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Foreword

Lt. Colonel Haddon Donald, DSO, MC, MID (2), American Legion of Merit, ED, and I met during the early days of the Second World War and have been very good friends ever since.

Haddon was promoted to commanding officer of the 22nd Battalion in the New Zealand Division at the very young age of 27.

As his second in command, I found that he was a brave, strong and effective leader who led from the front, giving great confidence to the 900 men under his command.

He expected a high standard from his men but at the same time he was fair and would never ask them to do anything he was not prepared to do himself. He had the respect of the battalion, was an inspiration to his men, and was concerned for them all both in and out of battle.

Now in retirement at Lake Taupo with good health and fitness and still the same fun-loving character, he enjoys life with his wife, Ana, and large extended family. Pastimes are golf, fishing, gardening and playing bridge.

I feel this book will be read with great interest by many people, especially the generations which have grown up since the war in which their fathers and grandfathers fought.