Researchers to create database of locals who served during global conflicts

JULIA WADE

21 Nov, 2022

Local historians are putting a call out to the Mangawhai community and the surrounding district to help form a record of the area’s women and men who signed up, served and gave their all during global conflicts.

Mangawhai Museum’s History Group (MMHG) are planning to create a database of locals in service from Mangawhai and the surrounding district and are looking for assistance from those who have ancestors or living relatives involved in numerous wars around the world.

MMHG members decided to create the database after finding official war records – besides the two world wars – hard to find and access. The information will allow the history group, historians and researchers, as well as families, to have access to a growing record of service members’ names, local historian Bev Ross says.

“When providing names to the database, families have a choice whether they want their name to be commemorated publicly, for instance in an Anzac Day exhibit, or only in the archives for researchers,” she says. “The museum’s history group have the responsibility to promote the study and understanding of the history of this district, with an aim to research, publish, and facilitate research of other members of the community. Having a database of locals involved in conflicts, would be an incredibly useful resource.”

Conflicts for the database include: The second African Boer War 1899–1902; Korean War 1950–1953; Malaysian Emergency 1949–1969; Indonesian/Malaysia Confrontation 1963–1966; Vietnam War 1963–1975; Afghanistan War 2001–2019.

Peacekeeping and observation missions: Kashmir 1952–1976; Rhodesian Operations 1979–1980; Iran-Iraq 1988; Iraq 1980–1998; Cambodia 1991–2005; Former Yugoslavia 1992–2007; East Timor 1999–2003, 2006; Solomon Islands 2003–2013; Iraq 2003 to present; Tonga 2003.

n To register a relative or to find out more phone (09) 431 4652 after 5pm, 027 286 0056 anytime or email fearnflats@msn.com

Hakaru’s RSA and St Michaels Anglican church are two locations where local WWII solider Frank Wintle is commemorated. PHOTOS/JULIA WADE

The late Sarah Wintle, who honoured her son’s memory by gifting land and items to the community. Described as ‘a nice lady who always treated all her grandkids equally’ sadly she died in her mid-70s after apparently chocking on a piece of apple. PHOTO/JIM WINTLE