My Army Mates and Me, by Richard Cato, is the graphic story of his father, Colin, a young farmer from Te Kuiti who, together with a number of local mates, enlisted for military service in World War II. Colin was a sergeant in charge of a machine gun platoon in the 27^th Machine Gun Battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and he and his men took part in some fierce and horrific battles – machine gunners were often in the front lines when enemies attacked each other. Colin and some of his men narrowly escaped from Greece and Crete. After trying to defend the island of Crete against German paratroop invaders, they retreated to the New Zealand army camp at Maadi in Egypt. The men later took part in several major desert battles against Rommel’s Afrika Korps in and around Alamein. Richard discovered his father’s story on several tapes Colin had made years after he returned from war to the peace of his Te Kuiti farm. Since transcribing the tapes, Richard has spent countless hours in further research, pulling together diaries, letters, photographs, and maps to produce his father’s story, and has designed and published the book himself. It is a remarkable story, complemented by many excellent photos.

Reviewed by Kingsley Field, author and retired journalist of Te Awamutu

Authored by Colin Cato / Richard Cato:

Author Richard Cato was born and raised in Te Kuiti. He was educated at Pio Pio Primary School and New Plymouth Boys’ High School. He began farming west of Te Kuiti in 1970, then moved to Ohaupo with his wife and family where they grew cut flowers, exporting them to the world. Retiring to Te Awamutu has given Richard more time to pursue his writing.

This interest grew from conversations with his elderly aunts and his father’s ability to write short (unpublished) stories. Wanting to share this knowledge, Richard has written four family books and one for another family.

Richard writes, designs, and formats all his own work, which is diligently checked by his wife, Judy, and journalist friend, Kingsley Field, before publication.

The recent discovery of tape recordings made by his father, Colin, of World War II adventures, has extended Richard’s interest in the 27^th Machine Gun Battalion’s exploits from that tumultuous time.