- Above: David Ledson, Chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council speaking at the service
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Hon. Nathan Guy, Minister of Veterans' Affairs
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Minister Guy and HE Justice (Ret.) M. P. H. Rubin, High Commissioner of Singapore
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: High Commissioner Rubin and Minister Guy place a rose on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Roses placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
- Above: New Zealand Defence Force personnel paying their respects
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Guests of honour, veterans Hugh Nelson and Clem Randall
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Minister Guy talking with veteran Clem Randall
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Minister Guy talking with veteran Hugh Nelson
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
- Above: Veterans Hugh Nelson and Clem Randall
Image courtesy of the New Zealand Defence Force
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Nathan Guy has commemorated the 70th anniversary of the fall of Singapore at a wreath laying ceremony in Wellington today.
“The fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 was a major event in World War II. During the conflict 35 New Zealand airmen lost their lives, and hundreds of our servicemen and civilians became prisoners of the Japanese.
“Over 80,000 British, Indian and Australian troops became prisoners of war and endured harsh treatment. Four days later the first bombing raids on Darwin began, bringing the war very close to New Zealand.”
Special ceremonies are being held in Wellington and Singapore to mark the 70th anniversary.
Two New Zealand veterans are attending the service in Singapore, supported by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand staff. Both men served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the Second World War and whilst in Singapore will pay tribute to those who did not return home.
“We are pleased to be able to send two veterans to the ceremony, given there are very few survivors of this historic battle left alive.
“Today we honour all the New Zealanders who took part in this battle and recognise the sacrifice of those that died, were injured, or held in prisoner of war camps,” says Mr Guy.
