Letter · 19 Oct 1915 · Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Only my wife and family matter
GS Richardson was a high-ranking military official who led a number of units (NZ and British) and was promoted through the war. For his bio, see: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3r16/richardson-george-spafford
Extracts from this letter
"My pleasure lies in the fact that [my Award] was given to a New Zealander serving with strange officers & Troops & therefore reflects credit on New Zealand – as outsiders have to earn what they get"
"Death does not seem to have much effect on one here – One sees so much of it – Only yesterday I stood calmly looking at the dried up skeletons of Turks in uniform without the slightest feeling of horror whereas before the war it would have shocked me…"
"Were it not for my wife & family I would calmly & without dread die at any time for my country, but I do want for their sake to get through this alright & pray that I may do so… I have enjoyable companions on our staff, a splendid General & plenty of work… If the war lasts long enough we shall all win all sorts of honours, but trinkets have no charm for me. I am charmed only by my wife & family & New Zealand where I hope we shall all meet soon."
