Auckland Museum · Pou KanohiLetters from the front line

The War · 1914–1918

The war, month by month

45 events of the First World War, with 244 letters New Zealanders were writing at the time woven between them.

1914

Event · 28 JuneAssassinationThe murder of Austria-Hungary’s archduke plunges the world into war.Read the chronicle →
Event · July–AugustOn the warpathThreats and promises fly around Europe as the Allies and Central Powers prepare for war.Read the chronicle →
Event · 3 AugustGerman invasionGermany goes to war with old enemy France and neutral Belgium.Read the chronicle →
Event · 4–5 AugustNew Zealand at warNew Zealand must fight when the British Empire declares war on Germany.Read the chronicle →
Event · from 6 AugustNew Zealanders enlistNew Zealand men sign up to serve in their thousands, eager for adventure and action.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 15 Aug 1914A call to all single men"I hold the opinion that all single men should step forward at once and offer their service in the cause of their country because they do the least for their country in times of peace. Married men with their ties should be the last to be asked."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland, New Zealand
Event · August–SeptemberA new kind of warSoldiers are confronted with modern artillery and machine guns right from the first battles.Read the chronicle →
Event · August–SeptemberWar on the Eastern Front Hundreds of thousands are killed as the war reaches gigantic proportions.Read the chronicle →
Event · 23 AugustJapan joins the warJapan helps Britain in return for control of German territories.Read the chronicle →
Event · 29 AugustNew Zealand’s first actionNo shots are fired when New Zealand captures German Sāmoa.Read the chronicle →
Event · 5–12 SeptemberGerman hopes dispelledThe tables turn as Germany is driven back in the Battle of the Marne.Read the chronicle →
Event · September–NovemberRace to the sea Battle tactics create a massive 750km front line, ending at the North Sea.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 23 Oct 1914A nurse's opinion of Churchill"Well, ain't this war dreadful, so overwhelming and terrifying in every way. Goodness only knows what is to be the end of things. I have heard many different opinions lately upon the war questions. The Anti-Christ (the Kaiser) is supposed to [be] utterly outbeaten by the end of November. If that is so all the better, we can’t go on killing people until the end of time. For the last few days news of the war has been very favourable & not much fresh news."Ella Kate Cooke, Staff Nurse
Letter · 15 Nov 1914Australians feed Kiwi soldiers"While we were in Hobart we had a route march through the town. The people were very hospitable and gave the men apples, biscuits & drinks whenever we halted for a spell…"Albert James Newton, Sergeant — Hobart, Australia
Letter · 15 Nov 1914The close confines of a blacked-out ship"All lights in the mess deck are shaded with black paper so that light only strikes downwards and is not visible from the side and does not show out through the portholes."Albert James Newton, Sergeant — At Sea Turkey-Egypt, Egypt
Letter · 18 Nov 1914Passing the time"Then some of the men, they were not Mounted men, came rushing up on deck to get lifebelts in a terrible fright. They get well laughed at I can tell you. ... I think it is plenty of time to get frightened when there is something to make a man think his end has come..."Fabian Sperry, Trooper — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 18 Nov 1914Beloved cigarettes"We have got several nice little nooks where we can smoke without the thought of being caught. They would never stop them no matter how they tried, some of the fellows would go mad if they could not get their beloved cigarettes."Fabian Sperry, Trooper — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 18 Nov 1914Want to go home"Since we got the news that we might have to fight the Turks there are a few who are wishing they were safe home again, they go moping about the ship and at night the poor beggars, stand leaning over the rail of the ship all hours of the night by themselves."Fabian Sperry, Trooper — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 18 Nov 1914Egyptian stories and souvenirs"The cafes here are just like you see sometimes in the pictures ... It is great fun ... One has to be careful and not go about here by ourselves as it is not safe. One silly fellow committed one of the greatest crimes anyone can in this country. He pulled the veil of one of the women off and got a knife into him for it.."Fabian Sperry, Trooper — Red Sea, Egypt
Event · 3 DecemberKiwi troops arrive in Egypt Frustrated Kiwi soldiers must guard the Suez Canal – instead of going to the Western Front.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 31 Dec 1914German patients"I am sure most people do not realise what this war means unless they could see these poor suffering men. I am also nursing numbers of Germans, and they are really most respectful to me, and very helpful in every way they can."Ella Kate Cooke, Staff Nurse — Bernay, France
Letter · 31 Dec 1914Terrible trench foot"I wonder will this New Year bring us better luck? At 4 a.m. today numbers of wounded men straight from the trenches came into the Hospital. Many have been in the trenches for weeks, and several explained to me that they had not had their boots off for 4 months! You can imagine the state most of them are in. Many have swollen feet and frozen up to the ankles; most I am afraid will lose both feet, and many the legs up to the knees."Ella Kate Cooke, Staff Nurse — Bernay, France
Letter · 31 Dec 1914Sickening wounds"Some of them have awful wounds which make one almost sick to look at them, inches deep and long; most seem to have been struck in the back and legs. Many will never be able to fight again, but we must get them well enough to be sent as prisoners to the construction camp about 5 miles from here."Ella Kate Cooke, Staff Nurse — Bernay, France

1915

Letter · 1915Longing for Egypt"It is said the 'call of the East' gets into one's blood…"'Aunt Jane', Nurse — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Letter · 1915Sick on the Red Sea"The passenger Sisters were housed somewhere in the bowels of the ship, in wards that had been freshly painted…"'Aunt Jane', Nurse — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 1915Nursing the Gallipoli wounded"You are probably camped near the big converted hospital where I spent most of my time, a huge university turned into a hospital on the edge of the desert. How quickly the available beds filled up with the constant convoys arriving from Gallipoli."'Aunt Jane', Nurse — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Event · February–MayInvasion of Gallipoli Thousands of Anzacs lose their lives as a shambolic campaign unfolds.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 6 Apr 1915A bureaucratic muddle"Nurses are in great demand in London at present. It wasn’t so when I offered my services at the commencement of war & that is why I came out under the French Government instead of the British."Ella Kate Cooke, Staff Nurse
Letter · 6 Apr 1915Splendid French patients"The French soldiers make splendid patients but the system of administration and working I do not like..."Ella Kate Cooke, Staff Nurse
Event · 7 MaySinking of the Lusitania The Germans provoke international outrage by firing at a ship carrying civilians.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 11 May 1915A big responsibility"Dear little girl, I am at sea and cannot tell you where, am quite alright and doing well as the sea is not rough this time and we are having a good passage. I am in command of the squadron which is a big responsibility to take on especially after being away so long..."Alfred Charles Bluck, Captain — Aegean Sea, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 11 May 1915Be brave, sweetheart"It must be a terrible time for you sweetheart, and I wish it was over, try to be brave little girl won't you?..."Alfred Charles Bluck, Captain — Aegean Sea, Ottoman Empire
