First VC for a New Zealander since WWII
Now this is very cool. Corporal Bill (Willy) Apiata has just been awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery under fire in Afghanistan in 2004
(Image stolen from NZPA)
Corporal Apiata saved the life of a heavily wounded colleague under heavy fire from opposing forces, by carrying him across open ground while coming under intense attack. The citation reads:
Lance Corporal (now Corporal) Apiata was, in 2004, part of a New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) Troop on patrol in Afghanistan , which laid up in defensive formation for the night. At approximately 0315 hours, the Troop was attacked by a group of about twenty enemy fighters, who had approached by stealth using the cover of undulating ground in pitch darkness. Rocket-propelled grenades struck two of the Troop’s vehicles, destroying one and immobilising the other. The opening strike was followed by dense and persistent machine gun and automatic rifle fire from close range. The attack then continued using further rocket-propelled grenades and machine gun and rifle fire. The initial attack was directed at the vehicle where Lance Corporal Apiata was stationed. He was blown off the bonnet by the impact of rocket propelled grenades striking the vehicle. He was dazed, but was not physically injured. The two other vehicle crew members had been wounded by shrapnel; one of them; Corporal A, was in a serious condition. Illuminated by the burning vehicle, and under sustained and accurate enemy fire directed at and around their position, the three soldiers immediately took what little cover was available. Corporal A was discovered to have sustained life-threatening wounds. The other two soldiers immediately began applying basic first aid. Lance Corporal Apiata assumed command of the situation, as he could see that his superior’s condition was deteriorating rapidly.
By this time, however, Lance Corporal Apiata’s exposed position, some seventy metres in front of the rest of the Troop, was coming under increasingly intense enemy fire. Corporal A was now suffering serious arterial bleeding and was lapsing in and out of consciousness.
Lance Corporal Apiata concluded that his comrade urgently required medical attention, or he would likely die. Pinned down by the enemy, in the direct line of fire between friend and foe, he also judged that there was almost no chance of such help reaching their position. As the enemy pressed its attack towards Lance Corporal Apiata’s position, and without thought of abandoning his colleague to save himself, he took a decision in the highest order of personal courage under fire. Knowing the risks involved in moving to open ground, Lance Corporal Apiata decided to carry Corporal A single-handedly to the relative safety of the main Troop position, which afforded better cover and where medical treatment could be given. He ordered his other colleague, Trooper T to make his own way back to the rear.
In total disregard of his own safety, Lance Corporal Apiata stood up and lifted his comrade bodily. He then carried him across the seventy metres of broken, rocky and fire swept ground, fully exposed in the glare of battle to heavy enemy fire and into the face of returning fire from the main Troop position. That neither he nor his colleague were hit is scarcely possible. Having delivered his wounded companion to relative shelter with the remainder of the patrol, Lance Corporal Apiata re-armed himself and rejoined the fight in counter-attack. By his actions, he removed the tactical complications of Corporal A’s predicament from considerations of rescue.
The Troop could now concentrate entirely on prevailing in the battle itself. After an engagement lasting approximately twenty minutes, the assault was broken up and the numerically superior attackers were routed with significant casualties, with the Troop in pursuit. Lance Corporal Apiata had thereby contributed materially to the operational success of the engagement. A subsequent medical assessment confirmed that Corporal A would probably have died of blood loss and shock, had it not been for Lance Corporal Apiata’s selflessly courageous act in carrying him back to the main Troop lines, to receive the immediate treatment that he needed.
A true hero indeed, and living up to all the best traditions of the SAS. Credit also to three other SAS members who have been decorated but can not be named:
Captain C, the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration for for an exceptional act of gallantry and leadership under heavy fire and his leadership in general throughout the tour of operations.
Corporal B, the New Zealand Gallantry Decoration, for displaying outstanding courage and leadership and accepting extraordinary risks during his tour of operations.
Corporal R, the New Zealand Gallantry Medal, for gallantry and the application of firm and timely leadership under extreme combat conditions.
