It was Geoffrey Fuller’s artistic skills, attention to detail and thorough research as shown in his earlier Katikati mural, ‘Central Motors’, that persuaded Open-Air Art to accept his proposal to paint this tribute to all Katikati men and woman who have served in overseas conflicts. The committee of the Katikati RSA was closely involved in the planning and design of this mural.
After their final leave second world war servicemen left Katikati Railway Station in threes or fours to go overseas but the mural collectively portrays the large number of Katikati men and women who served in the forces being farewelled by their families before boarding a waiting troop train. Katikati men and women were involved in all the aspects of service in both world wars and the other conflicts, and at home, portrayed in the mural. Background information on each small picture in the mural is included in a booklet written and published by the artist and available from the Visitors Centre.