Event · April–MayGas warfare Chemical weapons are used on the battlefield for the first time.Read the chronicle →
Event · 23 MayItaly joins the Allies Soldiers face freezing temperatures and treacherous terrain on the Italian Front.Read the chronicle →
Event · 31 MayAir raids on London British civilians face a deadly threat from above – Zeppelins.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 3 Jun 1915Never thought I'd be a soldier"Well Dad, I never thought that I would be a soldier but now that I am one I am determined to be a good one to do my duty to the best of my ability. If I have bad luck, well I suppose it had to be."Leddra Le Gallais, Private — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 3 Jun 1915A hell for heat and dust"Zeitoun Camp was quite deserted and except for a few Australian troops we were the only ones there. The camp is simply a hell for heat and dust, the temperature being as high as 120 in the shade."Leddra Le Gallais, Private — Cairo, Egypt
Event · May–SeptemberRussia under attack After a disastrous year, Russian soldiers begin to ask if it’s all worth it.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 14 Jun 1915Just like Christmas"We arrived in beautiful weather and were sworn in and got a spoon, knife & fork and then had tea. Afterwards we went & got our rig-out, the clothes are the very best and so warm I was glad to get the Great Coat as it is so comfortable. It was just like a Xmas box opening our kit. 3 blankets, & Singlet, 1 pair underpants, 1 flannel & boots, 2 towels in fact everything to keep a man warm and comfortable and I am happy so far."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 15 Jun 1915Indian soldiers on Gallipoli"There are several Indian Mountain Batteries here doing real good work. They are fine cleancut fellows from the North of India… All our transport was left behind, so the Indian Mule Transport do all the work. The Indians drive the mules, and our fellows have to load and unload. The water is very heavy on pack mules, and as the track rises one in one the mules often fall over or run back and upset the lot."Arthur Athelstane Currey, Major — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 15 Jun 1915King Harry!"We have had a splendid day and I have charge of our tent of 8 men ... We had a little meeting last night and I was unanimously elected to the position this morning and the boys call me 'King' ... Am doing my best to look after them and they are a good lot..."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 15 Jun 1915Butter as thick as bread"We get plenty of good food. Can you imagine me having butter 1/2 inch thick? We have so much that we have it as thick as the bread…"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 15 Jun 1915Messages for my loved ones"Tell Leonard I hope he is taking my place as I trust him to look after you and tell Jean I feel sure she is doing all she can for you & Dear look after yourself for my sake, don't worry about me"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 16 Jun 1915Best love from Soldier Daddy"I hope to get home on Saturday afternoon ... Oh I have lots to tell you. I am so happy & popular and really dear (this is private) I am well liked and thought so much of by my mates and I am Section Leader for Drill."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 17 Jun 1915Such a jolly lot"We are such a jolly lot and have good times ... And you and me will have such a merry time together dear. I am so well & you will notice the difference in me."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 18 Jun 1915Standard issue"We were all issued with a full turn out, singlets, boots, towel, underpants, in fact everything required…"John Alfred Edward Alison, Trooper — Wellington, New Zealand
Event · 18 JuneKiwi nurses at war The first New Zealand women to serve in war zones are welcomed by wounded Kiwi soldiers.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 22 Jun 1915Keen for promotion"I do hope you are well again. I have been thinking about you all day and wondering how you are and am anxiously awaiting your next letter"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 23 Jun 1915Thanks for the cakes"The boys did appreciate the cakes & asked me to convey to you their gratitude."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 24 Jun 1915You will be proud of me"I am always thinking of you..."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 7 Jul 1915An errand of mercy"The ship is beautiful. 'The New Zealand Hospital Ship' it is and has been subscribed to by all the people of New Zealand and she is a great white huge monster - three great red crosses on either side and green stripes - she just looks like what she is - an errand of mercy for all you men - and very proud I am to be one of the staff"Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 9 Jul 1915Bedlam let loose"Well everything was decided in town last night by the Head Officials and by 11 o'clock the Camp was in an uproar what with lots of men packing up tents & baggage & burning mattresses it was Bedlam let loose."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 14 Jul 1915Good friends indeed"I am very well & have just spent the evening walking about with Mr Cashmale, he & I seem to get on so well together, we hunt each other up every evening & have a chat for a couple of hours. We are good friends indeed. We go over our experiences for the day & have a good laugh & joke."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 14 Jul 1915Wish you were here"I know what a lot you will try to do but just remember me Sweetheart. I often wish you were a man so that I could have you beside me all day long. I think such a lot about you especially at eventide & 10 o'clock at night & wonder what you are doing & the children, cuddle them for me & tell them daddy is thinking of them."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 15 Jul 1915Ready for the wounded"I have just begun to get over the sea-sickness - how I will get along working on the ship I don’t know but we have a beautifully equipped ship for all the wounded men. We get wireless every morning and that lets us hear the important War news."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Port Adelaide, Australia
Letter · 17 Jul 1915More beds onboard than Auckland Hospital"It appears we get the wounded first from the trenches but some of them will have had temporary aid - then they are admitted here to the receiving room - where possible they will there be undressed and washed and taken from there to Theatre or ward all depending on the condition of the patient."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Port Adelaide, Australia
Letter · 17 Jul 1915Presents in their pockets"Yesterday we were doing the pyjamas and in the pockets you should see the presents put in them by the girls who made them - notes pinned on."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Port Adelaide, Australia
Letter · 25 Jul 1915Visiting the Pyramids"Yesterday Bert Godfrey & I and two more chaps went out to the Sakara [Sakkara] Pyramids which are about 9 miles from the Gizeh [Giza] Pyramids which I have told you we visited previously."Frank Clark, Trooper — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 25 Jul 1915First camel ride"This was our first ride on the camel & I can assure you that I am not looking forward to the next... They are horrible things to ride, they shake the guts out of you & their walk is worse that [sic] their jig jog, we were all very glad when it was finished."Frank Clark, Trooper — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 31 Jul 1915With all the feelings of my soul"For the present, sweep my departure from your mind and think only of the future return when there is not one on the earth who could welcome me home more lovingly and more truly than you. I say this with all the feelings of my soul."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland, New Zealand
