Last surviving member of Māori Battalion Sir Robert Gillies dies at 99
rnz.co.nz — November 7, 2024, 06:01 AM UTC
Sir Robert Gillies, the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion, has died at 99. He served in World War II from 1942 to 1945 and was knighted in 2022, dedicating the honor to his fellow Māori soldiers. Gillies, born in Rotorua, initially failed to enlist twice before joining at 17 by lying about his age. He expressed that the knighthood was for the more than 3,000 Māori who served and did not receive recognition. Reflecting on his wartime experience, Gillies advised his younger self to "stay home." His passing marks the end of an era for the Māori Battalion's legacy.