Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to Sir Robert ‘Bom’ Gillies KNZM, the last surviving member of the 28 (Māori) Battalion, who passed away at his Rotorua home today at the age of 99.
“Sir Bom will be remembered for his service to New Zealand and defending the ideals we value most,” the Prime Minister said.
“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.
“We owe it to him, and all our servicemen and women, to never forget those stories.”
Sir Bom left New Zealand in July 1943 with the 10th reinforcements and served through the Italian campaign, including the bloody Battles of Cassino – returning to Italy earlier this year for the 80th commemorations.
“It was a torrid campaign, in the cold and the mud, and Sir Bom was 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,” said Mr Luxon.
Chief of Army Major General Rose King said Sir Bom’s passing was a personal loss for his whānau, fellow veterans, the Army and the wider community.
“Tā Bom encapsulated what it means to be a warrior of Ngāti Tūmatauenga with personal courage, comradeship, commitment and integrity that was an example to us all,” he said.
“He accepted, albeit reluctantly, the responsibilities bestowed on him as the last remaining member of 28 (Maori) Battalion and he was tireless in his efforts to ensure that those he served alongside – and the whānau of those he served with – continue to be acknowledged today.
“His service and sacrifice to Ngāti Tūmatauenga and to New Zealand will never be forgotten. E te rangatira, haere, haere, haere atu. Haere i runga i te rangimārie, haere i runga i te aroha. E Tā, moe rangimārie mai.”
In 2009, Tā Bom was awarded Italy’s highest civilian honour, the Cavaliere or Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, which he accepted on behalf of all those who served in the 28 (Maori) Battalion.
He expressed this sentiment again in 2022 when he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Māori and war commemoration.
Tā Bom said at the time, “There are many soldiers who did more and who have never been recognised. I accept on behalf of all the boys, all my mates who served in the Māori Battalion.”
The New Zealand Defence Force extended its deepest condolences to Tā Bom’s whānau and friends.