Letter · 31 Jul 1915If everything is right with you, everything is right with me."The fact remains that during my absence if I feel that everything is right with my little sweetheart, every thing in the wide, wide world is right with me."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland, New Zealand
Letter · 31 Jul 1915If only you were close to me"The day of my departure is fast approaching. How deeply I shall feel leaving such a dear heart behind me. I must not dwell upon [this] now suffice to say that now more then ever do I [wish] you are closer to me."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland, New Zealand
Event · August - January 1916Gamble at Gallipoli The British order an evacuation of Gallipoli after an ambitious offensive failsRead the chronicle →
Letter · 3 Aug 1915Witnessing loss"We are just passing Ruapehu… There are two ladies on my right – one has been weeping since leaving Auckland. The poor thing. I feel so sorry for her. I surmise she has heard of her husband’s death at the Front. It is exceedingly sad."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland - Wellington train, New Zealand
Letter · 3 Aug 1915To protect you from suffering"Human suffering & woe that reduces our dearest ones to such tears… acts as an incentive to all able bodied men to step forward and take up their natural position of protection."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland - Wellington train, New Zealand
Letter · 3 Aug 1915War will strengthen the British Empire"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."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland - Wellington train, New Zealand
Letter · 3 Aug 1915Yours is the harder part"I am quite conscious dear heart that yours is the harder part but I know you will be brave."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Auckland - Wellington train, New Zealand
Letter · 6 Aug 1915Just before the battle, Mother."Dear Mother, This Is what is called 'Just before the Battle Mother.' In a few hours time our great battle takes place. Up until a few days ago there were only N.Z. and Australian troops here but these last few nights thousands of English, Welsh, Irish and Indian troops have landed."Arthur Athelstane Currey, Major — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 13 Aug 1915Too many wounded"We are right in the thick of things now, wounded and sick coming in faster than we can take them… As every few patients go out a fresh batch is put in and another surgical ward downstairs has had to be used for gastro-enteritis and dysentery cases. The men say it is just like heaven to be here and one feels that one cannot do enough for them… Some are absolute wrecks… we have 650 patients in the hospitals (this was raised to 1000) and we are discharging them by fifties and hundreds. The men who left here just a week ago are coming back now wounded. They went straight into action when they arrived. It is said that they have done wonderful things at the Peninsula, however, and our men get the very greatest praise."Cora Beattie Anderson, Matron — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 19 Aug 1915On her feet all night"My poor feet - all the floors here are marble so you can imagine they are hard. We do 12 hours per night."Ada Gilbert Hawken, Nurse — Alexandria, Egypt
Letter · 19 Aug 1915A nurse's residence in Egypt"We are living in a nurses home, a huge place. New Khedivial Hotel, but cannot tell you what street it is in. These French names get me tangled up. This hospital used to be kept by German Sisters but of course is wholly British now."Ada Gilbert Hawken, Nurse — Alexandria, Egypt
Letter · 21 Aug 1915Digging out a place to sleep"Our first job in the trenches was to dig ourselves dugouts to sleep in. These are just little caves dug under the side of the trenches, ours is about 6 by 5 ft and about 3 ft high, for two of us."Frank Clark, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 21 Aug 1915An awe inspiring sight"We got a bit of a fright coming over, another transport which left Alexandria a few hours after us and caught us up was torpedoed by a submarine before our eyes. We saw her go down and I think it was the most awe inspiring sight I ever saw. Her stern went down and she almost stood on end and then as a plank slides over a bar, she slipped back and was gone for ever. She had [number struck out] men aboard & of these only some [word struck out] were saved, by a passing 'Red Cross' ship. Our boat of course put on full steam at once & we were fortunate enough to escape. All hands got their lifebelts for we did not know but that at any moment we might suffer a like fate, but thank God we were spared. We felt terribly helpless - we were like rats in a trap and could not help ourselves..."Frank Clark, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 21 Aug 1915Waikato boys"Now I have some worse news for you... I wanted to know all about the boys from our district [Waikato]... My God I did get a shock, I could, could scarcely believe my ears. It appears that last Sunday week they had a big scrap with the enemy, and all our boys were in it... They were all knocked out in the same fight - it must have been a terrible struggle."Frank Clark, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 21 Aug 1915Shells screaming overhead"I am getting used to the funny noises they make over here day & night now. The big guns from land & sea make an awful row, & this is accompanied always with machine guns & rifle fire. We can hear the shells screaming over head and the shrapnel bursting all day long..."Frank Clark, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 21 Aug 1915In the company of flies"There are stray bullets flying everywhere & one stands a chance of 'stopping one' at any time..."Frank Clark, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 21 Aug 1915Daily bacon"We are not being treated to [sic] badly... We get Bacon every day & twice we have had eggs. Bully beef, dried vegetables, rice, raisins, tea, sugar, tinned milk, jam, very hard biscuits, and sometimes a bit of bread, are all on issue..."Frank Clark, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 26 Aug 1915My birthday"Aug 26 (My Birthday) ... And I do hope I will be with you this time next year."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 1 Sep 1915First military parade"I had to parade the whole platoon this morning before the O.C. ... Oh it was a horrible feeling at first..."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 13 Sep 1915Hard graft, music and dancing"I received the sleeping cap from home today. Thanks very much. Draughts fly all about our hut and so it will come in handy."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 13 Sep 1915A challenge to clean"I suppose the nurses in the Hospitals have to work hard, but they get the men from the ships after we have washed and cleaned them - you probably don’t know what clean them means - no one could - what with flies and other creepers - the poor men!"Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Malta, Mediterranean
Letter · 13 Sep 1915Neverending work"Our first trip we were all up; we got wounded on commenced about 4pm, loaded all night, up all next day, next night got 2 hrs rest all following - next was Sunday we unloaded at Lemnos then had to clean up and prepare for next lot and got to bed after 12 that night but next day had a rest as when we returned to Gallipoli two other Hosp. Ships were there loading - one ship is always there at each particular point and never leaves until next one arrives."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Malta, Mediterranean
Letter · 13 Sep 1915A dreadful place, Gallipoli"So far we have been between Gallipoli and 'Lemnos' - three hours journey - this time we had to come here for coal, water, food, vegetables and fruit line etc. We start again tomorrow night, its 2 days from here. We anchor about 1/2 mile from firing line - guns going off all round us shaking the ship and startling the life out of me each time they begin - it's a dreadful place Gallipoli, dreadful and awful - don't think I regret coming - the work is terrible but we are needed badly."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Malta, Mediterranean
