Anzac Day: How the Bulford Kiwi helps Brits remember the service of New Zealanders
The sight of a huge white horse on the side of a hill will be recognisable to millions of British people, who can spot the great chalk figures in picturesque landscapes from Kent to Aberdeenshire.
A giant kiwi, however, might not seem so familiar.
But even those surprised by the big white bird etched out of the countryside above the town of Bulford in Wiltshire will immediately associate the symbol with New Zealand. Its short legs and long beak make up New Zealand’s unofficial, but unmistakeable, national emblem.
The Bulford Kiwi on Salisbury Plain is 100 years old this year. It was built by soldiers from New Zealand who were based in the UK after the end of the First World War to mark their achievements during the conflict. The land on which it stands is still part of a major training facility for the British armed forces.
Last summer it was restored by British troops and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Richard Osgood, DIO’s senior archaeologist, said:
“The kiwi is protected by law and DIO is mindful of the significance of the carving to so many people. It has been a real privilege to be part of the team that conserves this monument for future generations, whilst remembering the endeavours of the service personnel of 100 years ago.”
A team of volunteers, including personnel from the British Army’s 3rd (United Kingdom) Division Signal Regiment, helped to spread new, bright-white chalk over the kiwi to ensure it stands out on the skyline into its second century.
On Anzac Day — 25 April — British personnel will remember their kinship with troops from New Zealand and Australia and the impact this bond has had on world history.
The word Anzac stands for ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’: the corps which took part in the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
Anzac Day is a traditional day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders. Many will lay wreaths and take part in a minute’s silence to remember all those who have died in the service of the nations’ armed forces.
Brigadier Simon Stockley, head of the defence training estate team, is proud to oversee the land on which the Bulford Kiwi now stands.
“I could not be more proud that it has been restored to its full glory by service personnel, the New Zealand High Commission, the DIO and one of our principal contractors, Landmarc Support Services,” he says. “It truly was a collaborative effort.”
“This is a fantastic example of the work that the DIO does to protect and maintain many historic sites across the estate, and the Bulford Kiwi remains an important local landmark to recognise New Zealand’s sacrifices on the Western Front.”
This Anzac Day, the newly-renovated Bulford Kiwi will serve as a reminder of the sacrifice of Anzac troops, the ties that bond the UK and its Anzac allies, and the debt we all owe to those who serve.
