Saint Heliers in Auckland, New Zealand — The North Island (Te Ika-a-Maui)
Achilles Point
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 27, 2025
1. HMS Achilles Marker
This reserve is dedicated to commemorate the gallant performance of H.M.S. Achilles and the bravery of her captain, officers and ship's company in the victorious naval battle fought in the South Atlantic off the River Plate on December 13th, 1939.
This plaque was laid to commemorate the four naval ratings from HMS Achilles who gave their lives during the Battle of the River Plate
13 December 1939
Ian W. Grant NZ 1734 · Ordinary Seaman
Neville J. Milburn D/SSX 23288 · Ordinary Telegraphist
Archie C. H. Shaw NZ 1030 · Able Seaman
Frank Stennett D/JX 148899 · Telegraphist
Lest We Forget
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World II • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is December 13, 1939.
Location. 36° 50.642′ S, 174° 51.847′ E. Marker is in Auckland. It is in Saint Heliers. It is on Cliff Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 69 Cliff Road, Auckland 1071, New Zealand. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in Polynesia, in the Pacific Ocean, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At
this page online
Also see . . . Battle of the River Plate (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
The Battle of the River Plate was fought in the South Atlantic on 13 December 1939 as the first British naval battle of the Second World War.(Submitted on January 7, 2026.)
The Kriegsmarine heavy cruiser Admiral Graf Spee, commanded by Captain Hans Langsdorff, engaged a Royal Navy squadron, commanded by Commodore Henry Harwood, comprising the light cruisers HMS Ajax, HMNZS Achilles (on loan to the New Zealand Division) and the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter.
The battle is also significant as it was the first time the Flag of New Zealand was flown in battle, from HMS Achilles. Also in New Zealand, four mountain peaks in the Two Thumb Range region of the South Island arenamed in commemoration of the battle. These are Achilles (2,544 m), Exeter (2,327 m), Ajax (2,319 m) and Graf Spee (2,267 m).Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 27, 20252. HMS Achilles Marker
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 27, 2025
3. HMS Achilles Marker
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 27, 2025
4. Emblem "Fortiter in re"
This is the latter part of the Latin motto "Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re," meaning "Gently in manner, firmly/strongly in deed" or "Pleasantly in manner, powerfully in action," emphasizing a balance of diplomacy and strength.
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 27, 2025
5. HMS Achilles Marker
Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, December 27, 2025
6. New Zealand Warship Achilles
After which this memorial is named.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 5, 2026, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
