Letter · 18 May 1916 · Flanders Fields, Belgium
On men and cowards
Harry Norton was killed in action on 15 September 1916, at Flanders. His family were not informed of his death for 5-6 weeks, and continued to write to him. Their letters were returned marked with 'deceased'. Harry wrote to his wife everyday - his letters are very descriptive and personal.
Extract from this letter
"I am glad I came. I was wanted all right, & so is every able-bodied man. Every man in N.Z. who does not come to the fight is a coward. If they had any real man-hood & pluck in them they would. Some think that they are too old, not strong enough, have family ties, business must be carried on etc. but they are all cold-footed at heart and have not got any manliness in them. It makes me bubble over when I think of them reading the newspapers & living in comfort at home while we are doing our bit, & our bit is a very big bit Chum."
