Battle of Messines

By David Taylor | Posted: Wednesday June 7, 2017

On the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Messines Teddy George a Year 11 student represented Otago Boys' High School.

Old Boy David Taylor was present and was delighted that an OBHS pupil was at the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Messines in Belgium  He was there with his father and both laid wreaths.

Governor General Patsy Reddy was present and there was a good crowd to remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought a century ago. It was also a moment to celebrate New Zealand's strong and ongoing ties with Belgium, mateship with the Australians, British and Irish forces with whom we fought, and the losses the Germans experienced also. There was a reminder that women were present too, mainly as nurses, and youth representatives from New Zealand, Germany and Belgium read poignant pieces that made that day in 2017 come alive for those present. 

The New Zealand Defence Forces and members from the New Zealand Embassy to Belgium did a great job with the arrangements for a meaningful and moving commemoration, that didn't celebrate war but respected the efforts of our forbears in creating the conditions we now enjoy in terms of peace and prosperity and close relations between New Zealand and Europe.

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