Bunty Preece

This is the story of Alfred (Bunty) Preece of the Chatham Islands, soldier, farmer, local body politician, kaumatua and tireless advocate for his people

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Article : By Mike Crean
Christchurch Press

The photograph at the book launch of Bunty Preece: Soldier 0f the 28 (Maori) Battalion.
Bunty Preece with his son Alfred Preece, grandson Hayden Preece and great -granddaughter Ava Preece.

Honouring the Maori Battalion
Tears and cheers marked a ceremony at the Papanui RSA rooms yesterday.
The tears were for departed soldiers of the New Zealand Army’s 28 (Maori) Battalion, as two of the last survivors met as the battalion’s colours were “marched in”. It was the last time the ceremonial marching in, performed by regular army squad.
The cheers were for the launch of two new books – a reprint of the 1956 Official History of 28(Maori) Battalion, and a biography of a battalion member Bunty Preece. The Chatham Islander served with the battalion throughout the Italian Campaign in World War II.
​The battalion of infantry distinguished itself in the war, impressing Allied and enemy commands alike with its fearless fighting.
​It was thrown intosome of the toughest battles and achieved some of the greatest victories but suffered heavy losses.
Preece attended the ceremony yesterday with fellow battalion veteran and long time friend Henry Norton and about 50 supporters
John Douglas Publishing director Bob Anderson said that it was appropriate the books should be released this week, as both were an attempt to keep alive the history and traditions of 28 (Maori ) Battalion.