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The Red Squad regroups on Onslow Rd amid the debris of stones, sticks, rocks and other missiles while watching for more thrown objects

John MercerSeptember 12, 1981

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Auckland, New Zealand

Black and white photograph of a line of riot police officers forming a blockade along Onslow Road. The police officers are wearing protective helmets and holding batons, preparing for an oncoming crowd of anti-Springbok tour protesters.

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  • Title: The Red Squad regroups on Onslow Rd amid the debris of stones, sticks, rocks and other missiles while watching for more thrown objects
  • Creator: John Mercer
  • Creator Lifespan: b. 1949
  • Creator Nationality: New Zealander
  • Creator Birth Place: New Plymouth, New Zealand
  • Date Created: September 12, 1981
  • Location: Mount Eden (Auckland, N.Z.)
  • Physical Dimensions: 35 mm frame
  • Subject Keywords: Protest movements--New Zealand, Mount Eden (Auckland, N.Z.), Springboks (Rugby team), Rugby football--Political aspects--South Africa, Anti-apartheid movements--New Zealand
  • Type: Negative
  • Rights: All rights reserved
  • External Link: Auckland Museum: Collections Online
  • Support: Polyester
  • Wikipedia: Auckland Museum on Wikipedia
  • Process: Gelatin silver
  • Notes: Inscribed on print verso: BC9-60 Onslow Rd. 12 Sept 1981.;Notes provided by John Mercer June-July 2021: The Red Squad regroups one more time amid the debris of stones and other objects on the road, watchful for more. A few officers are dodging incoming stuff. Behind the Red Squad line at centre right can be seen two Senior officers and a third Senior officer can be seen approaching at centre left. Observing from the yard, verandah and windows of the house at centre top & top right are residents, onlookers and recent protesters. Then the Red Squad races up Onslow Rd in hot pursuit of the retreating protesters. The protest group retreat from the Red Squad baton charge as it arrives at Dominion Rd. Around the corner to the left, beyond the overturned unmarked police car, several Red Squad officers burst through a boundary hedge and beat to the ground one of the two protest clowns and the bumblebee. They have tried to stay out of the conflict by hiding behind the hedge. As Senior police commanders and protest marshals become aware of this brutal incident it is clear to them that it is time to stop the street battle immediately.
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira

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