NZ naval contribution commemorated in special ceremony

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 3:56p.m.

By Dan Parker

One of New Zealand’s most important naval contributions ever has been honoured at a special ceremony at the National War Memorial.

The surviving veterans of the battle of the river plate have commemorated the 70th anniversary of New Zealand’s first military engagement with Germany during the second world war.

While just a few veterans from the Battle of the River Plate survive, their heroics remain widely celebrated 70 years on.

“We remember the great bravery of the crews of Exeter, Achilles and Ajax in immediately attacking a ship far more powerful than themselves, and pursuing her to the limits of their ability despite the danger,” says Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Tony Parr.

In 1939 sailors on the HMS Achilles joined with allied forces to attack a pocket battleship called the Admiral Graf Spee.

The 82 minute conflict saw 108 killed, including two New Zealanders – but it led to the destruction of one of Nazi Germany’s most formidable warships.

“We all went mad,” says Eddie Telford who sailed on the HMS Achilles. “We came up on deck and when she burst into flames we all went mad. We yahooed and yelled and shouted and screamed.”

While the battle was fought in Uruguayan waters, news of the victory spread fast and wide.

When the Kiwi sailors on the Achilles arrived back in New Zealand, 100,000 people from all around the country lined Auckland’s Queen Street to welcome them home.

“We were the first New Zealand troops in action as well as being the first naval battle of the war, and to me that is quite something,” says Vince McGlone of the HMS Achilles.

Mr McGlone was stationed in the Achilles gun turret, which now sits at the gates of the Devonport naval base.

It is a source of pride for our armed forces – must like the remaining veterans of that famous victory.

3 News

Become a fan of 3 News on Facebook and on Twitter.