At the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Messines

by Major Aaron “Mikki” Mikkelsen* in Messines, Belgium

8 June 2007

Mesen (or Messines) is the site of one of the more successful World War One battles the NZ Division participated in, and also where a young coalminer from NZ’s South Island, Lance Corporal Samuel Frickleton, earned his Victoria Cross. 

On 7th June, 21 NZDF personnel based in the UK, and the MFAT staff from Brussels, came together to commemorate the fallen at the Messines Ridge Cemetery, where 128 NZ officers and soldiers are buried.   The service was flanked by two smaller, but no less significant, services. 

First, a poignant Wreath Laying Service was conducted at the NZ Memorial and was attended by the Right Honourable Annette King; Minister for State Services, the Governor of West Flanders; Mr Paul Breyne, the Mayor of South Wairarapa District; Mrs Adrienne Staples, the Mayor of Mesen; Mr Sandy Evrard and the DA for the UK; Brigadier Paul Southwell.

The main service at the Messines Ridge Cemetery amalgamated a unique mix of NZ and local Belgian flavour.  As always, the karanga performed by Puna Heremaria and Precious Clark provided a unique NZ  touch. Locals were not to be outdone, however, and the band and guard were ably provided by the Belgian forces.

The wreath laying was augmented by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s ‘Po Atu Rau’ where VIPs, local dignitaries, and children laid poppies. 

At the conclusion of the service, we marched off to the music of Po Kare Kare Ana and proceeded on foot to a third and final service at Mesen church for the unveiling of a plaque to honour L/Cpl Frickleton, VC. 

As the sound of the church bells rang 1100hrs, the Unveiling Ceremony commenced.  Lt Col John Boswell provided the historical background to Frickleton’s action that earned him the VC, before the Right Honourable Annette King; Minister for State Services, unveiled the plaque. 

Mark and Julia, grandson and granddaughter of L/Cpl Frickleton, were invited to lay a wreath.  During the ceremony local children sang verses of ‘God of Nations’ in Maori, a moving performance that emphasised the close bonds between the people of Mesen and the people of New Zealand.

It is the sacrifice of our forefathers and the courage and commitment shown by people such as L/Cpl Frickleton that allows us to continue to fly the NZ flag around the world - and to enjoy successes on and off today’s ‘battlefield’ – the sports pitch. 

Photos taken on the day can be viewed at the Image Gallery.

A Long Looker's perspective on the ceremony can be read here.

Ends

* Major  Aaron Mikkelsen is a NZ Media Liaison Officer, based in London.

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