The Maoris in the Great War : a history of the New Zealand native contingent and pioneer battalion, Gallipoli, 1915, France and Flanders, 1916-1918 / by James Cowan.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

In English, with some Māori.

The Maori offer for service abroad -- Recruiting & organisation of the Maori Contingent -- Maori at Anzac, Gallipoli, 1915 -- The battle of Sari Bair, Gallipoli -- The last weeks at Gallipoli -- Formation of the Pioneer Battalion -- Arrival of the Pioneers in France (1916) -- Maori raiding parties (1916) -- The Pioneers' work on the Western Front (1916 ; 1917) -- Cook Islanders in the field (Egypt, 1916-17) -- The Pioneers in the battle of Messines (June, 1917) -- The Pioneers' work in Flanders (July-September 1917) -- Third battle of Ypres (October 1917) -- Work on the Western Front (January-May 19181) -- Summer of 1918: Western Front -- Final stages of the war, 1918 -- Capture of Le Quesnoy : the Armistice -- Appendices (Maori protest against splitting up of the force ; Nominal rolss of the Maori Contingents and Reinforcements, 1914-18 ; Maori roll of honour ; List of decorations ; Maori Contingent after Sari Bair ; "Te opo tuatahi" : a Maori recruiting song, 'Te Ope Tautahi').

"Māori form a significant proportion of the modern New Zealand Army, and Maori officers have achieved the very highest commands, Their unique culture is deeply embedded in its tradition and daily routines; celebrated by Māori (indigenous) and pakeha (non-indigenous) soldiers alike. The exploits of the 28th (Māori) Battalion in WWll - peerless in attack - are well-remembered. Not so well known is the major Māori contribution to the Allied cause in the Great War. Māori were quick to respond in 1914. Over five times as many as the specified contingent of 500 men volunteered, and that number of places was allocated on a tribal basis. As the centennial of the start of WWl approaches, it is timely to revise and republish Cowans 1926 work."--Publisher's description.