Ake, ake, kia kaha e! Songs of the New Zealand Māori Battalion
Performers:
NZ Māori Battalion
When the soldiers of the legendary Maori Battalion sailed for the Second World War, they took with them songs that embodied the love and prayers of those at home. There were hymns, haka, and popular action songs, together with the rousing Maori Battalion March to Victory! These were sung with a style that became part of the Battalion’s legend. These unique recordings were taken ‘live’ on location in the sands of Egypt, during artillery action in North Africa, and in the green valleys of Southern Italy, by the Middle East Recording Unit of New Zealand’s National Broadcasting Service. The recordings captured the raw exuberance and vigour of the performances, and convey something of the drama of the epic events involving the Battalion during WW2.
