Eruera Love
New Zealand Army commander (1905–1942) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eruera Te Whiti o Rongomai Love (18 May 1905 – 12 July 1942) was a New Zealand rugby player, interpreter and military leader. Of Māori descent, he identified with the Te Ati Awa iwi.
Quick Facts Nickname(s), Born ...
Eruera Love | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | "The Bull" |
Born | (1905-05-18)18 May 1905 Waikawa, Marlborough, New Zealand |
Died | 12 July 1942(1942-07-12) (aged 37) Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt |
Buried | |
Allegiance | New Zealand |
Service/ | New Zealand Military Forces |
Years of service | 1922–1942 |
Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
Commands held | Māori Battalion |
Battles/wars | Second World War |
Relations | Ripeka Wharawhara Love (mother) |
Close
One of seven surviving children of Wi Hapi Pakau Love and Ripeka Wharawhara Love, he was born in Waikawa Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand on 18 May 1905.[1]
A Territorial officer, during the Second World War, he was a company commander and later battalion commander of the Māori Battalion. He was killed in action in the Western Desert on 12 July 1942.[2]