Memories of Service 3 - Daniel Herlihy

Daniel Herlihy’s naval career spanned 44 years, making him the longest continuous serving member of the New Zealand Navy. He joined in 1949, at the age of 14. Even before seeing active service in Korea he’d been involved in keeping New Zealand ports running, during the infamous 1951 waterfront dispute. Following significant action off Korea’s coasts, Daniel was later involved in the Suez Crisis and the Malayan Emergency. Later, while commanding a coastal patrol vessel, he took part in action against illegal Taiwanese fishing boats. At 82, Daniel recalls many details.

All of a sudden, just off our starboard bow, there was a huge fall of shot, splashes going up. And the captain of our gun got us young chaps, you know we were only 18 then; he pushed us underneath the cradle of the gun. Old Jock Purvis, a good guy for doing that for us.

– Daniel Herlihy

Key Cast & Crew

David Blyth

Producer, Director, Interviewer

Patricia Stroud

Producer, Research

Jed Town

Composer

Edward Larsen

Editor

Simon Schueller

Camera, Sound