White crosses have been erected at Auckland Museum to commemorate the Battle of Somme where the many New Zealanders were killed or wounded during WWI. The Battle of the Somme was NZ's first major engagement on the Western Front.
This year marks 100 years since the Battle of the Somme.
Auckland RSA spokesperson Stephen Clarke says, “Up to that point it was the worst battle for New Zealanders at that time. And it's the first time where they went into the mud of the Western Front.”
Tonight 855 white crosses have been erected in the Field of Remembrance at the Auckland Museum to commemorate those of the wider Auckland region who fought and died in 1916.
The Battle of the Somme was the worst day in British military history. It was also estimated that 3,438 NZ soldiers would march to their deaths.
“The New Zealanders first day of the Somme was on the 15th of September. They got their objective but it was at a cost on that single day alone of 600 lives including over 50 Māori soldiers,” says Clarke.
One of them was Lieutenant Henare Kohere who will feature in this year's ANZAC coverage followed closely by the famous opera singer, Kiri Te Kanawa and her student, Kawiti Waetford.
A ceremony to restore the mana of this tranquil land.