This year we have decided to mark ANZAC Day by acknowledging the service and commitment of some of the more recently retired servicemen and women in our College community. We are aware that there are many more Lindisfarne connections to retired servicemen and women but those featured here are representatives of all those who have put their lives at risk to help others and to keep us safe. If any other members of the armed services would like to share their stories with us, we would be happy to include them in subsequent newsletters.

Johnny Hesketh (Served 1987 – 2007)

Johnny signed up at the age of 17, straight from school and in doing so, he followed a family tradition as his grandfather had served with the 20th Battalion, Armoured Division in World War 2. Johnny loved the army and the variety of places and people he encountered as a result of his service. A highlight for him was serving with the United Nations Peace-Keeping Forces in Bosnia in 1992 but he also concedes that many of the events he witnessed reminded him of how lucky he was to be a New Zealander. Johnny found the transition to civilian life wasn’t easy, but his army background has given him a team focus which has always been a huge asset. (Photo caption middle right) 

Amber Rogers (Served 1999-2009)

Amber’s great grandfather was a member of the 28th Māori Battalion, but she was motivated to join the army by an uncle who told her she’d never make it! She was determined to prove him wrong and did so very convincingly. Amber joined the Royal New Zealand Engineers to do an apprenticeship as a builder and, as the only woman in the platoon, she again encountered scepticism about her ability from some men in her platoon. Amber’s innate tenacity and resilience soon showed them how wrong they were. Amber’s progression in the army was briefly halted by the birth of her children but the army was very supportive of her during these times. A career highlight for Amber was the humanitarian work the NZ Army did in East Timor in building schools and infra-structure.
(Photo caption left)

Todd Rogers (Served 1995-2010)

Todd trained as a carpenter in the army and also has a military pedigree as both his grandfathers served in World War Two. He was a member of the Royal New Zealand Engineers and part of their service was an annual deployment overseas, usually for disaster relief or on humanitarian missions. He did two tours to East Timor and one to Iraq as part of a joint New Zealand/British Army deployment. Todd acknowledges that some of his experiences in the army were difficult but the sense of brotherhood engendered by going through these times together helped him and his comrades to survive and he would encourage any young person who wants to join the army today. (Photo caption middle left)

Scotty Sheridan (1995-2004)

Scotty was on the same bus to Waiouru as Todd at the beginning of their training and it set the seal on their lifelong friendship. Scotty particularly remembers his service in East Timor where the New Zealand forces were tasked with the evacuation of East Timorese civilians. He recalls lifting an old lady into a truck and realising that she weighed hardly anything because she was so malnourished. On this mission the New Zealand forces were often greeted by old men saluting them on the side of the road as their trucks drove past. Scotty has found that the camaraderie of the army is something that lives on well beyond active service. 
ANZAC Day is a once-a-year commemoration but Lindisfarne 

boys look up at the stained glass window in our chapel every time they go to chapel and see the representation of Charles Upham VC & Bar. This depiction and the school values of Respect, Integrity, Courage, Kindness, Service and Humility should remind them and us of the sacrifices all our servicemen and women have made for us in the past and continue to do so every day. (Photo caption right)

Article added: Wednesday 21 April 2021