Noema Rapoi Keelan

Forenames

Noema Rapoi AWMM

Surname

Keelan AWMM

Also known as

Paddy AWMM

Service number

67430 AWMM

Gender

Male AWMM

Iwi / Hapū / Waka / Rohe

Iwi Māori, Māori AWMM

Date of birth

b. 1921

Public - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 17 July 2023 - https://www.nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/noema-rapoi-keelan

Place of birth

East Coast, Gisborne

Public - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 17 July 2023 - https://www.nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/noema-rapoi-keelan

Birth notes

Son of Joseph and Nqawini Keelan, of Waitakaro, East Coast

Public - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 17 July 2023 - https://www.nzwargraves.org.nz/casualties/noema-rapoi-keelan

Address before enlistment

Unknown AWMM Huanui Station, Tolaga Bay, New Zealand AWMM

Next of kin

Mr J. Keelan, Ruatoria, New Zealand AWMM

Relationship status

Unknown AWMM Single AWMM

War

World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM

Campaign

Italy AWMM

Armed force / branch

Army AWMM

Service number

67430 AWMM

Enlistment

WW2 Shepherd/Civilian AWMM

Embarkation details

WW2 Lance Corporal/Military AWMM Infantry Reinforcements AWMM Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF), 8th Reinforcements AWMM

Medical notes

Killed on Active Service, Cause of Death AWMM

Last rank

Private Soutar, M. (2008). Nga tama toa.
28 (Maori) Battalion, C Company Soutar, M. (2008). Nga tama toa.

Son of Joseph and Nqawini Keelan, of Waitakaro,

Next of kin listed in the Auckland Museum. Roll of Honour, Auckland Province, 1939 - 1945 as Mr J. keelan, Ruatoria. Paddy, name recorded in Soutar (2008) AWMM

Death

23 Dec 1943 AWMM
Age  22 AWMM

Cause of death

Killed on Active Service AWMM

Cemetery

Sangro River War Cemetery, Italy AWMM IX. C. 41. AWMM

Obituary

Keelan. —ln fond and loving memory of our dear cousin and nephew, Pte, Rangiora, killed in action, March 26th, 1943.
In mind a constant thought, In heart a silent sorrow.' —lnserted by his loving cousin and little Uncle, Privates Sonny Sadlier ahd Digger Crawford (overseas).
Keelan.— ln loving memory of our dear brother and uncle, Rangiora, who was killed in Tunisia, March 26. 1943.
For England’s cause his blood was spilt.
He did his duty.
—Ever reniembered by his sister Julie, brother-in-law, Thomas, and little nephew, Witi.
Keelan. —ln loving memory of our dear brother and uncle Pte. Rangiora (Rangi), killed in action, March 26. 1943.
A loss like this is a glorious gain,
How pitiful proud are we.
But peace must be bought with blood and pain,
And the one. we loved has paid.
—Inserted by Molly, Tom and family.
Keelan. —ln fond and loving memory of our dearly beloved brother, Rangiora, killed in action, March 26, 1943.
At rest in God’s beautiful garden.
—Inserted by his loving brother, sister-in-law and children, Nacy and Girlie, Sonny Boy and twins. Keelan.— ln loving memory of our dear brother, Pte. Rangiora Keelan, killed in action March 26, 1943.
Gone but not forgotten.
A -beautiful memory dearer than gold,
A brother whose worth can never be told;
A loving smile and a happy face
Will always linger in our hearts,
—inserted by his loving sister, Hero, and brother-in-law, Major.
Keelan. —Treasured memories of my dear cousin, Rangiora, who was killed in action at 209 point Tunisia, March 26. 1943.
Some may think I have forgotten you
When they see me smile,
They little know the heartache
That lies behind the smile.
Sadly missed as this is the first sad year.
Moe Mai e Rangi Korua Koto Tamaiti Ko Wiri Otaiha Me o Tuakana E Kore koutou E Wareware.
—lnserted by his loving cousin, Mabel, Michie

Public - Lorraine Mona - Researcher - 22 February 2024 - GISBORNE HERALD, VOLUME LXXI, ISSUE 21363, 25 MARCH 1944, PAGE 1

Memorial name

• Auckland War Memorial Museum, World War 2 Hall of Memories AWMM
• Gisborne First World War Memorial, The Esplanade, Kaiti, Gisborne AWMM

Related objects

External links

• 28 (Maori) Battalion Roll of Honour originally published in Cody (1956). Digital copy
  http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Maor-_N100649.html
  Sources Used
• Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington: Dept. of Internal Affairs, War History Branch. Digital copy.
  https://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/webarchive/20210104000423/http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Maor.html
  Sources Used
• 28th Maori Battalion Website 1941-1945
  http://www.28maoribattalion.org.nz/
  Further Reference
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission record
  https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/2375417
  Sources Used

References

• Auckland Museum. Roll of Honour, Auckland Province, 1939 - 1945. Auckland War Memorial Museum Library. MS 93/139.
• Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. (1945). Nominal Roll Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force No. 9 (Embarkations from 1st July, 1942 to 31st December, 1942). Wellington, N.Z.: Govt. Printer.
  WW2 9: WW2 213
• Soutar, M. (2008). Nga tama toa = The price of citizenship : C Company 28 (Maori) Battalion 1939-1945. Albany, N.Z.: David Bateman.
  Portrait published in Soutar (2008)
• Cody, J. (1956). 28 (Maori) Battalion. Wellington, N.Z.: Department of Internal Affairs, War History Branch.