Our Friends

My father Sapper Bill (WR) Young served as a signaller with the NZ Division across Northern France in 1918,  including at Le Quesnoy. I created the ‘Victory Medal’ sculpture to honour “all our heroes in WW1.”

The ‘Victory ‘Medal’ sculpture installation has toured throughout NZ and to three battlefield towns on the Western Front. I was honoured that it was used as a focal point for the centenary event at Le Quesnoy.

My grandfather, 2nd LIEUT. F H Mintrom was awarded the MILITARY CROSS in 1918. The citation reads ‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative east of LE QUESNOY on 4th November 1918. He commanded a section of machine guns attached to an assaulting battalion of Infantry, and lead forward two guns with the leading waves of the right leading company in the attack. By engaging enemy oppositions he assisted the advance of the infantry, and he took up a well-chosen position on the objective gained’ Prior to that he was awarded the MILITARY MEDAL in 1917 in the Battle for the Somme After crossing the Hannebeeke when, as Sergt Mintrom he took command of his section of gunners after the Lieut. Forsdick was injured. The citation for the MM reads ‘in operations at YPRES 4th and 5th October 1917. This NCO took charge of the section when his officer became a casualty. He led his guns to their objective and showed great ability and and initiative in sighting them in their final positions. His splendid example to his men attributed greatly to the success of the operations.

I have been to Le Quesnoy three times and loved the NZ connection. Therese’s parents survived the grim occupation, and it was fascinating to talk with her. Le Quesnoy will be our New Zealand home on the Western Front.

New Zealand and France have strong links in the North of France. And seeing that this link goes on, more than 100 years after the end of WWI, is really impressive and a positive sign for future generations: resilience and courage from the past shall send a positive message to create a peaceful future. And not forgetting our past and common history means we prevent repeating the mistakes from yesterday.

Le Quesnoy is such a special place. I can’t believe I didn’t learn about it growing up. It’s so surreal to walk through this small town in France and see Kiwi flags in windows and Kiwi street names, murals and plaques. The people of Le Quesnoy have never forgotten they were liberated by New Zealand soldiers in the last week of World War I. Every Kiwi should visit Le Quesnoy when in Europe to explore the town and learn about this fascinating part of our history. 

It’s such an amazing story and a perfect place to celebrate all things NZ as well as the bravery of the soldiers.