Interview with Sir Charles Bennett

Sir Charles Moihi Te Arawaka Bennett gives details of his family background. His father, Frederick Augustus Bennett, was the first Maori Bishop of Aotearoa. His grandfather, Jackson Bennett, was the first surveyor-general of New Zealand. Explains his father married Arihia Rangioue Hemana of Maketu, who was of prominent Te Arawa descent. Describes being raised in Maketu by his grandparents while his parents lived at Hastings. Recalls use of Maori language at Maketu School and that the headmaster, A.F. Burnett, suggested he continue education at Te Aute College.

Describes attending Te Aute, getting used to the discipline and some loneliness. Talks about E.G. (Ernest Going) Loten the headmaster who instilled principles, philosophies and some religion. Discusses decision to become a teacher and training at Christchurch while studying for a BA in History at Canterbury University College. Comments that he was one of the few Maori at college or university and that while he did not meet overt prejudice he had to consciously embrace Pakeha ways.

Discusses the beginning of World War II, the non-conscription of Maori and Sir Apirana Ngata's appeal to Maori to fight. Recalls viewing the War as an opportunity to see the world. Comments that of seven boys in his family, who went to war, five joined the Maori Battalion. Describes training at Trentham and Palmerston North: the discipline of training and finishing the course as an officer. Mentions George Dittmer, the Commanding Officer, the second in command George Bertrand and the Regimental Sergeant Major, Ace Woods. Describes how they were organised into tribal groups and fought as whanau. Notes that A Division was the Auckland area, B Division was Taupo, Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, C Division was Ngati Porou (East Coast) and D Division was Hawkes Bay, Taranaki and the South Island. Comments on being taught to use his talents for the betterment of Maori. Describes his career progression from platoon commander to company commander then battalion commander.

Recalls going overseas and landing in England where the Maori Battalion was well received. Describes broadcasting for the BBC and the response by Lord Haw-Haw. Recalls the Maori Battalion's first active duty in the Greek mountains and the impossibility of stopping the Germans. Describes being withdrawn and going to Crete. Gives details of the mission against German airborne invasion. Discusses the plan of attack, German possession of the Maleme airfield, and accounts for the mission's ultimate failure. Describes how the Maori Battalion trekked across mountains to the other side of the island to be evacuated and how some of the troops were left behind. Recalls arriving in Egypt where reinforcements were waiting.

Discusses Dittmer's wounding in Libya and successive replacements: Colonel Love, Colonel Fred Baker, Major Hart until, and in November 1942, he (Bennett) was offered the position of commanding officer of the Maori Battalion by Kippenberger. Comments on Kippenberger and General Freyberg. Recalls taking over command in the middle of El Alamein. Describes in detail the battle of Point 209 where Lieutenant Ngarimu was killed, posthumously receiving a VC. Talks about the battle of Takrouna.

Venue - Te Puke : 1993

Sponsored by - Ministry of External Relations

Interviewer(s) - Jim Sullivan

Quantity: 6 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - edited transcript, OHA-1000.

Search dates: 1993

Alternative form available: Once permission is given a digital copy of the recording is available in the Library's Reading Room. Listening copies are available at OHLCD-1288 to OHLCD-1292 and OHLC-1301D