Letter · 13 Sep 1915Unflinching"The Australians and New Zealanders have made a glorious name for themselves everywhere- they bear their wounds - they have never been know to even flinch."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Malta, Mediterranean
Letter · 13 Sep 1915So much harder than I'd thought"To my dying day I will never forget this last 6 weeks - I am quite well - and am not finding the work too much but its much harder than I ever thought it could be."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Malta, Mediterranean
Event · October 1915–February 1916Serbia’s catastrophic defeat The Serbian Government is banished and its citizens suffer forced labour, jail, and execution.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 8 Oct 1915I have a horror of that place"We have completed another dreadful trip to Gallipoli, and have come here this time, to go to England ... It's fearfully hot here, quite different from Gallipoli. The climate there just now is quite nice as far as we are concerned but I have a horror of that place, which I can't get over; the shells I am used to and the noise and firing, still first of all I must admit I was a bit frightened."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Malta, Mediterranean
Letter · 16 Oct 1915One never knows when one is going to get biffed"This reminds me of my wife & family whom I have scarcely seen for over a year & are now tasting the horrors of the Zipp [sic] visits to London - I often wonder if I shall ever see them again altho [sic] I feel confident of doing so but one never knows when one is going to get 'biffed' with a bit of metal as there is plenty of it flying about"Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 16 Oct 1915Muddling through"Sir Ian Hamilton is leaving us today - He is being suspended ...He is a very clever general but has not had the men to do the task allotted to him"Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 19 Oct 1915Only my wife and family matter"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"Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Event · 23 OctoberKiwi nurses ‘murdered’ Ten nurses die on the torpedoed Marquette – why weren’t they on a clearly marked hospital ship?Read the chronicle →
Letter · 26 Oct 1915Talk about sweat"We have been out doing attack work today and had to wear our greatcoats and full equipment and talk about sweat. It simply rolled off us..."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 1 Nov 1915Sham fight"I suppose you have heard about our route march from Tauherenikau. It took three days and we had a good time. We had two damn cold nights in the ti-tree and were called out at 2am Saturday morning to indulge in a sham fight ... In the butts, which are like trenches, we have to look up at the cardboard targets and then signal with flags on the end of long poles the result of the firing ... You see if we bobbed up our heads we would probably get shot ... When the bullets shoot overhead they sound like violin strings which have been hit."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 4 Nov 1915Shooting practice"By Jove things did hum when I got your letter today. ... Things as far as getting and giving news down here have been absolutely flat for days - weeks as it seems."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 9 Nov 1915Lucky escapes"At 4.30 on August 6th all guns were to bombard Lone Pine until 5.30pm and then the First Brigade Australian Infantry were to charge. The wire was only 60 yards in front of our observing post and we got it all down except a bit in dead ground. At 4.30 all guns opened fire... I was watching the effect when a shell topped our sand bags, smashed my periscope, and knocked it out of my hands. As I was stooping down to pick up another a second shell smashed into our station and blew our walls to pieces. We had to crawl out from under the stattered [scattered] bags and sand..."Arthur Athelstane Currey, Major — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 17 Nov 1915Those poor girls"The transport was struck about 9am and went down in 7 minutes - the losses I won't talk about but those poor girls I will for what they went through was terrible. Ten were lost, 4 at present are here and very ill - the Matron has never spoken since - she went grey in one night, yesterday she was still very bad and I believe some of them to be invalided back to New Zealand - poor Rogers and Hilyard who were the life of 'Maheno' coming over; it was Rogers who made up those verses on 'Maheno' - both went down; Rogers and another unidentified washed ashore and both buried at Saloniki; Isdell has her arm broken - Fox they say her back was broken, another nurse both legs; Rattray had two nurses keeping her up for hours, they were holding on to spars and with hands crossed these girls kept Rattray up until she became mental and died of exhaustion. Rattrays are very good friends of Dr. Speddings. Hilyard sang Tipperary and 'Are we Downhearted' until she died."Charlotte Le Gallais, Nurse — Alexandria, Egypt
Letter · 22 Nov 1915Billions of maddening flies"Well dear heart let me say… that the moments I spent last Saturday afternoon perusing your letter were quite the most delightful since I came to this awful country of sand and its billions of maddening flies."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 22 Nov 1915Egyptian mummies"O’Neill and I visited the Cairo museum. It was absorbingly interesting. It is the finest Egyptological museum in the world."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 22 Nov 1915An engineering feat"I am sending you a photograph of myself, Rice Kohere (you remember the grey haired officer from the East Coast) and Kaa taken on camels on a visit to the Pyramids."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 22 Nov 1915With love"I live in order that you and I may make a little world of our very own."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 8 Dec 1915Bullets everywhere"We have been here a month, arrived at night and went ashore in parts, all the while gunboats lying near the beach were firing into the Turks, machine guns and rifles on the ridge were also rattling into them, bullets were whizzing over our heads all the while, they were stray bullets that were meant for the gulleys and ridges but came over to the beach, quite a number of the boys have been knocked out with these."John Alfred Edward Alison, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 8 Dec 1915First day on Gallipoli"In the morning another fellow and I went down to the beach for water. When we were returning the Turks fired five shells into us. Five went behind and 2 in front. We found out after they fire not only at the men, but more for the pumps from which the water is drawn"John Alfred Edward Alison, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 8 Dec 1915The most dangerous place about"The following day I was sent down to the beach, to load the mules with water for the Australians. There were about 40 of us on the job and it lasted a week. We started at 5am and went till 12.30 each day, the mud in the yard was knee deep and with the mules bucking and kicking and working under shell and rifle fire most of the while, was pleased to get put on guard over the reserve...this is one of the most dangerous places about..."John Alfred Edward Alison, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 8 Dec 1915Frozen to the bone"The following day I went into the trenches and stayed there a week, snow fell all the while it was the worst weather they have had here. I was absolutely frozen and hadn't any sleep for four nights, my feet and hands got frost bitten and I am just getting right again... They are supplying us with rubber boots and capes..."John Alfred Edward Alison, Trooper — Gallipoli, Ottoman Empire
Letter · 25 Dec 1915Gallipoli: a costly blunder"We are now on our way to Egypt, the authorities at Home having decided to evacuate the Gaillipoli Peninsula…"Albert James Newton, Sergeant — At Sea Turkey-Egypt, Egypt
