Consider Lord Freyberg Statue not just bronze. It is a testament to courage and service. Here stands Lord Freyberg Statue in Freyberg Place Auckland. The statue commemorates Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Cyril Freyberg. He was a commander and Governor-General. Anthony Stones created this artwork. Returned servicemen donated it to Auckland in 1980.
Lord Freyberg was born in London in 1889. He moved to New Zealand at the age of two. Freyberg attended Wellington College. He later qualified as a dentist. Adventure called and he went to America and Mexico. He participated in the Mexican Revolution.
Hearing of war in Europe Freyberg sought action. He met Winston Churchill. Churchill granted him a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve commission. Freyberg’s bravery earned him the Victoria Cross. He was injured nine times in France alone. A shell at his feet in 1917 caused severe wounds.
Between wars Freyberg convalesced in New Zealand. He married Barbara McLaren. A heart problem forced his army retirement in 1937. Despite being unfit Freyberg returned to action in World War II. He even sustained more injuries.
After the war Freyberg became Governor-General of New Zealand from 1946 to 1952. He was made a Knight Grand Cross. Freyberg returned to England in 1952. He became Deputy Constable and Lieutenant-Governor of Windsor Castle.
Lord Freyberg died in 1963 from a war wound. He was buried next to his wife and son. Freyberg was a swimmer. He won New Zealand’s 100-yards championship. Freyberg was the youngest general in the British Army during World War I. Churchill called Freyberg his salamander. This was because of his love of fire and action.
This statue shows Freyberg in his military greatcoat. His hands are in his pockets. He leans back slightly. The inscription reads Lord Freyberg. It lists his honors and service. It acknowledges the returned servicemen’s donation. Freyberg’s gaze commands this square. He overlooks Freyberg Place. Remember his courage. Consider his service to New Zealand.