This article appeared in the April 1990 NZ 28 Maori Battalion Golden Jubilee Reunion booklet.  

2nd C.O. - DYER, Humphrey Goring, MID.

Born 7th March 1896 at Hamilton.

Because he was a school teacher for many years it wasn't generally known that Humphrey Dyer started his career as a professional soldier. He was the top cadet at the Duntroon Military College where he was awarded the Sword of Honour in 1918.

Except for short periods of special duties and as Battalion 2 I/C, Humphrey Dyer spent almost two years as O.C. 'D' Company with whom he became closely identified.

As a disciplinarian Humphrey was in the Dittmer mould, his adjutant was Ace Wood, the Battalion's original RSM; the Battalion had performed very well in Greece and Crete and the Libyan Campaign, and now seemed set for still greater things. So it was particularly unfortunate that Dyer's position with regard to captured enemy weapons should have become so uncompromising.

However, he asked to be relieved of his command, and in so doing made way for the Division to appoint its first Maori Commander.