Water bottle

item details

NameWater bottle

ProductionNew Zealand Defence Force; commissioner; 2000s; New Zealand

Classificationmilitary uniforms, bottles

Materialsplastic

DimensionsOverall: 120mm (width), 200mm (height), 70mm (depth)

Registration NumberGH023236

Credit lineGift of the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment, 2012

Overview

This water bottle or canteen goes with the combat uniform worn by Lance Corporal (now Corporal) Willie Apiata, New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS), in 2004 in Afghanistan. In that year, he saved the life of his colleague when under enemy fire. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand (VC) in 2007 for displaying the highest order of personal courage under fire, and in doing so, contributed materially to the success of the overall engagement.

The Victoria Cross was created by Queen Victoria in 1856 to recognise acts of gallantry in the presence of the enemy, by the members of the armed forces, regardless of rank.

The New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) was formed in July 1955 and is a special forces unit of the New Zealand Defence Force, modelled on the British Special Air Service (SAS). Its key roles are to undertake overseas missions and respond to domestic terrorist attacks. The New Zealand SAS is held in high regard internationally, as demonstrated by the United States Presidential Citation which was awarded to the NZSAS in December 2004.