It seems we are blessed not to have had any fatalities.
The Victoria Cross has only been awarded 1,354 times since it was created in 1856 and this is only the 14th VC since the end of WWII.
Corporal Apiata may be getting a lot of salutes in future. While not mandatory, it is tradition for everyone from the Chiefs of Staff down to salute the holder of a VC.
July 2nd, 2007 at 11:42 am
So … who else is disappointed that Corporal Apiata earns a Victoria Cross for New Zealand instead of a Victoria Cross?
July 2nd, 2007 at 11:52 am
Graeme, you are a fuckwit.
July 2nd, 2007 at 11:58 am
I’m surprised Helen Clark wants anything to do with this – she’s got rid of all the other titles and honours connected with our British heritage.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:03 pm
That said no doubt she will be milking it for all she’s worth.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Who are the enemy?
What did the people of Afghanistan do to us?
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Meanwhile the bucket full of Bronze Stars and the PUC have been kept bloody quiet. Could it be that she had to use these localised ones to cover that our SAS were under US command?
Those US decorations certainly seem a little unplatable to the broomstick pilot.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:21 pm
I’ll make this simple for Max.
The NZ SAS help protect the people of Afghanistan from the evil women enslaving terrorists who used to rule their country by might of force.
The soldiers are there at the request of the democratically elected Government.
Good to see you are on the side of the totalitarian terrorists though.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:24 pm
Murray – a lot was made of the Presidential Unit Citation at the time (and recently, when it was formally awarded). This news is probably just a little bigger.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:27 pm
And Max is banned for a week (until 10 July) for his comment (now deleted) comparing the NZ SAS to the Nazis.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
If anyone had any second thoughts that Max is a complete fucken loser with no connection to reality they are now disapated.
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Max, you shameful cunt, those are questions for the Prime Minister – not for a member of the armed services, who are sworn to fuck up whomever the damn govt of the day tells them to fuck up. Anyone who can’t see why Apiata deserves his medal wants their head read.
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:29 pm
VC winners seem to be people who put their own lives in grave danger to save another and if they do not get killed they get a VC and if the get killed they go to heaven.
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Corporal Apiata you are fucking awesome.
And I don’t think political shit needs to be brought into this from either side. This has nothing to do with Clarke. It has nothing to do with ‘invasion’. It’s not about politics or terrorism.
It’s debatable whether we should have gone to Afghanistan but Apiata has not been rewarded for killing anyone.
In the midst of rocket-propelled grenades and machine gun fire Apiata risked his life, in what sounds like a suicidal mission, to save his friend. This is the epitomy of selflessness. He is a legend.
I’m not even that surprised though, because our SAS are freaking awesome. That four-part documentary they showed on tv recently showed how amazing these guys are. This is surely the cherry on the top of their US presidential unit citation (which is of course the highest American award for a unit), cos I believe he’s the first ever SAS soldier to be awarded a VC.
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:43 pm
Max says “Who are the enemy?
The enemy were the guys that were shooting at them.
I thought that much was obvious.
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:53 pm
DPF, thank you for banning the little commie prick. I can tolerate his idiocy, but to ridicule our SAS is unacceptable. .
Congratulations to Corporal Apiata and the rest of the SAS. You guys rock.
In a world where the term hero is so often over used & misused these are guys that epitomise the meaning for me.
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Sigh Do we really have to explain to the dummies who inhabit this site. DPF should permanently ban anyone who has or does criticise the award to Corporal Apiata If I had my way I put these dimbulbs in front of those who the Corporal defended his comrade form and watch with satisfaction as they found out the reason for the good Corporals award. God bless him and all the service personnel who defend us.
July 2nd, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Perhaps Max feels that Corporal Apiata should have engaged those who were trying to kill him in some meaningful dialogue during which they could have mutually devised an action plan that positively affirmed their collective diversity?
This, after all, is what Max would have done….
