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Cenotaph record

Graham Douglas Birch

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Identity

About

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  • Title
  • Forenames
    Graham Douglas AWMM
  • Surname
    Birch AWMM
  • Ingoa
  • Also known as
  • Service number
    Vietnam 30663 AWMM
  • Gender
    Male AWMM
  • Iwi / Hapū / Waka / Rohe
  • Religion

Civilian life

About birth

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  • Birth
    20 March 1940 AWMM
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Birth notes
  • Address before enlistment
  • Post war occupation
  • Next of kin on embarkation
  • Relationship status

Service

Wars and conflicts

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Military decorations

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  • Medals and Awards
    • Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) (Military) AWMM
      NZ Gazette Number 57 dated 3 October 1966 CITATION Prior to his arrival in the Republic of Vietnam in July 1965 Captain Graham Douglas Birch held the appointment of Adjutant 16 Field Regiment, RNZA. In this and his subsequent employment as Unit Emplaning Officer and Observation Post Officer he was responsible for the detailed planning for the formation and movement of 161 Battery RNZA to Vietnam. His aptitude for organisation produced a unique airmobile battery which has proved highly efficient and flexible in all circumstances. His attention to detail and enthusiasm as Unit Emplaning Officer ensured the very successful air movement of the Battery from New Zealand, the first time an operational unit of the New Zealand Army had been so deployed. He carried out his duties as Observation Post Officer from 1 July 1965 to January 1966 with a high degree of professional skill, enthusiasm and complete disregard for his own personal safety or comfort, but always with concern for his fellow soldiers and those he was supporting. In January 1966 he assumed the appointment of Battery Captain at very short notice and again displayed his versatility in this exacting post, which entailed extensive duties involving detailed planning and organisation within the framework of 173rd Airborne Brigade, US Army, both at the unit base and whist the Battery was deployed in the field. In this his ardent zeal contributed very materially to the efficiency of the Battery. His devotion to duty, loyalty and leadership were an inspiration to all who worked with him. His good humour and cheerfulness, particularly in times of stress, contributed greatly to the high morale of the Battery and won for him the high regard and respect of all ranks. The example set by Captain Birch is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and reflects great credit upon himself, his Regiment and the New Zealand Army. AWMM
    • New Zealand Operational Service Medal AWMM
    • Vietnam Medal AWMM
    • South Vietnamese Presidential Unit Citation in the Colour of the Cross of Gallantry with Palm AWMM

Training and Enlistment

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  • Military training
  • Branch Trade Proficiency
  • Enlistment
    Vietnam Soldier/Military AWMM
  • Occupation before enlistment
  • Age on enlistment

Embarkations

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Prisoner of war

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  • Capture details
  • Days interned
  • Liberation date
  • Liberation Repatriation
  • POW liberation details
  • POW serial number

Medical history

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  • Medical notes

Last known rank

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  • Last rank

Biographical information

Biographical information

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  • Husband of Janine, father of Peter, Colin, Catherine.

    Service held in Tauranga.

    Read citation for MBE gazetted 3 Oct 1966. Served NZ Army 1957-1996. Initial FO in Kenning Battery. Retired as Brigadier. AWMM

Death

About death

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  • Death
    16 March 2013 AWMM
    Age 72 AWMM
    Tauranga, Bay of Plenty AWMM
  • Date of death
  • Age at death
  • Place of death
  • Cause of death
  • Death notes
  • Cemetery
    Cremated at Tauranga Cemeteries and Crematorium, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand AWMM
  • Cemetery name
  • Grave reference
  • Obituary
    Death Notice: New Zealand Herald, 18 and 19 March 2013 AWMM
  • Memorial name
  • Memorial reference

Memorials

Memorial

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  • Memorial name

Roll of Honour

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Sources

Sources

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