Letter · 25 Dec 1915A stealth mission"The evacuation...... 'extended over a period of seven days and it says a great deal for those in charge that the Turks got no word of what was happening."Albert James Newton, Sergeant — At Sea Turkey-Egypt, Egypt
Letter · 25 Dec 1915Avoiding submarines"We are now nearing Alexandria and great precautions are taken to avoid submarines. Lifebelts are worn by all hands all day and at night we sleep with them handy. All lights are put out on the ship, even down below, and I am writing this with the aid of a candle in a corner down the lower hold."Albert James Newton, Sergeant — Alexandria, Egypt
Letter · 25 Dec 1915A disappointing Christmas dinner"Well this is Christmas day but there is very little to remind us of the fact and it is just like ordinary times. Our Christmas fare was very poor, bully beef & biscuits figuring conspicuously on the menu. Our Christmas dinner was a pudding nothing else at all, not even a drink of tea to wash it down..."Albert James Newton, Sergeant — Alexandria, Egypt
Letter · 25 Dec 1915Running the show"...let you know I am thinking of you on Xmas Day ... I am feeling very fit again but sleeping in a dug out under shell fire 8 months did not improve my condition however I am now well"Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — Mediterranean Sea, Mediterranean

1916

Letter · 1916No care for medals"I was recalled by NZ Govt. to take charge of their show here - Someone was urgently needed as there is a muddle here but I hope to put things straight & then go back to the Front"Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 1 Jan 1916New Year's Eve in Egypt"Today is the first of the new year and so of course we are having a day of rest... On Xmas day I went to the pyramids. They are really what is claimed to be, but I was rather disappointed in the SPHINX which does not appear so very big when compared to the great PYRAMIDS alongside..."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 7 Jan 1916Sore at heart"We left the Peninsula on the 14th Dec. & believe me we were awfully glad to see the last of the place although we were sore at heart to think of all our dear friends who are lying there. ... I was pleased to get away from the place with a whole skin.... We have all had dozens of narrow escapes..."George William Ladd Thomson, Dental surgeon — Ismalia, Egypt
Letter · 7 Jan 1916Scared to death"The Turks gave us 48 hours notice to move the hospital ... but we like fools, (pardon) took no notice of the threat..."George William Ladd Thomson, Dental surgeon — Ismalia, Egypt
Letter · 7 Jan 1916Under the cover of darkness"Punctually at 9 we joined the Ambulance & to our great surprise, there were thousands of other men there. It was a very impressive sight to see all these men lined up there in the moonlight & in full view of the Turkish trenches (in daylight)."George William Ladd Thomson, Dental surgeon — Ismalia, Egypt
Letter · 7 Jan 1916Christmas in Alexandria"On arrival we had to walk about 2 miles to our temporary camp. It was deadly, but one good point we could walk about without ducking & side stepping from the bullets all the time. We slept in tents that night for the first time in 5 months..."George William Ladd Thomson, Dental surgeon — Ismalia, Egypt
Letter · 9 Jan 1916You were so brave"I have just been promoted to Ships Quartermaster... Last night I saw you all waving the white sheets, and again this morning. I do hope you did not break down when the ship rounded the point, and went out of sight."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 12 Jan 1916Gallipoli - that infernal place of hell."I have had the dysentery very bad in the trenches and followed on with Enteric when I was taken away from that infernal place of hell, and I was not a bit sorry..."Frederick Charles Zeunert, Unknown — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 12 Jan 1916Losing my best pals"As you may understand that we were not allowed to write a letter all the time we were in Anzac as we like to call that never to be forgotten place…"Frederick Charles Zeunert, Unknown — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 12 Jan 1916Marvellous escapes"I have had some marvellous escapes ... the nearest was when I got hit on my cheek with a bullet cutting it with the blood all over my tunic, and another bullet took all the hairs of my Eye Brow just leaving a little scratch. Very strange it was just then when we see blood your own blood when you are right in the thick of it..."Frederick Charles Zeunert, Unknown — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 12 Jan 1916Here I lost all my mates."It used to turn me sick at times to see the dreadful pieces of human bodies lying about, with a head rolling without a body legs and arms all over the place, often I have taken cover behind our own dead, as Mr Turk was having a shot at you, the bullet would plunk in the body in front of you, oh Gill this was Hell on Earth, for if Hell can be worse, but I really think it can't be worse..."Frederick Charles Zeunert, Unknown — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 12 Jan 1916Turkish soldiers - such fine fellows"It is almost a pity that we had to fight the Turks for he is a very fine fellow and a very clean fighter…"Frederick Charles Zeunert, Unknown — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 12 Jan 1916Lost for words"I hope you will forgive me for the bad spelling but really my head at times gets very sore the effects of the machine fire and heavy exposions [explosions] and for [the] world of me I can't remember some words."Frederick Charles Zeunert, Unknown — Manchester, Great Britain and Ireland
Event · February–DecemberThe Battle of Verdun Verdun becomes a nightmare of mud, blood, and bodies after a massive German bombardment.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 2 Feb 1916Heavy load"I am enclosing a small PHOTO (see page14) showing our war equipment. It is heavy and requires a certain amount of strength and endurance to carry a long way. Fancy carrying your rugs, eating and cooking utensils, greatcoat, bandoliers, ammunition, belt, bayonet, rifle, entrenching tool, water bottle, toilet gear, housewife, extra socks, jersey, towel, balaclava, any extra personal belongings and also an oilsheet all in one load, and sometimes for fairly long distances... It is wonderful how quickly one accustoms oneself to such a load."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Letter · 6 Feb 1916Faith is a blessing"Chum. I find it is a great blessing to have faith in Christ Jesus. It is such a comfort to be able to pray & receive help & strength for the day's battle."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 6 Feb 1916Wait for me"Sweetheart we have been so very happy together and I love you so if I should happen to be among the missing "Dear Heart' I would not like anyone else to take my place. I would like to meet you just as I left you Dearie my wife & Chum"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 8 Feb 1916To my daughter"Dear little Toddles ... We have past Mt Sainai [Sinai]. You will remember something about Moses & the Commandments and Mt Ararat is quite close too"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 8 Feb 1916Remembering our anniversaries"Dearie I have not & will not forget our marriage anniversary & the children's birthdays, or your birthday"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 8 Feb 1916To my son"My old boy I am sure you are keeping your promise to me & looking after Mother"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Red Sea, Egypt
Letter · 11 Feb 1916Like a wave breaking"There are about 80,000 [troops] on the sand round about. It is truly wonderful to see such a huge body of men. You might be gazing across the sand and see nothing, the next minute the troops would come over a ridge and look just like a wave breaking on the shore and come forward in the same irregular ragged edge..."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Suez Canal, Egypt
