2. John was the first Maori pilot in World War 2. He was
captured by Germans and was part of the Great Escape.
He escaped the Germans and was re-captured. He was
killed on Hitler’s orders by the Gestapo at the age of
29. He lived from 1915-1944. His death date was in
March 1944. He joined the army when he was 24 in
1939.

3. John Had recently been living in Taihape with his
whanau. Back in the old days New Zealanders use to live
on farms instead of motels or hotels or fancy houses
like we do! They didn’t complain about coming dirty or
working late. No made up excuses for not doing their
homework! They were respectful and obedient! The girls
stayed inside while the boys worked outside.

4. At the age of 22 John left to go to war. He
was given the position of the first Maori
Pilot. He was shot down by Germans and
became part of the Great Escape. In prison
John obviously tried making a plan to escape.
They all failed. Except for one!

5. John, and some other famous guys, dug a hole
to get out of the prison. This was called The
Great Escape. John and some other men were
re-captured by the Gestapo and were shot
and killed on Hitler's commands.