Due to shortages of up to date weaponry at the outset of WWII, solders of Te Hokowhitu (The 28th Maori Battalion) were issued with the 18" WW1 bayonet which their enemies soon came to fear. The extra 6" would have been an enormous advantage in hand to hand and close quarters combat. It was said, solders of Te Hokowhitu relished close quarters exchanges with the enemy.
They were of my grandfathers generation and my Grandfathers grandfather fought in lots of skirmishes with the Waikato and Tainui ,before sense prevailed and the Ngapuhi and Waikato were joined together through several inter marriages. So it wasn't too far back in time to the hand to hand and musket warfare of the 1800's. The Spirit was there in huge amounts.
You dont like me aye well good on yah buddy sad really you dont even know me all you know is are ancestors past dont judge us future generation when you dont know me pukana blllaaaahhhhhh
