Disaster, Ballentynes d. November 18, 1947 Covering over an acre of land in central Christchurch, New Zealand. Ballentynes Department store, which was considered the "Harrods" of New Zealand, was engulfed by flames within a matter of minutes, killing 41 people. It was the worst fire disaster in New Zealand to this day. All 41 people including 31 women were buried in a mass grave at Ruru Cemetery in Christchurch. The Coroner found that delays in calling the fire brigade, had contributed to the disaster. (Bio by: Jeff J) Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Hinton, John Daniel b. September 17, 1909 d. June 28, 1997 World War II Victoria Cross Medal Recipient. He served as a Sergeant in 20th Battalion, 2nd New Zealand Division. On the night of April 28, 1941, his group was in reserve at the port of Kalamata, Greece, when ordered to evacuate. Under German attack, Sergeant Hinton fought his way down a narrow street, destroying several machine gun posts and attacking an armored propelled gun, before being severely wounded in the stomach. Attempts to evacuate Kalamata were abandoned and the remaining Allied...[Read More] (Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith) Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
d. November 18, 1947
