst through a hastily closed door, wounded two more Germans and killed a third.' (Source: Cody, J.F. 28 Maori Battalion. p. 391.) AWMM