Questions & Answers
If the body is unknown, how do we know it is a New Zealander?
Of the approximately 12,000 New Zealand fatalities on the Western Front in World War One, there were many whose identity could not be determined. Some were known to be New Zealanders by their uniform or badges. One of them , whose grave is inscribed 'A NEW ZEALAND SOLDIER OF THE GREAT WAR', was selected to be returned to New Zealand.
Why select the body from the Western Front?
The Western Front is where New Zealand suffered its greatest losses in times of war and where there are the greatest number of unknown graves. This is important to ensure that the body remains unknown.
Why is it important that the body is unknown?
The idea behind the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior is that, being unknown, he (all the unknown graves are of men) represents all New Zealanders who have fought and died overseas.
If the remains are brought home from the Western Front, they will almost certainly be those of a soldier. How can this be representative of the Navy and Air Force?
The Unknown Warrior should not be thought of as representing any particular service. That's why the term ‘Warrior' is used. He represents both the sacrifice New Zealand has made in times of war and all New Zealanders who became lost to their families through war. We do not know who he is, so he could be related to almost any of us.
Why not pick one Maori and one non-Maori to return?
Because the body is unknown, we will not know who he is except that he is a New Zealander. We will not know his name, rank, regiment, race, religion or any other detail of his life. The term ‘Warrior' incorporates all these unknown details. He could be anyone and so represents everyone.
If we can bring one warrior home, why can't we bring all New Zealand war dead home?
New Zealand is a member of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The war cemeteries reflect the desire to allow those who fought and died together to be buried together and commemorated individually. It is a rule of the Commission that no grave should be disturbed, except in cases such as to return an unknown warrior.
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