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The Story of a Maori Chief

Sergeant Ian Tawhai Kohere

Sergeant Ian Tawhai Kohere

Ian Tawhai Kohere, second son of the Rev. Poihipi M. Kohere and great-grandson of Mokena Kohere, left in the Sixth Reinforcements in 1941. After training in Egypt he went with the New Zealand Division for rest in Syria, was in the memorable journey of the Division from Syria to Egypt and in the great battle of Alamein, was severely wounded and was lucky to escape with his life. A bullet grazed his back and entered under his right shoulder into his lung. When convalescent he went to Palestine on furlough. He saw everything there to be seen. What interested him most was the orange groves and the fine farms. In November, 1942, he went with the Division to Italy, landing at Bari. He was at Cassino and went as far as Fienza, where he returned to Egypt.

When asked what was his unique experience in Italy, Sergeant Kohere said it was the intense cold at Orsogna. All the time they were there they could not get warm. It was a terrible experience. Their boots were wet night and day, and the only thing they could do was to change their socks once a day. Even with their greatcoats and blankets wrapped round them they could not get warm. He wondered how the poor muleteers could stand the cold and carry out their job. They page 84 had to choose night time to visit the lines with their mules to bring food and ammunition, and they did it in spite of the intense cold and snow. The Germans were only about fifty yards from them. It was a happy day when they left Orsogna.