Arthur Tukiri Anderson

Sergeant 67509 · D Company, 28th (Māori) Battalion · 7th Reinforcements, 1941

Arthur Tukiri is a different man from Corporal Arthur Anderson (8830) of Te Kūiti, who also served in D Company.

Early life

Arthur Tukiri Anderson grew up at Tawata, on the Whanganui River near Taumarunui, where his father, Mr A. Anderson, lived. He was working as a labourer when he enlisted.

War

Arthur sailed with the 7th Reinforcements in 1941 and served with D Company in North Africa and Italy, rising to platoon sergeant. His whānau have shared stories of his service, which will be added here with their permission.

After the war

Arthur farmed at Hikumutu, near Taumarunui, and married Ellen Frances. He was awarded the RSA Gold Star. Arthur died on 24 December 2010, aged 93. His tangi was held at Ngāpuwaiwaha Marae, and he is buried in Taumarunui Cemetery.

Sources

Online Cenotaph C116781; New Zealand Herald death notice, 27 December 2010.

Are you whānau? If you can add to his story, correct anything here or share a photograph, please get in touch.