In August 2015 Manurewa Local Board commemorated a local connection to the Second World War by renaming the eastern section of Peguero Place ‘Pedestal Lane’.
The name refers to Operation Pedestal, a British mission to relieve Malta from Axis control in 1942, in which a Manurewa resident participated. Official celebrations for the newly named Pedestal Lane were held on 15 August 2015, the 73rd anniversary of the day that the last Operation Pedestal ship reached Malta.
Local board chair Angela Dalton thanks Peter Dilley, who submitted the application to rename the pathway.
“A Manurewa local, Ray Peguero, served on one of only five ships in Operation Pedestal that made it to Malta. Sadly, 400 allied lives were lost in the battle but the operation is said to have provided critical fuel to defend and save the tiny island of Malta and its people,” says Angela Dalton.
“We’re really grateful to have Peter Dilley sharing Ray Peguero’s stories with us and it’s an honour to be paying respect to the sacrifice of all involved in Operation Pedestal, along with the sacrifices of their families here at home in New Zealand.
“Pedestal Lane, with its new seating and plaque, will be a great place for residents, young and old, to reflect on how lucky we are, and give thanks for these brave sacrifices.”
