Rotorua Field of Remembrance crosses returning to families

The Rotorua District Field of Remembrance was erected next to the Cenotaph in Government Gardens in April 2015. Photo / Supplied

The Rotorua Returned Services Association (RSA) is beginning the process of gifting World War I Rotorua District Field of Remembrance crosses to descendants of those soldiers represented.

Supported by Rotorua Lakes Council, the project aims to connect all 109 crosses and one Star of David to the appropriate families.

Each cross features the serial number, rank, initials, and surname of a soldier from the Rotorua district who served and died as a result of World War I.

Family members are asked to email expressions of interest, including details about the soldier and their family connection to them, to crosses@rotorualc.nz.

All expressions of interest need to be received by August 16 and the collection of the crosses will take place in September.

The Rotorua District Field of Remembrance was erected next to the Cenotaph in Government Gardens for the first time in April 2015 as part of the WWI centennial commemorations.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings by Anzac troops on April 25, 1915, the initial plan was to install it each Anzac Day for four years – covering the WWI centenary years.

Co-ordinated by the Rotorua WW100 Committee, the research was carried out by Rotorua Museum and local researchers and endorsed by the Rotorua RSA.

The crosses, made by members of Menz Shed Rotorua, included one for "The Unknown Soldier, Known unto God" – representing the many men who died during WWI but are not known or not recorded.

Anzac Day marks New Zealand's first major engagement of World War I at Gallipoli, Turkey. While it was a terrible defeat, it has become a legend of sacrifice and this year marks 100 years since New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli.

A full list of those included in the WWI Rotorua District Field of Remembrance can be found on the Rotorua Museum website.