The recruiting song for the First Maori Contingent, written by Apirana Ngata, stimulated many young Maori men to enlist for active service in World War One. Eventually a total of 2,227 Maori and 458 Pacific Islanders would serve with the Maori Pioneer battalion, performing acts of bravery in France, Flanders and other far-off places. Now military historian Pugsley recounts the story of the Maori Pioneer Battalion for a new generation. Drawing on rare archival material and previously unpublished diaries and letters, he tells not only the story of the Battalion's military exploits but also gives a vivid account of the daily life of the soldiers on active service. The book is profusely illustrated and contains a complete list of all those soldiers who fought with the Battalion...

Dustwrapper is worn, previous owners name in front.