Event · 1 MarchThe New Zealand DivisionMāori, Niuean, Cook Islands, and Pākehā soldiers are heading for the Western Front.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 12 Mar 1916Any day now, will see it end"This is a good snap of our donkeys, the one with me riding was no good. Am still enjoying life & but alas anyday now will see it end. No letters yet. Isn't it damnable. Cairo is very quiet now. You can guess why."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 14 Mar 1916Waiting for mail"I'll be sent to Ismailia to join my unit any day now ... What a lovely time I've had at 'Aotea' its really been a dream..."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Cairo, Egypt
Letter · 26 Mar 1916Full of drill"I could have stayed at Headquarters here as QMS but I want to do something & poke a bayonet in a German before I come home. We are so full of drill now that when the time comes for us to go into action it will be just like going on parade..."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Letter · 27 Mar 1916Duty first"I know it is hard for you to wait & be patient but Pray for me. That is all you can do and you know by experience that God answers Prayers. I am quite ready to go forward & do my very best and I am not afraid, I have a clean conscience"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Letter · 27 Mar 1916An icecream with my daughter"I hope I will get home for your birthday on 19th December. What a great spree we will have and we will eat such a lot of Ice cream that I might get sick too. Ice cream - Oh it makes my mouth water to just think of it"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Letter · 3 Apr 1916Goodbye sand and flies!"We are off on Saturday. Hurrah. Good bye to sand, flies & dirty filthy Egypt & the awful heat"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — In Egypt somewhere, Egypt
Letter · 21 Apr 1916Bunches of wild flowers"The sloping sides were covered with Bluebells & wild Flowers. I brought back a big bunch. I wished I could have given them to you Dear but I did in Spirit and I have enclosed one of them so you can just imagine they are two armsful."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 25 Apr 1916Letters like wine"Keep the ball rolling and tell them to keep on writing letters, where we are now, [they] are like good wine - they keep our pecker up. Lately we have undergone many experiences - but 'Mum's the word' says the censor."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 26 Apr 1916Nearing the big guns"Every Day is a day nearer to getting home to you all again after I have done my Bit"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · 29 AprilDisaster at Kut-el-Amara British and Indian troops surrender to the Ottomans after a desperate five-month siege.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 4 May 1916Trained for brutality"The work is very interesting & awful, in fact hellish. But I can stand it & my nerves are good. They need to be, to carry a man through"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 5 May 1916The kiss of love"Writing means I remember the day Dearie When I pressed the kiss of Love upon your hair."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 6 May 1916War in the air"Everyday we see aeroplanes being fired on, we can see the shells bursting all around them, but so far have seen none brought down, but we hear that some have been brought down, it's great watching them."William Alfred Prince, Private
Letter · 6 May 1916The endless noise"We get plenty of music too from the big guns, have it breakfast, dinner and tea and all night sometimes. Last night May 5th was a very heavy bombardment."William Alfred Prince, Private — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 7 May 1916Awaiting the order to charge"Just fancy after ten months training in a few hours I will be able to do my bit. I am very excited and looking forward to the moment, & order to charge. What a glorious time we will have making the fiends run. We will show them what we can do, you may be sure."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 7 May 1916Squashing frogs"One can see the humour in most things. A month ago we were pestered with flies & sand. Now we cannot lie down on the grass for frogs. It is horrible to sit down on a frog & hear it go squash, and then we have to get a stick & scrape the remains off, but we are getting used to it'."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 9 May 1916A new baby"I am dreadfully homesick and full of it, being so far away"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 9 May 1916Nicks in the rifle"I have one of the most brainy jobs in the service. I am in the Intelligence Corps and receiving Special training under Staff Officers, and I will make a success of it too"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 10 May 1916With you in spirit"There seems to be 2 of myself. I am doing my day's work & paying attention to every detail, yet underneath it all there is another me, just the same, but thinking, thinking of you all the time, and I am with you in Spirit and never seem away from you Chum. It is so strange, but I can control two lines of thought at the same time"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 May 1916A soldier on leave"I am going back to France tomorrow ...I have had a good look round and have seen most of the principal sights ... Nearly every night I have been to the theatre the tickets being provided by this club. I had my photo taken today and I have arranged for them (1/2 doz) to be sent on to you..."Albert James Newton, Sergeant — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 18 May 1916On men and cowards"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."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 18 May 1916Teamwork"I am proud to be with the fine boys here. Every man's Character is being Stamped in his face. They are all, officers & men so good, sharing everything we have, & working together so well. There is not a selfish man here, and we all help each other. Oh the boys are good."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 22 May 1916Trench life"I only hope Providence spares us all to meet again. Then, won't there be happiness and contentment. You have no idea how I am looking forward to the time ahead when we all shall meet again. Give Mum and Dad my love..."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 24 May 1916Forget-me-not"These forget-me-knots are from the firing line 200 yards from the enemy's trenches. I picked them myself when I was out sniping between the lines love from your Soldier Boy xxx"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 24 May 1916A state of nerves"I can only say that it is a lot more nerve trying than I expected. We are under an awful strain of expectation all the time, and sleep is impossible for the first few days"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 24 May 1916Someone is guiding me"I have been so fortunate, & yesterday I stopped a piece of shrapnel on my helmet. It made me jump, but only gave me a bad headache."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 24 May 1916Tell her I am coming home"HURRAH I have just got your cable ... I am so glad & excited ... I have just been across the road to a beautiful Cathedral & gave thanks to God for the good news of you both [mother and baby girl]"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 25 May 1916The jumps"Well life is very funny, if you can only see the comical side. Yesterday afternoon I crossed the road to the Notre Dame Cathedral & gave thanks & prayed for you all. This morning I went to the same building & picked out a smooth stone & sharpened my bayonet ... Kill Kill. Kill. That's what we are here for"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 26 May 1916For women and children"I was 4 days in the trenches before the Coy came in, and had the very first shot at the enemy of all the NZ troops fighting in France ... I have something to be proud of"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 29 May 1916Your great true love"Large red poppies growing everywhere & pushing up their long stems above the grass. There are several large trees of orange blossom, and my thoughts go back to our Wedding day my own sweetheart .... Flowers, Flowers, glorious Flowers. I have not told you half about them and you will perhaps think me a 'molly coddle', but Dear heart they make me think of your great true love for me and so I have written from my heart, which has & always will be yours forever."