Remembering a war hero at Port Chalmers

IN reply to Bradley Curnow (Letters, 1.7.21), I came up with the name Campbell Buchanan Lane, Port Chalmers, but am much indebted to the following:

Local residents Chris Spiers (now Lake Ohau) and John Perry; sponsor Otago Maritime Society; funding from The Year of the Veteran Fund and two private people; plaque casting by John Swann; plaque installation by Ian Bingham; ceramic photos from Buchanan’s sister, the late Marjory Medex and Royal New Zealand Navy Museum, Devonport; plaque text — myself.

Also Navy liaison from Lt Cdr Phil Bradshaw; the late Pam Jordan from the DCC; a United States Marine representative; RNZN HMNZS Toroa personnel; and British High Commissioner, George Fergusson.

The plaque was unveiled on Anzac Day 2007 by Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Chief of the RNZN.

Leading Signalman Buchanan (21), RNZNVR, was awarded the United States Navy Cross, this being their highest honour for extraordinary heroism in active naval combat.

Only a few nonUS citizens have ever been awarded this.

The New Zealand government awarded a posthumous Mention in Despatches (MiD).

His action station on HMNZS Kiwi was to man the 10inch (about 255mm) searchlight.

In a night action against the Imperial Japanese Navy communication submarine, I1, he illuminated this vessel for his shipmates to make it unseaworthy, which they achieved. It was at this time Buchanan was mortally wounded.

Surely this sailor has done enough to be called a war hero and be remembered in perpetuity by calling a previously insignificant Port Chalmers street after him?