13/09/2026
A Memorial Dedication to our grandfather, great grandfather, and greater grandfather who served in two World Wars and was in command of the NZ Military Forces in the interwar period from 1926-1931. He retired to Marly's Cottage in 1932, but his military service was not over...
His story...
Major General Robert Young C.B., C.M.G, D.S.O, M.I.S.x5, ChLH
Robert Young was a dentist and father of seven, with another child on the way, when WWI began in 1914. As a trained volunteer, he believed it was his duty to serve.
Landing at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915, he fought at Chunuk Bair, and later led the final evacuation from Gallipoli without loss of life. He then fought on the Western Front where he was wounded at Messines.
His courage and leadership earned him promotions and numerous honours. Young was respected for prioritising troop welfare, leading by example and remaining resolute under fire.
After the war, he was sent to Sling Camp in England to restore order among disgruntled NZEF soldiers. There he authorised the creation of the famous Bulford Kiwi. In 1919, he led New Zealand's troops in London's Victory Parade.
Post-war, Young served as the Southern District Commander. In 1925 he was promoted to Major General and General Officer Commanding, overseeing New Zealand’s entire military, during a critical interwar re-development stage.
Young retired in 1931. Moving to Otaki, he involved himself in local affairs and became the first President of the Otaki RSA, 1934.
During WWII, he came out of retirement, at age 63 to become Director-General of the NZ Home Guard. This challenging role, aimed at counteracting a potential Japanese invasion, ended in 1944, concluding his long military service.