Post by flyjoe180 on Oct 5, 2008 11:47:35 GMT 12
Lest We Forget - Te Taua Moana; The Sea Army
October 1 marked the Royal New Zealand Navy's 67th birthday, celebrated with a special service and reception on September 28.
Naval security for the colony of New Zealand was originally provided by the British Royal Navy, which frequently sent warships to New Zealand to maintain law and order amongst British subjects residing here and to prevent violence between the British and Maori.
In 1846 the settlers bought their first gunboat and, from 1860-65, the 'Waikato Flotilla' was in operation. A Naval Artillery Volunteer corps was also established at this time to provide harbour defence and, in 1884, the government purchased four new spar torpedo boats. From 1887 it also funded ships of the Australasian Auxiliary Squadron.
It was not until the passing of the Naval Defence Act of 1913, however, that New Zealand gained an official navy. And it was not until 1941 that the navy became a separate military entity of its own with the formal establishment of the New Zealand Naval Forces.
Since that time the New Zealand Navy has participated in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Malayan emergency and the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation. It has also operated in the Middle East - playing a role in the Iran–Iraq War, and aiding the Royal Navy in protecting neutral shipping in the Indian Ocean. Frigates were also sent to participate in the first Gulf War and, more recently, Operation Enduring Freedom. The RNZN played an important part in Bougainville, the Solomon Islands and East Timor conflicts of the 1990s. It also often participates in UN peacekeeping operations.
ENDS
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0810/S00079.htm
October 1 marked the Royal New Zealand Navy's 67th birthday, celebrated with a special service and reception on September 28.
Naval security for the colony of New Zealand was originally provided by the British Royal Navy, which frequently sent warships to New Zealand to maintain law and order amongst British subjects residing here and to prevent violence between the British and Maori.
In 1846 the settlers bought their first gunboat and, from 1860-65, the 'Waikato Flotilla' was in operation. A Naval Artillery Volunteer corps was also established at this time to provide harbour defence and, in 1884, the government purchased four new spar torpedo boats. From 1887 it also funded ships of the Australasian Auxiliary Squadron.
It was not until the passing of the Naval Defence Act of 1913, however, that New Zealand gained an official navy. And it was not until 1941 that the navy became a separate military entity of its own with the formal establishment of the New Zealand Naval Forces.
Since that time the New Zealand Navy has participated in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Malayan emergency and the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation. It has also operated in the Middle East - playing a role in the Iran–Iraq War, and aiding the Royal Navy in protecting neutral shipping in the Indian Ocean. Frigates were also sent to participate in the first Gulf War and, more recently, Operation Enduring Freedom. The RNZN played an important part in Bougainville, the Solomon Islands and East Timor conflicts of the 1990s. It also often participates in UN peacekeeping operations.
ENDS
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0810/S00079.htm
