The legacy of Tā (Bom) Gillies

Tā Robert Nairn Gillies, affectionately known as Bom Gillies, was the last surviving member of the 28th (Maori) Battalion. He passed away surrounded by whānau on 7 November.

Tā Bom Gillies was born in Rotorua in 1925, of Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.

He was just 17 years old when he enlisted in the Maori Battalion, like many other young recruits, younger than the legal age of enlistment. He served in B Company from 1942 to 1945, fighting in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

Tā Bom was injured during the Italian campaign at Orsogna but continued serving with the 28 (Maori) Battalion. He fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, where B Company was tasked with capturing the town's railway station. While they initially succeeded, a German counterattack forced their withdrawal, resulting in the deaths of approximately 130 Māori soldiers.

In more recent years, Tā Bom represented the Maori Battalion at many local, national, and international commemorations. He attended the ceremonies in Italy marking the 70th, 75th and 80th anniversaries of the Battle of Monte Cassino in 2014, 2019 and 2024. He also led the celebration on the 75th anniversary of the return of B Company to Rotorua in 2021.

Tā Bom lent his voice and image to the video Coming Home which was produced by The Bakery Collective and launched in 2022 as part of Te Arataki — The Veteran, Family and Whānau Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy Framework. He drew on his own experiences, having returned from conflict, to support veterans and their whānau to live their best possible lives.

At his funeral, Major General Rose King, speaking on behalf of the New Zealand Defence Force, described Tā Bom as the embodiment of bravery and resilience throughout his service in North Africa and Italy during World War II. His service included some of the most challenging battles of the war, including the intense conflict at Monte Cassino.

Major General King emphasized that the experiences of Tā Bom and his comrades in North Africa and Italy represent one of the harshest chapters in New Zealand's history.

Tā Bom was honoured with a moving funeral that reflected his Māori heritage and military service. His casket was carried from the marae by his family, some holding the 28 (Maori) Battalion flag he designed and carried to official ceremonies. A haka was performed as the casket was taken into St Faith's Church. Military honours included an army escort, a gun carriage, and a three-shot gun salute.

His final journey was in his beloved Bedford van to Kauae Cemetery, where he was laid to rest beside his wife. In 2019, Tā Bom was appointed a Cavaliere (Knight) of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, which he said he accepted on behalf of the entire Maori Battalion. In the 2022 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori and war commemoration.

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou. We will remember them.