Haane Te Rauawa Manahi, DCM was a New Zealand Māori soldier during the Second World War whose gallantry during the Tunisian campaign resulted in a recommendation that he be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC). The subsequent award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) disappointed his fellow soldiers who, after his death, advocated greater recognition of his valour. This eventually resulted in a special award in 2007 of an altar cloth for use in a local church, ceremonial sword and a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his gallantry.
Haane Manahi in Maadi, Egypt, June 1943
The upper slopes of Takrouna, Tunisia, on 1 June 1943, with graves in the foreground. This photograph gives an indication of the difficult terrain over which Manahi had led his men
The 28th (Māori) Battalion, more commonly known as the Māori Battalion, was an infantry battalion of the New Zealand Army that served during the Second World War.
Reinforcements for the Māori Battalion arrive in Sydney, Australia in November 1940
Maori Battalion officers arriving at Gourock, Scotland on 17 June 1940
Members of the 28th Battalion performing a haka, Egypt (July 1941). From left: John Manuel from Rangitukia, killed six months later; Maaka White of Wharekahika, killed five months later; Te Kooti Reihana of Rangitukia, later wounded; and Rangi Henderson from Te Araroa, killed two years later.
Troops from the Maori battalion escort German prisoners of war near Cassino, February 1944
