Heroes remembered

Regarding the oncoming commemoration of the ending of the World War I on November 11 1918, I should like to draw to the attention of readers that Maori Television will be showing the sub-titled Welsh language oscar nominated movie Hedd Wyn.

The movie commemorates the involvement of the Welsh Regiments in the conflict, the latter part of the film is largely in English.

Hedd Wyn was the pen name of a farmer-poet from North Wales, Ellis Evans 1887-1917 and translates as White Peace.

He had entered a poem The Hero for the prestigious national eisteddfod held that year, 1917, in Birkenhead.

He was killed in battle without learning of his successful entry, the chair he was awarded posthumously was draped in black in his honour.

The Auckland Welsh Club commend Maori Television for presenting this movie which is very dear to people of Welsh descent, many of whom are part of the New Zealand population and it will be well received.

Looking back at the history of World War I it appears that the troops of the minority participants lost a disproportionate number of their combatants for whatever reason, an example, of course, being the valorous Maori battalion in both main conflicts.

The movie Hedd Wyn will be shown during the daytime and will be repeated also at a later date, scheduled first for November 11 2018.

Peter Holbrook, Pio Pio