WCP Assist New Zealand Defence Force

STATEMENT

Walter C. Parson Funeral Directors were approached in September 2017 by the New Zealand Defence Force, requesting assistance with the government-led project ‘Te Auraki’ (The Return).

It was ruled between 1955 – 1971 that any servicemen of the NZDF that died overseas would have to be buried in the country they had died in, unless their families were in a position to pay for the repatriation themselves.  In 1976, the petition began with families wanting a change in the law, and their loved ones brought home.  In March 2018, it was officially agreed by the New Zealand Government that, depending on family preferences, all Service personnel and dependents who were buried abroad since 1^st January 1955, would be repatriated as part of Te Auraki (The Return).  The project stretched across nine cemeteries, in six countries.  Three servicemen returned home from The Pacific, twenty nine from Malaysia and Singapore, two from the United Kingdom and two from the Republic of Korea.

Walter C. Parson were approached regarding Leading Marine Engineer William Goodwin who had been buried in Weston Mill Cemetery, Plymouth in March 1956.  Goodwin had sustained a head injury whilst playing rugby, and later died of his injuries in the Royal Naval Hospital.  He left behind his wife Betty, who was pregnant with their son.

After months of planning, a Mauri led ceremony was held at Weston Mill Cemetery on Monday 17^th September, and William Goodwin’s dis-interment was held on Tuesday 18^th.

The second UK based serviceman was Engine Room Artificer Apprentice Philip Brian SHORT, who died in Farnborough Hospital in 1958.  His dis-interment was overseen by Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors.

Both Goodwin & Short were taken by Walter C. Parson to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital for full identification, before going to the Royal Marine Barracks at Lympstone, where they received 24 hour vigil by members of the NZDF.

On Monday 24^th September, Walter C. Parson, accompanied by members of the NZDF, took GOODWIN & SHORT to Heathrow Airport for their final journey home.  Both servicemen were received with a full Mauri ceremonial welcome into New Zealand on Wednesday 26^th September.

Harriet Smith, Funeral Director at Walter C. Parson said “It has been a complete honour, and total privilege to have involvement in this incredible project.  As more and more time passed, I started to understand the true scale and enormity of what we were involved in, and just how important this project was. Not only to the NZDF, but to the families who had petitioned and waited for so long to have their loved ones return home.  I have to admit I became quite emotionally invested in what we were doing.  Working in such a family focused profession meant that my main thought was always of Mr Goodwin’s family, especially his wife Betty, who I knew was waiting for him.  I am proud to say the involvement in the United Kingdom was a great success, and I was truly moved when I was informed that both Goodwin and Short had arrived safely home.”id you spot Harri Smith and John Ware on BBC Spotlight tonight?

It was our absolute honour to have been asked to assist the New Zealand Defence Force with the repatriation of Leading Marine Engineer William Goodwin from Plymouth to New Zealand.

Catch up on iPlayer from 12mins 30secs into tonight’s evening news: https://www.bbc.co.uk/…/b0b…/spotlight-evening-news-17092018