Last 28th Māori Battalion veteran Sir Bom Gillies dies, aged 99

Sir Robert 'Bom' Gillies, the last surviving member of the 28th Māori Battalion, has died. He was 99.

In 1944, Sir Bom fought in the Battle of Cassino, Italy, as a member of the Māori Battalion's B Company who were tasked with the assault on the town's railway station in an effort to liberate Cassino. They successfully took the station but were forced to withdraw when German troops counter-attacked. Around 130 Māori soldiers were killed.

In May, the war veteran had been part of a delegation who went over to Italy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Monte Cassino battle.

In 2019, he was appointed a Cavaliere (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, accepting it on behalf of the entire battalion, and in 2022, he was knighted and received the New Zealand Order of Merit after previously declining.

Despite the accolades, when reflecting on his experience in one of his last interviews with media at the commemorations in Italy, Sir Bom urged young Māori not to go to war due to the loss of life and the treatment of Māori post-war.

"Kārekau he take o te pakanga. Pakanga, pakanga, pakanga. Kei te haere tonu. Karekau he rongo. Moumou tāngata.

(There's no point to fighting. Fighting, battles, war. It still carries on. There's no peace. It's a waste of human life)."

RNZRSA national president Sir Wayne Shelford said as the last surviving member of the 28 Māori Battalion, Sir Bom held a special place in the hearts of all New Zealanders.

"The thoughts of all members of the RNZRSA are with his whānau and loved ones — and the many people who had the privilege of knowing him."

In his tribute, Sir Wayne spoke of meeting Sir Bom on a number of occasions, recalling how we always enjoyed "his gentle nature and willingness to share his stories".

"His recent appearance before the Waitangi Tribunal speaking of his experiences in the War was particularly memorable.

"With Bom's passing, we have lost another link to our past. It is a stark reminder of the importance of remembering and honouring those who have given so much in service of their country," Sir Wayne said.

"But today — we remember and honour Bom. A true gentlemen, a soldier, one of the bravest of us all.

"Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou — we will remember them."

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to Sir Bom, who he said will be "remembered for his service to New Zealand and defending the ideals we value most".

"With trademark humility, he took it as his duty to represent those he served with at commemorations both here and overseas. In doing so, he helped the stories of sacrifice from the legendary 28 (Māori) Battalion to continue to be told," Luxon said in a statement this evening.

"We owe it to him, and all our servicemen and women, to never forget those stories."

Luxon called Sir Bom's service in Italy a "torrid campaign, in the cold and the mud", noting that he had been "just a teenager".

It’s hard to imagine what he and his fellow soldiers endured but endure it they did, for us and our future.

"On behalf of the Government, I offer my sincere condolences to Sir Bom’s whānau."

Labour's defence spokesperson Peeni Henare described Sir Bom as a "remarkable man" and said his legacy would live on.

"Ta Robert's passing marks the end of an era, as he was the last of the Māori Battalion, which played a crucial role in New Zealand's military history.

"New Zealand is a better place because of the service and advocacy from people like Ta Robert. His contributions will be remembered not only for their military significance but also for the impact he had on Te Ao Māori," Henare said.

"In this time of sadness, the Labour party extends our deepest condolences to Sir Robert's whānau."

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