Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Memories of jungle patrols
Blenheim veteran Peter Callahan has been going to Anzac Day services since the 1940s - when he goes he thinks about sacrifice and he thinks about his mates.
Peter served in the 1st Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, during the Malayan Emergency where he held the rank of warrant officer class two.
‘‘It was extremely physically demanding, we ended up doing jungle patrols as part of Operation Ginger. We were looking for communists,’’ he says.
What he remembers is the heat; the oppressive tropical conditions, and the need to constantly be on the lookout for dangerous wildlife, such as snakes, tigers and water buffalo.
The conflict started in 1948 and lasted for 12 years, fought between the communist Malayan National Liberation Army and Commonwealth forces led by the British.
Peter arrived in what is now modern-day Malaysia in July of 1959 after putting his name forward to enlist. Before that he had served with the territorial forces in Marlborough.
He says he felt lucky to have his name drawn in the ballot: the reason, he had a keen sense of adventure and wanted a chance to serve his country.
During his five months serving in Malaysia he formed close ties with his fellow soldiers, mates he still thinks about whenever he attends an Anzac Day ceremony.
Peter, whose father fought in World War I, has been going to services since the 1940s, and this year is no different: he plans to attend both the Seddon and Blenheim services. ‘‘I’m remembering the sacrifice made by a number of people over a long period of time to ensure that we have a good quality of life in this country,’’ he says.
Anzac services
Monday April 24: Ward War Memorial, 2pm.
Tuesday April 25: Picton War Memorial, assemble at BNZ 5.45am. Seddon War Memorial Hall, 6am. Renwick War Memorial, 8.50am. Spring Creek Hall, 9.30am. Havelock Town Hall, assemble at bowling club 9.30am. Rai Valley War Memorial, 11am. Blenheim Cenotaph, Seymour Square, 11am.