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 29 May 1916God bless you my Laddie"My dear son, Be good to Mother, She is, and always will be your Best Friend. Trust & tell her Everything, especially if you are doubtful of any word, action or deed. ... It's up to you to take my place. God Bless you my Laddie ... It's lovely to see our shells smashing into the Germans"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 29 May 1916Little need to worry"Dear Mother and Dad, Have an hour or so to spare so am spending the time writing letters. I am ashamed to say I have been getting very careless with my correspondence lately - cannot seem to settle down to it."Hugh Reginald Clark, Gunner — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · 31 May–1 JuneThe Battle of Jutland The biggest single naval action of the war sees 14 British and 11 German ships sunk.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 4 Jun 1916The grime and the rats"At present I am feeling rather dirty because I have had no wash or shave for some few days. My clothes are in an awful condition - covered with grease, oil, dirt and stains of all kinds."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 9 Jun 1916Strained nerves"The life is not hard all the time, only there is tremendous nerve strain always."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 11 Jun 1916Cold and wet"We are in trenches ... The only thing we can complain about is the weather which is not at all nice. It started to rain the night we moved in & has been raining nearly ever since and the place never gets a chance to dry. It reminds me of Southland weather and as we are not allowed to bring our blankets into the trenches we feel the cold at night."Albert James Newton, Sergeant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 11 Jun 1916French roses"I have been for a stroll & picked two lovely roses, one dark red, & one a lilac rose. As soon as I saw them, my thoughts went home to you, & so I am sending you a few petals, 'The Roses of France'. Dear old girl, I wish I could give them to you, so sweet & fresh with the raindrops on them. When you look at them, just think I am telling you how much I love you Dearie, and when you kiss them you will get the kisses I have sent to you on them. Oh so many, my Darling"Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 15 Jun 1916And if I go"I am just writing you this letter in case I have the great honour of giving my Life, for King & Country."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · June–SeptemberRussia’s greatest victory Russia wins against Austria-Hungary but Russian soldiers may have lost their fighting spirit.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 19 Jun 1916Destroyed French towns"Tomorrow we return to the firing line for another two weeks agony (or otherwise)."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · July–NovemberBattle of the Somme The catastrophic Battle of the Somme sees the British gain a pitiful 10km but lose 420,000 men.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 14 Jul 1916A war of machinery"The war is so stupendous that no one individual can tell you very much about it. The man at the front sees his own little bit. You on the other hand get news from all fronts ... On the whole I am of the opinion that we are now on the top ... The unfortunate part is that we have to lose so many lives in making up for our unreadiness..."Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 24 Jul 1916We take care with what we say"You will see by the heading where we are. We are not permitted to say just what part of the country we are in but no doubt the newspapers will have already given you a good idea. The censorship here is naturally very strict so we have to be careful what we write or our letters are destroyed."Hugh Reginald Clark, Gunner — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 24 Jul 1916They make us run"I have been in the firing line now nearly three months and so far have managed to dodge the shells. At times they have sent a few over quite close enough to be unpleasant and one morning especially 'Fritz' seemed very annoyed with us, waking us up and making us run for it."Hugh Reginald Clark, Gunner — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · Aug 1916A shell hole to sleep in"We have arrived at the very heart of war, and are on a very much talked about battlefield. It is wonderful and awful."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · Aug 1916No one can understand"No one can possibly understand unless they have been through it. It beggars description. We are sleeping in dug-outs cut from Solid Limestone, & they simply reek & you can see the wall come back, & pieces of stone fall down, & mind you this only concussion of air."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · 3-5 AugustThe Battle of Romani Kiwi and Australian horsemen play a crucial role in the Sinai Desert – camel corps included.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 13 Aug 1916Military post card"I am quite well. I have received your letter dated June 6th. Letter follows at first opportunity."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · AugustConscriptionEligible New Zealand men face compulsory military service by ballot, known as
‘death’s lottery’.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 26 Aug 1916The red sky"If the Hun is having a go you don’t stop to watch but get into a dug out quick and lively. The sky is red with the flash from the guns and the shells bursting light up the whole place, it's quite fascinating. It's very nice to see lumps of timber, sheets of iron and heaps of earth flying up into the air."William Alfred Prince, Private — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 3 Sep 1916It's okay Mum"Now, Mother dear, do not start worrying about me as I am as right as rain, and you may be sure I shall be as far down in my dug out as possible when any firing is going on. I am not sorry that the Bombing Course was cancelled as the Bombers are known as the 'Suicide Club' but all's six in this war!"Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — Bulford, Wiltshire, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 5 Sep 1916Impatient for the Front"At last we are under orders to leave for France at a moment's notice, and are now anxiously awaiting our final order to 'git'. None of the other Rgmnts [Regiments] Officers have left without a month's training, and here we received orders, under a fortnight, to pack!..."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — Bulford, Wiltshire, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 8 Sep 1916Getting it hot"There's a most terrific bombardment going on a few miles away, I have heard nothing like it previously. Old Fritz is getter it hot, he has been getting what for lately."William Alfred Prince, Private — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Impatient for the hour"Oh, it is grand to be so very near to the heart of the Action, and when we get the order to go over the top & take the enemy's trenches, it will be a tremendous moment. Just imagine rushing through a hail of Shrapnel & Machine gun fire, & then the bayonet work to follow. Oh it will be fine, & will show up who has grit in them. I am so impatient for the hour to come. I intend to do great things, & I am going to do a great big bit. I am so well & fit. I have never fallen out on the March, never attended a sick parade, and I am getting on so well."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Ears plugged"We are right in the thick of it again. In the very heart of this Great War. You have read of the great results of the men from the land where Uncle Alfred is in. We are right there now, and will be for some weeks, I expect. We are doing splendidly. The big gun fire is terrific & I have my ears plugged with wadding."