Ranfurly men painted for posterity

By Major Syd Dewes

There are some paintings, the more you look at them, the more you see. A recent work completed by Army Artist Captain Matt Gauldie is one such painting. Former Governor General and now Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, Dame Catherine Tizard, helped Capt Gauldie unveil his painting which depicts two returned servicemen, WW2 veteran Mr Ian Cannon and Lance Corporal Daniel Moyle, comparing notes.

A painting by Capt Matt Gauldie which depicts two returned servicemen, WW2 veteran Mr Ian Cannon and Lance Corporal Daniel Moyle, comparing notes (AW-11-1007-2).

Sadly, Mr Cannon, a veteran who served in the Pacific and former resident of the Ranfurly Veterans Home, died in November last year. LCPL Moyle is an Army Reserve soldier posted to the 3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly's Own) and Northland Battalion and has completed a deployment to the Solomon Islands and Timor- Leste.

Unveiling the painting at the Ranfurly Veterans Home in the presence of veterans young and old, friends and family members, was significant for a number of reasons not least being it recognised what the Veterans Home and the 3rd Battalion have in common. The name Ranfurly comes from Lord Ranfurly, former Governor of NZ (1897 to 1904). He laid the foundation stone for the veterans' home that now bears his name and it was from his wife that the 3rd Battalion has, as part of its title, "The Countess of Ranfurly's Own". And, there is of course the Ranfurly rugby shield.

The brief formalities followed by morning tea and sharing of stories and experiences were a welcome interlude for the residents as is any time young service men and women visit the Home. Occasions like this remind the residents of the happier times when they too were in the services. They are also a good reminder for us that comradeship extends through to continual engagement and support of our aged veterans.

The painting remains the property of the NZ Army and is on loan to the 3rd Battalion. Since it features 'Ranfurly men', it makes good sense that it should be shared from time-to-time with the Ranfurly Veterans Home. This is also another example of how young and old veterans can remain connected.