James Albert Boyland

James (Jim) was born in on 30 March 1925 and passed away in Taupo on 31 January 2015.

Military Service

Jim enlisted into the Royal New Zealand Navy on 26 October 1940 when he was 15 and a half years old.

As a Seaman Boy 2nd Class, he went on to serve as a telegraphist during World War II onboard two well-known New Zealand light cruisers, HMNZS Leander and HMNZS Achilles, as well as a British frigate, HMS Tyler. On his return from active service, Jim was posted to HMNZS Irirangi, a Naval Radio Station based in Waiouru, where he served until 1948 when he was posted to HMNZS Bellona, New Zealand's flagship.

It is not known when Jim was promoted to Leading Hand; however, he was promoted to Petty Officer in 1949. In 1950, he served again on active service in the Korean War on board a New Zealand frigate, HMNZS Rotoiti, from 29 June 1950 until 28 November 1951. Jim took his release from the Royal New Zealand Navy on 31 March 1952 and moved to Atiamuri to take up dairy farming.

Jim was awarded the following medals in recognition of his military service:

• 1939-45 Star
• Atlantic Star
• Pacific Star, with "Burma" Clasp
• British War Medal 1939-45
• New Zealand War Service Medal 1939-45
• New Zealand Operational Service Medal
• New Zealand Service Medal 1946-1949
• Korea Medal, with "Mentioned in Despatches" Emblem
• United Nations Korea Medal
• New Zealand Defence Service Medal, with "Regular" Clasp
• Korea War Service Medal

He was also awarded a Mentioned in Despatches on 23 May 1952 as a result of his actions on board HMNZS Rotoiti when the ship successfully recaptured the British merchant ship SS Hupeh from Chinese pirates.

James passed away peacefully at his home on 31 January 2015, surrounded by friends and family.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.