July 2nd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Agree totally with rickyjj & CraigM – let’s put aside our political persuasions and celebrate the bravery and courage of a very special New Zealander. Congratulations Billy Apiata – kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui!
July 2nd, 2007 at 2:22 pm
The thing that typifies men such as LCpl Apiata is the way they shrug off their description as ‘heroic’. I heard that he said something along the lines of ‘was just doing my job’. He showed a bravery that someone like Max would not know if his life depended on it. He risked his own life to save a comrade in arms.
My father was awarded the Military Medal in Italy in 1945 for pulling two sections of wounded men out of a bombardment zone. He said the same thing as Apiata did “they were my mates, I couldn’t leave them there”. That Max, is what bravery is.
Good on ya’ Corp.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:34 pm
It’s nice to know that such bravery still exists.
That man deserves a DB (and then some!).
I like the touch that the tradition is that he gets saluted by everyone, from top brass on down.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
P.S. And regardless of whether or not you agree with sending troops to Afghanistan (or anywhere for that matter), this sort of incident should transcend all political considerations. The man sets a standard to which we all should aspire.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:45 pm
From this point on lets agree not to give Max any more air space at all. Well done DPF – nice to see someone with balls in this PC world.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Lance Cpl Apiata
Awesome.
Even the bloody Aussies are talking about you in praise. Thats something that doesn’t happen everyday…
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:58 pm
My question is this – are our soldiers helping us by being over there? Because they didn’t, by participating in the disastrous Vietnam war.
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:58 pm
I agree with David – it is such an uplifing story.
He is a member of a PEACEKEEPING force defending the CIVILIAN population from those that would do them harm. I hope when it happens in this country someone would do the same for me.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:00 pm
My question is this – are our soldiers helping us by being over there? Because they didn’t, by participating in the disastrous Vietnam war.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
BRAVE MAN,and they all were. lets not bring pc / anti war/pro war /clark/key,, shit into this award they are shit diversions, This man is above the crap.HES A BRAVE MAN ,WITH HONOUR.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:11 pm
Well done Willy Apiata. Well done the SAS.
Thanks for deleting Max’s offensive posts, and the ban. Could you consider the same for the sometimes revolting things dad4justice says?
Regards,
Pedro
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Hmm to call the SAS peacekeepers I suspect is slightly naive. I doubt their enemies think of them that way!
These guys are in Afghanistan to take the fight to the Taliban and others. That’s what they and other special forces do. They are front foot forces whose strength is their ability to be aggressive. They are not ‘get in the middle and stop two sides hurting each other’ units, like blue berets.
And good on them for it. They fulfil an important role.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Are our soldiers helping us by being in East Timor fred arnn? How about when they were peace keeping Balkens? Or Lebanon? Maybe we should just train our armed forces here and never deploy them over seas because, after all, how could that possibly help us fred? Maybe then we would be spared from utterly pointless and irrelevant interjections about Vietnam.
Lance Cpl Apiata – well done.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Are our soldiers helping us by being in East Timor fred arnn? How about when they were peace keeping Balkans? Or Lebanon? Maybe we should just train our armed forces here and never deploy them over seas because, after all, how could that possibly help us fred? Maybe then we would be spared from utterly pointless and irrelevant interjections about Vietnam.
Lance Cpl Apiata – well done.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I also salute this hero and for the first time agree with Ricky… I do hope that the medal is awarded by Queen Elizabeth as is the custom. If that is not possible who would do the honours the Indian or the Maori King Tuheitua… The others honoured with the NZ order of gallantry somehow don’t sound as important as ‘The Millitary Cross” the “DSO” DSM etc No tradition. There would be if the NZ decorations were named by association ie. The Charles Upham Cross. The Keith Elliot medal, The Ngarimu Order etc.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Baxter,
I don’t think many of the previous NZer received (were invested) with their VC by the reigning monarch. I think Upham was for his bar having received his first award from Gen Alexander I thik along with Keith Elliott.
Of course a good number died in the process.
