Over the course of WWII, approximately 140,000 New Zealanders were sent overseas to serve in the war. Many were sent to fight in huge battles, including the Battle of the Atlantic that lasted for 2064 days (over 5 years)! The Battle of the Atlantic came to an end in 1943, in large part due to the heroic efforts of people like Lloyd Trigg, a pilot from New Zealand. He was awarded a special medal from the New Zealand Government for his bravery. It is called a Victoria Cross (‘VC’ for short). A total of 22 New Zealanders have been awarded VCs.
Click on this link to find a list of VC winners. Choose one from the Second World War, and read about him. On your blog tell us about him. Who was he? What did he do to earn a Victoria Cross medal?
For this activity I chose Farrier Sergeant-Major William Hardham, 4th NZ Contingent.
William Hardham was the first New Zealand born serviceman to receive the VC. He won his award in South Africa serving with the fourth New Zealand Contingent. After Williams unit was ambushed, he rode back up to save a wounded soldier under heavy fires. His was the only VC won by a New Zealander during the South African war.
Kia Ora again Annalisa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for completing this activity and picking an admirable war hero! I just read a little bit more about Farrier Sergeant Major William Hardham, and not only did he ride up to save a wounded soldier under heavy fires, but he placed this soldier on to his horse and then ran alongside the horse back to safety— incredible!
Who is your modern day hero?
Cheers,
Jordan