Stu Leighton has been doing research on some of our Korean War Veterans over the last few weeks.

Captain Alan Cull MBE | 1937- 1939

Captain Alan Cull was awarded his MBE for Services with the mobile dental section of the Royal NZ Dental Corp. Alan received his MBE from the Queen in January 1954 at the Royal Investiture at the Wellington Town Hall. The only photograph allowed that night was the knighthood of another Old Boy, Sir Harold Barrowclough. Alan thoroughly enjoyed the company of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at this year's formal parliamentary gathering to acknowledge the 70th Anniversary of the Korean conflict.

Old Boys' Association Patron Alan Cull (3739) MBE recalls:

"This year is the 70th anniversary of the commencement of the Korean War. I thought you would be interested in some of our Old Boys who were involved. I am sure there were many others during the years that New Zealand had forces in Korea both before and after the armistice in 1953, but these are the only ones I have knowledge of.

Captain Hector MacLean | 1938-1941

He later became a school teacher.

Lieutenant John Brooke MBE | 1941-1945

While at school he became Head Boy of College House, Club Captain of Kia Ora Club, RSM of the School Cadets, School Prefect, and a member of the 1st XV and 1st XI cricket. After school, he followed his father (Colonel John Ingham Brooke OBE) into the military and went to the Royal Military College of Australia at Duntroon. While there he suffered a serious training injury when a grenade detonated near him. John served in the Korean War and later the Malayan Conflict. He was among the Army representatives who attended the Queen's Coronation in 1953 and later was an Aide-to-Camp to the Governor General. John's outstanding prowess in sport lead to him receiving an All Black trial. One of his military roles was the Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadet School in Waiouru. John completed his outstanding career as a Colonel.

Lieutenant William Watson | 1941-1942

Joined the Air Force. He received the United States Air Medal for his role as an Observer behind enemy lines.

Captain Brian Poananga CB CBE | 1938-1943 .

As a 15-year-old schoolboy, he attempted to join the Royal NZ Air Force on the outbreak of war in 1939 but failed because of his age. Three years later, realising that he was colour blind and not wanting to jeopardise his officer cadet training, Brian memorized the entire set of colour plates that made up the eye test. He completed his officer training at the Royal Military College of Australia at Duntroon. He later, after a distinguished military career, became Major-General of the NZ Army and Chief of the General Staff.