There is a VC and GC Association that meets bienially in London. The President is the Prince of Wales Website below has interesting info.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/VictoriaAndGeorgeCrossHoldersTheWorldsMostExclusiveClub.htm
As an associated matter of interest the NZSAS now have a VC holder to add to the George Cross posthumously won by Sgt Ken Hudson in 1974 at Waiouru. The GC is an equivalent to th VC for acts of a non wearlike nature. Normally awarded to civilians. Sgt Guthrie NZ Police who was killed by Gray at Aramoana also won the GC.
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:53 pm
The George Cross has been replaced by the New Zealand Cross (not the original NZC)
There have been two awards
Jacinda Margaret AMEY – date of act: 24 April 1992; year of award: 1999
Reginald John DIXON (Deceased) – date of act: 9 June 1995; year of award: 1999
http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/category/d/d2.html
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:52 pm
That man deserves a DB…or two
July 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pm
I wonder if Corporal Apiata is a decendant or relative of Haki Apiata from Whangae/Puketona in Northland. I see he is afiliated with Nga Puhi. If Maori Jack is still alive he will be 97.
Good on him. Can anyone imagine what a feat of physical strength it must have been to carry another man across seventy metres of broken rocky ground with machine guns and RPGs being fired at him?
July 2nd, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Congratulations to Corporal Apiata. It always inspires me that real heroes believe they have done nothing special while those who would be heroes truly haven’t.
July 2nd, 2007 at 7:55 pm
“The Keith Elliot medal” – What a good idea.
Vrai et Forte – 22 Batallion.
Became the vicar at Putiki Church (Wanganui) after the war. He died in 1989. I had the honour of meeting him with my father who was a comrade in arms in 22 Batallion.
“Under heavy tank, machine-gun and shell fire, Sergeant Elliott led the platoon he was commanding to the cover of a ridge 300 yards away, during which he sustained a chest wound.
Here he reformed his men and led them to a dominating ridge a further 500 yards away, where they came under heavy enemy machine-gun and mortar fire. He located enemy machine-gun posts to his right and left flank, and while one section attacked on the right flank, Sergeant Elliott led seven men in a bayonet charge across 500 yards of open ground in the face of heavy fire.
They captured four enemy machine-gun posts and an anti-tank gun, killing a number of the enemy and taking 50 prisoners.
His section then came under fire from a machine-gun post on the left flank. He immediately charged this post single-handed and succeeded in capturing it, killing several of the enemy and taking 15 prisoners. During these two assaults he sustained three more wounds in the back and legs.
Although badly wounded in four places, Sergeant Elliott refused to leave his men until he had reformed them, handed over his prisoners, now increased to 130, and arranged for his men to rejoin the battalion.
Owing to Sergeant Elliott’s quick grasp of the situation, great personal courage and leadership, 19 men, who were the only survivors of B Company of his battalion, captured and destroyed five machine-guns, one anti-tank gun, killed a great number of the enemy and captured 130 prisoners.
Sergeant Elliott sustained only one casualty among his men and brought him back to the nearest advanced dressing station.”
July 2nd, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Corporal Apiata,
Thank you fom those who appreciate what you and your comrades are doing on our behalf.
“If you want peace, prepare for war”
or if your a lefty peace-head, bend over and assume the position as they are the alternatives
July 2nd, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Aaah..how we armchair critics bang our gums.This is NOT political.It is about a brave soldier in War who has done an exceptional act of bravery.Helen Klark,bugger off.This man became a warrior despite,not because of you.
July 2nd, 2007 at 9:35 pm
Mara you a fool. It would be wrong for the Prime Minister not to acknowledge the significance and historic moment for the defense force, the country and for Corporal Apiata himself, as they, regardless of which party they come from represent the country the awarded soldier is fighting for and representing in armed combat under a ministry or their government.
The Prime Minister is privy to a huge a amount of information regarding the SAS and their actions so it would be trivial to why the Prime Minister would not enter the discussion and celebration of a truly great New Zealander.
