The New Zealand Pioneer Maori Battalion recruited three brothers from Cakaudrove, Fiji, to fight in World War I when they were between 18 and 30 years old. Hailing from the copra farms of Lovonisikeci Estate, the brothers – William Wilson Andrews, Phillip Tui Andrews, and Joe Andrews – embarked on a journey that would take them away from their familiar surroundings to a battlefield in France.
Maryann Whippy, the 87-year-old daughter of Phillip Tui Andrews, recounted that the brothers were selected from Levuka Public School for military training. “They didn’t even return home to say their goodbyes. They headed straight from Levuka to New Zealand and then to war without seeing our grandparents, Walter and Florence Andrews, one last time,” she said. Joe Andrews took a detour in America as he decided against going to war, and the family lost touch with him.
Phillip and William, however, continued their journey. During the war, while traveling by train in France, they were attacked by German forces, resulting in William being fatally shot. Maryann shared, “My dad witnessed his brother fall, and despite his efforts to protect him, he carried William’s lifeless body after the attack.” Phillip returned home deeply affected by the loss, vowing to discourage his children from military service, having seen the horrors of war firsthand.
After the war, Phillip returned to New Zealand before eventually settling in Samoa with his wife. His experiences did not end there; he was called upon to assist the Samoan government during World War II, while making sure his family took precautions at home.
Years later, in August this year, a significant moment occurred when Phillip’s great-granddaughter, Christine Whippy-Dunn, visited William’s grave in France. Describing the visit as emotional and meaningful, she felt a sense of relief in honoring her ancestor. “After 110 years, I was able to visit and pay my respects, which was deeply satisfying,” she reflected.
The story of the Andrews brothers serves as a testament to their courage and sacrifice during a tumultuous period in history.