2024 commemorates the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where 156,000 allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy and liberated German-occupied France, which was one of the major turning points in WWII. To remember the New Zealand Merchant Navy’s role in the landings, Dr Davies joined New Zealand Defence Force, Merchant Navy, and Diplomatic Corps representatives for a memorial at Ōtaki College, led by Principal Andy Fraser and his students. They were also joined by members of the Arctic Convoy Club, who are WWII veterans that served at sea. While no Royal New Zealand Naval ships were present at the D-Day landings, the Monowai and Aorangi from the New Zealand Merchant Navy were part of this historic armada. They transported troops and equipment to support the effort, and ferried back casualties to England. Ōtaki College has a strong connection to the SS Ōtaki, a Merchant Navy ship that was sunk in WWI.
For more photos, click here: Wreath laying at Ōtaki College.