It would be belittling to Corporal Apiata if the Prime Minister of the country he is risking their life ignored is actions of bravery.
July 2nd, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I doubt it matters to the Corporal whether a bunch of self-serving headline chasers of any political hue slobber over him or not.
I do, however, hope it matters that hundreds of thousands of ordinary NZers have paused for a moment to consider his bravey and to say thanks. Those are the people he represented in that battle, after all – it was the NZ crest on his uniform, not that of any political party.
I stand in awe of Corporal Apiata and other service people like him, as it seems do most of us. That, I suspect, would be enough for him, so let’s not care who tries to capitalise on his courage because it simply won’t work.
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:18 am
Cpl. Apiata,
We salute you. We salute your unit and your fellow fellow un-named officers and troopers who fought alongside you that night [and other nights] and prevailed. We salute the men that trained and supported the squadron.
You are men among men. The best New Zealand has.
You may see it as just doing your job. We don’t.
We see men from modest backgrounds being the best they can possibly be, and that is inspirational.
You may find the praise and adulation more difficult to endure than your time at the sharp end, but it is appropriate that it is given.
Well done, all of you. Who Dares, Wins.
July 3rd, 2007 at 6:08 am
From a transplanted Brit serving a career in the US military, salute and thanks.
July 3rd, 2007 at 6:14 am
From a transplanted Brit serving a career in the US military, salute and thanks.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:16 am
What a brave man. Good on him.
As for the reasons that he is there fighting for the Americans, it has got absolutely nothing to do with the love of Women’s rights.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:20 am
Throughout the world, on any given day, a man, woman or child is likely to be displaced, tortured, killed or “disappeared”, at the hands of governments or armed political groups. More often than not, the United States shares the blame.
Amnesty International, 1996
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:34 am
Fred,
What does this actually mean?
“As for the reasons that he is there fighting for the Americans, it has got absolutely nothing to do with the love of Women’s rights.”
“More often than not, the United States shares the blame”
Can you name any others that can also be attributed to sharing the blame?
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I still amazes me that there are those who cannot see past their own narrow views of politics (fred) and appreciate the act for what it was. Cpl Apiata’s actions were not a calculated act as part of some wider geo-political conspiracy.
He risked his own life to save a mate with no thought of reward.
Heroic and humble are two great traits when seen together in one individual.
What I would like to see is for him to provide one service to his country. If we get to the rugby world cup final, can we get him to hand out the jersey’s to the team?
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:22 pm
slightlyrighty,
Well said, I agree, he would be an inspiration to the AB’s. After what he has been through and achieved a yellow or red card is nothing. He wouldn’t have to say anything to them, just being there would be inspiring enough..
The fortunate thing for the country is that there are many others in our Armed Forces who live by the ethos of “courage, committment, comradeship and integrity” that proved such a strong set of priciples for Corporal Apiata.
These are simple but powerful characteristics for soldiers who don’t need to intellectualise the hell out of everything before they do anything.
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:27 pm
My ‘Womens rights’ response was to this comment:
“The NZ SAS help protect the people of Afghanistan from the evil women enslaving terrorists who used to rule their country by might of force.”
I am also in awe of the courage displayed by Mr Apiata in helping his friend.
I am in awe of my friend who was a NZ sas soldier for many years. However, my former sas friend became disillusioned with the forces as he complained that they were just being used as dispensible pawns – especially when being commanded by the US commanders. In his own words “He grew up” and left the NZ army. Some of the tales he told me would make your blood curdle, as civilian deaths were a regular occurrence.
July 3rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm
Bush said, “We do not dictate the courses nations follow.”
July 3rd, 2007 at 2:24 pm
Fred,
Who the hell are the evil women?
July 3rd, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Putting this man’s valour aside (and I come from a military family), there is a valid point that the prestige of the VC has been devalued by the change to the NZ VC. If you look at the history of the VC, it is the award designed and awarded by a monarch, not a country.
