Via the NZ Tunnelling Company on facebook: A very special day yesterday in Wellington for NZETC descendants and supporters. The formal part of the morning was the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior by government officials, French representatives, the Armed Forces and Tunnelling Company representatives. Tunnellers’ sons Tom Kiely and Dick Martin accompanied by Tun Coy family member Colonel John Howard laid a wreath on our behalf. Keith Garwood, Grandson Sapper Jack Bankier and NZETC Wellington co-organiser had this to say; ‘It was a pleasure to meet many of you today. I felt very easy in your company - as though the comradeship our tunneller ancestors shared all those many years ago has been transmitted down through the generations.’ Our day was made all the special by having Christophe Serieys and Isabelle Pilarowski spend time with us. Our extended Tunnelling Company family grows larger and we love that our Arras friends have become part of the Tunnellers ‘family’. See You Tube link for video of the opening of the Arras Tunnel. Lots of shots showing descendants enjoying the moment as well as being able to reflect on family members who served. Great support was provided by members of the public who helped carry names of men from the Tun Coy Roll of Honour. Thanks to everyone for a memorable day. More photos to come. https://m.youtube/watch?v=GkbYkuY3wgU
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:22:46 +0000