Letter · 3 Aug 1915 · Auckland - Wellington train, New Zealand
War will strengthen the British Empire
IWI: Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Tuhourangi HAPŪ: Ngāti Rauhoto WAKA: Te Arawa. Harry was born at Taupo, went to primary school in Rotorua, then studied in Auckland at Auckland Grammar. He completed his degree in engineering at Canterbury University. For his full bio, see: http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3d2/dansey-harry-delamere Here is Te Ara's summary of his war service: Harry Dansey was nearly 40 years old when war broke out. Despite having a reserved occupation, he enlisted. He sailed in the second draft of the Maori Contingent, and held the rank of second lieutenant. On arrival in Egypt he was posted to the Otago Infantry Regiment as a machine-gun specialist. In the reorganisation that followed the Gallipoli campaign, he was transferred to the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion. Promoted to lieutenant, he served as a Lewis machine-gun officer in France. By January 1917 Harry had been mentioned in dispatches and was appointed second-in-command of a company in the field. His engineering qualifications were to prove invaluable. The following month, seconded for duty as II ANZAC Corps (later XXII Corps) tramway superintendent, he was placed in charge of railway construction and transport organisation for the battle area. The evacuation of wounded troops was also his responsibility. He was promoted to captain in April, and in January 1918 he was awarded the Military Cross for 'distinguished services in the field'. From 2 October until 26 December 1918 he performed the duties of bridging officer, XXII Corps.
Extracts from this letter
"War is a terrible thing to the individual members of a nation but nationally there is no doubt in my mind… human blood and suffering are the most cementitious elements there are, they bind the atoms of an Empire as cement does in a brick structure."
"This war is going to bring England and her Overseas Dominions closer together, our outlook on alien powers will totally alter, our social status will undergo unforeseeable changes. The aggregate of these alterations will make the British Empire as great again as she was before the war. We must win dear. This is why you are contributing… suffering at our parting."