This business of the NZ VC stems from the anti-monarchy of Helen Clark. Knighthoods were created for a reason just as people are recongised as Doctors, Professors and Right Honourables. VC is a title just as Major, Colonel and the like. Helen Clark loves dismantling established traditions just to make everything in her image as socialists love to do.
July 3rd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Putting this man’s valour aside (and I come from a military family), there is a valid point that the prestige of the VC has been devalued by the change to the NZ VC. If you look at the history of the VC, it is the award designed and awarded by a monarch, not a country. And there is a lot of history and purpose behind it.
This business of the NZ VC stems from the anti-monarchy of Helen Clark. Knighthoods were created for a reason just as people are recongised as Doctors, Professors and Right Honourables. VC is a title just as Major, Colonel and the like. Helen Clark loves dismantling established traditions just to make everything in her image as socialists love to do.
If it isn’t broke don’t fix it!
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:21 pm
In adopting the VC for NZ, NZ was simply doing the same thing as Oz, Canada (and I think some other commonwealth countries?) have done. I see no devaluation of the award in that – rather it highlights that this guy was fighting on OUR behalf, not for queen and Blighty.
Anyone else want to do his job for the starting base salary for corporals of $39,000 a year? You’d need to add a few zeroes to that just to get me on a plane to Kabul.
This is a wonderful event not just for Willy A and the SAS but for the entire NZ military – a long deserved public boost for them and the role they play for our country.
July 4th, 2007 at 9:56 am
Cpl Apaita has done a brave act but in my opinion did not deserve the VC I was in the NZDF 2/1 RNZIR for 8 years before joining the Auzzi Army for 4 then serving in the middle east to the present the VC was to be awarded for only exteme acts of bravery under fire he saved one man hardly unheard of is it he should of been awarded a MM,or a DCM, or a george cross or MID this award smacks of political and devalues the previous VC award winners and before anyone starts slagging me off this is a free country last i checked and anyone who has not had rounds come down range at them wouldnt know fuck all anyway.
Ps ive had a look at some of the comments and alot are Rasist drivel. soldiers in the NZDF are kiwis, not brown or white european or maori
July 4th, 2007 at 10:22 am
I agree with Donald.
July 4th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Politics doesn’t enter into it. The SAS is in Afghanistan at the request of the elected government to assist in fighting the Taleban. We have other troops there in Banyam Province working to improve the infrastructure for the benefit of the local inhabitants.
What happened here was an act of extreme bravery, he saved the life of a fellow trooper under heavy fire and then returned to participate in the fighting which resulted in the defeat of an overwhelming enemy force.
Those who belittle Cpl Apiata’s actions should try to imagine themselves in the shoes of the rescued soldier.
July 4th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Look here Keith if you had any brains you could see i did not belittle his exploites you obiviously did not read what i wrote you obviously are not form a military back ground perhaps you should stick to commenting on somthing you know a little about like knitting
July 4th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Keith as for the political part its not why we are there, its the part about awarding a VC for a deed which although brave was not as spectacular to warrant a VC. this sort of bravery happens every week in the middle east and there is nothing spectacular about it in Apiatas words himself he was just doing his job and does not merit special attention. the standards for the award have dropped the conditions for it used to be it had to be witnessed by an officer Cpl Apiata was in command of one det the other det by a Sargent no officer no VC the NZ govenment awarded one to prove a point nothing more
July 4th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
Men
I think you should all have a kit kat and get off your high horses in trying to justify or unjustify and analyse the award and actions of this man.I like many others stand in awe at the courage Willie displayed, and like any soldier that has an ounce of modesty turns around and says ” I was looking out for my mate thats all” thats how it should always be and that is why these guys are “first among equals” and “second to none”.fred don’t let your political insecurities cloud your judgement because you weren’t there whatever your friend may have told you.Our NZSAS boys are well trained and don’t go around killing just because they can. they are placed in highly volatile situations because that is what they train for and if they don’t like it there is always flight 717 or RTU thats their perogative.Don! though I agree with what you have said I wouldn’t go as far to say that it devalues past VC winners actions I’m sure that they would be more than happy to have Willies photo along side of them in that illustrious lineup of VC winners.
