A large crowd gathered in a windy Thames on Sunday for the unveiling of a bronze statue honouring one of the district’s most distinguished sons — Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park, the New Zealand commander whose leadership during the Battle of Britain helped turn the tide of the Second World War.
Remembering the Battle of Britain 85 years on
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Len Salt opened the ceremony by reflecting on Park’s extraordinary achievements and New Zealand’s role in the historic 1940 campaign.
“The Battle of Britain was not just a clash of aircraft and airmen. It was a turning point in the Second World War,” Salt said. “Though fought thousands of miles from our shores, the battle was deeply significant to New Zealand. Over a hundred of our pilots took part, the highest contribution per capita of any Commonwealth country — and 20 of them never returned. Among them stood a man born right here in Thames, Sir Keith Park.”
As commander of the Royal Air Force’s No. 11 Group, Park was tasked with the defence of London and southeast England at the height of the Luftwaffe onslaught. His strategic direction and tireless leadership helped ensure that “The Few,” as Winston Churchill famously described the outnumbered Allied pilots, repelled Hitler’s invasion plans.
National and International Recognition
Associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the significance of the tribute. He thanked the Park family, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, veterans, and the community for ensuring Park’s legacy is remembered.
“This is not just a Thames story, nor just a New Zealand story,” Penk said. “This is a story of global importance. Sir Keith Park’s leadership and courage were decisive in protecting freedom at one of history’s darkest hours. Today, we recognise that here in his hometown.”
RNZAF Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb echoed those sentiments, describing Park as “a man whose decisiveness and calm under pressure became legendary.”
Representatives from iwi, the diplomatic corps, Thames RSA, and local youth cadets also took part, laying wreaths and joining the remembrance.
Family Reflections and Later Years
Park’s grandniece, Lesley Park, offered a moving family perspective, recounting not only his wartime leadership but also his post-war service. After the Battle of Britain, Park went on to command the defence of Malta, and later oversaw Allied air operations in Southeast Asia before returning to New Zealand.
The bronze statue, created by sculptor Joanne Sullivan, now stands in Thames as a permanent reminder of his legacy.
Who Was Sir Keith Park?
Born: 15 June 1892, Thames, New Zealand
Died: 6 February 1975, Auckland
- First World War: Served in the New Zealand Artillery before joining the Royal Flying Corps as a fighter pilot. Credited with multiple aerial victories.
- Between the Wars: Continued his RAF career, known for his strategic acumen and steady leadership.
- Battle of Britain (1940): As commander of No. 11 Group RAF, Park directed the defence of London and southeast England during the Luftwaffe onslaught. His leadership was pivotal in halting Hitler’s planned invasion of Britain.
- Defence of Malta (1942): Orchestrated the successful defence of the island under sustained Axis attack, cementing Malta’s role as a vital Allied base.
- Post-War: Rose to Air Chief Marshal, later overseeing air operations in Southeast Asia. Returned to New Zealand after retirement and contributed to civil aviation.
- Legacy: Regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest military leaders, whose tactical brilliance and calm leadership helped shape the outcome of the Second World War.
