WW2 veteran and Marton RSA stalwart honoured

WW2 veteran Duncan Hart, 94, from Marton. Photo/ file

A long-standing member of the Marton Returned and Services Association (RSA) has been named on the Queen's Birthday Honours released today.

Duncan Hart, 94, served with the New Zealand Army for two-and-a half years during World War II and since his return he has contributed to the Marton community for more than 60 years.

Mr Hart was president of the Marton RSA for more than 20 years across three different periods.

In 1977, he was awarded life membership, the Gold Star and Special Honours from the NZRSA.

He was a founding member of Marton Lions in 1963 and became a life member in 1988.

Mr Hart has been a member of the Justices Association since 1975 and has been involved with many other committees in Marton over the past 60 years.

In World Ward II he fought the Battle of Monte Cassino that lasted from January to May 1944.

The aim being to capture Monte Cassino abbey from the Germans. It was part of the defensive line to prevent further Allied penetration into Italy.

Of the 2176 Kiwis who died in Italy, 456 are buried in Cassino. Another 55 perished but their bodies were never recovered; 6700 were wounded.

Mr Hart continues to reside in Marton.