Willie Apiata you are indeed a modern day hero of which our younger soldiers can aspire to become like, because from what I’ve seen of late they sure as hell need it, sure they’re away on ops but come on the skill level is way different to what I was subjected to back in the day in saying that though I mean no disrespect either.
Regards to all
July 4th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Men
I think you should all have a kit kat and get off your high horses in trying to justify or unjustify and analyse the award and actions of this man.I like many others stand in awe at the courage Willie displayed, and like any soldier that has an ounce of modesty turns around and says ” I was looking out for my mate thats all” thats how it should always be and that is why these guys are “first among equals” and “second to none”.fred don’t let your political insecurities cloud your judgement because you weren’t there whatever your friend may have told you.Our NZSAS boys are well trained and don’t go around killing just because they can. they are placed in highly volatile situations because that is what they train for and if they don’t like it there is always flight 717 or RTU thats their perogative.Don! though I agree with what you have said I wouldn’t go as far to say that it devalues past VC winners actions I’m sure that they would be more than happy to have Willies photo along side of them in that illustrious lineup of VC winners.
Willie Apiata you are indeed a modern day hero of which our younger soldiers can aspire to become like, because from what I’ve seen of late they sure as hell need it, sure they’re away on ops but come on the skill level is way different to what I was subjected to back in the day in saying that though I mean no disrespect either.
Regards to all
July 5th, 2007 at 10:33 am
The NZ Sas are being told what to do by the Americans.
That says it all.
Loads of civilians being killed, the invaders think that the lives of Afghanis are cheap.
And the war has nothing to do with freeing the Afghanis from the evil clutches of the Taleban. No way.
The US has an oil pipeline to look after. Now that is what its all about. And Karzai is nothing but a former oil stooge puppet installed by the Americans.
And the civilian deaths only cause more men to join the Taleban in response, and if 20 Afghani fighters can sneak up on the Sas guys – the invaders will be in for a long, nasty time over there as the Brits, the Soviets and now our guys and the Americans are finding out.
Vietnam anyone?
And if the US thinks it can go to war against Iran – where are the troops?
Conscription anyone?
July 5th, 2007 at 10:46 am
And since the US invasion the Helmund province has become the wolrd’s great opium supply shop.
Stability? What a joke.
Let the US soldiers and anybody else go over there to that horrible place and then return home all traumatized with psychological disorders and wreak havoc in their own home countries.
So go bomb a lot of villages, and torture and murder those people! Those Afghanis are the most dangerous, evil people in the world. Just like the Vietnamese!
That’ll teach them!
July 5th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Apiata is a real heroic dude.
But his reasons for participating in the occupation of Afghanistan are not.
July 5th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
TOMMY
by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
I went into a public-’ouse to get a pint o’ beer,
The publican ‘e up an’ sez, “We serve no red-coats here.”
The girls be’ind the bar they laughed an’ giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an’ to myself sez I:
O it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, go away”;
But it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but ‘adn’t none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-’alls,
But when it comes to fightin’, Lord! they’ll shove me in the stalls!
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, wait outside”;
But it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide,
The troopship’s on the tide, my boys, the troopship’s on the tide,
O it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide.
Yes, makin’ mock o’ uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an’ they’re starvation cheap;
An’ hustlin’ drunken soldiers when they’re goin’ large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin’ in full kit.
Then it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, ‘ow’s yer soul?”
But it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll.
We aren’t no thin red ‘eroes, nor we aren’t no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An’ if sometimes our conduck isn’t all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don’t grow into plaster saints;
While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, fall be’ind”,
But it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind,
There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind,
O it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind.
You talk o’ better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:
We’ll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!
Footnote:
Ours is not to reason why,
Ours is but to do and die
July 6th, 2007 at 8:29 am
what the hell was that about cubit9f ours is not to do or die what crap that is that why dont you try a poem website clown