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Collecting souvenirs"Well we have given Fritz a shake up & got him moving for home. I could fill a cart with souvenirs in a few minutes, but the best one I have, is off a German officer's belt. A steel horse shoe buckle. I got this myself & prize it, & will try & send it home."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Sleeping in a shell hole"Everyone slept in shell holes last night, and it was funny this morning to see them all popping up out of the ground for breakfast."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Sleepless night"Last night we could not sleep for the heavy gunfire. There was 4 batteries quite close to us, & it was exactly like getting a heavy box on the ears. I had to put wadding in my nose and ears, and the awful wicked hiss of hundreds of big shells. I can only liken them to a disturbed beehive, only a hiss instead of a drone, or rain falling after a thunderstorm..."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916German souvenirs"This morning I had a good look around, & there are lots of dead Huns, half buried. I got two buttons off a Tunic, as Souvenir."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Night light"We have come a bit further , and are now in the first Trenches. It is funny the way we work at night, like Owls. I wonder if you can understand this."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 9 Sep 1916Counting time"You count time here by seconds, not hours & minutes. You throw a bomb & have exactly 5 seconds before the explosion."Henry Thomas Norton, Lance Corporal
Letter · 11 Sep 1916Marching orders"You will notice that it is the 17th when I receive[d] my marching orders for the Line and so I hope it augurs well!"Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — Bulford, Wiltshire, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 13 Sep 1916Prisoners of war"There are hundreds of German prisoners working on the roads about here and judging by the look of them they are quite contented with their lot, they prefer it to the trenches."William Alfred Prince, Private — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · September–OctoberTanks at the Somme The British pin their hopes of winning the war on their top-secret invention.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 23 Sep 1916Tear gas"This morning the enemy sent a lot of tear shells over our way. We had heard a lot about them but had no idea they could be so unpleasant. They made our eyes run for about two or three hours."Hugh Reginald Clark, Gunner — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 23 Sep 1916A rough looking lot"PS had my first shave and wash today for nearly a week. Water is not too plentiful here. We were a rough looking lot unshaven and covered in clay."Hugh Reginald Clark, Gunner — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 27 Sep 1916No letters"Please do not be disappointed at not receiving news but as I said we can post no letters from here."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 27 Sep 1916Night work"My dearest Mother, I have been here now for five days & so I am now getting quite use to the H.E and shrapnel fire."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 27 Sep 1916Travelling light"I met Bishop who had just joined up and was posted to 4th Otago which is temporarily commanded by Lindsay Scott who was in the B.N.Z with me..."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 27 Sep 1916The sky abuzz"We see no end of aeroplanes here and I have seen as many as 50 overhead at once."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 27 Sep 1916Shells bursting at close quarters"I am keeping very fit indeed and am trying to enjoy life although shells are continually bursting at close quarters and knocking someone out."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 27 Sep 1916Censored mail"I have no time for writing long letters here and I have to censor my Platoon letters before 9am to-morrow. We are banned from mentioning anything of importance and are supposed to cut this down to a minimum."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 27 Sep 1916The loss of a dear old pal"My dearest old pal was wounded in the Somme Advance. I am told that he was hit with shrapnel and machine gun bullets. He had 44 wounds in his body but not a scratch on his face or head."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — The Somme, France
Letter · 30 Sep 1916The death of my greatest friend"When I arrived at our present camping ground, I was greatly affected by the sudden news of my greatest friend here. Jack O’Neill having been killed this morning just as he was leaving the Front Lines. He was temporarily attached to one of the other machine gun companies. He is a very deep loss to me and also to us all. You know Mr. O’ Neill but since you met him he had developed into a very fine specimen of manhood – a more sterling chap could not be met with in a lifetime. It is at such moments when such fine fellows are killed that even the strongest of those spared are oft to ponder over the irreparable losses."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — The Somme, France
Letter · 3 Oct 1916A plain case of duty"But of course Amy it had to be & it could not be avoided. The game has got to be played out and it is on such as I am falls the responsibility of carrying it out & now it is no time for any one to shirk his responsibility in that direction. Whatever sorrow it may cause that Duty has to be done..."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 10 Oct 1916Letter of condolence"He was wounded from the effects of a bursting shell & died, poor chap, in the Duchess of Westminster's Hospital at La Toquet [Le Touquet]."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 16 Oct 1916Anzac and a gentleman"I am writing to offer you my heartfelt sympathy on your cruel loss. ... I took part in the same action & heard that he was suffering from shell shock but had been carried away to the hospital quite cheery & and smoking a cigarette."Eric Claude Spedding, Second Lieutenant — Dunedin, New Zealand
Letter · 30 Oct 1916Sad to part"Pleased to hear you were sad at parting. Your feelings were heartily reciprocated by L. Good & myself. I saw him again at Dakar & we consoled with each other. Never mind we will hope on for the pleasure of another visit to Capetown."Herbert William King, Captain — In England somewhere, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 25 Nov 1916Awaiting action"We are preparing for a big move & I won't be surprised if we get into action straight away. I am looking forward to getting into a 'smack up'. One gets sick and tired of hanging about the camp."Harold Alexander Alison, Trooper — Ismalia, Egypt
Letter · 4 Dec 1916Thank you for the parcel"Dear Mother, Just a line to let you know that I received the parcel that you sent me it was so good of you; everything was in splendid condition, even the butter was quite firm. It is very nice to receive a parcel but I would not like you to run yourself short. I tried the soup yesterday and it was very good. Indeed, I think I mentioned in the last letter I wrote that I had received a pair of sox from Pop, I would like you to thank her from me."Harold Alexander Alison, Trooper — Ismalia, Egypt

1917

Letter · 1917A test of strength"Whatever may be said about war there is no doubt that it is to many beneficial. A man has either to go down or to improve under this test there is no other course but either one of these two. If he is strong then he wins out and the test strengthens him - if he is weak and goes down… Tis cruel and merciless, each man for himself...."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Wellington, New Zealand
Letter · 12 Jan 1917Great sportsmen"I am the only officer in camp this afternoon. I let the others off to see a team of our Boys play a game of football against representatives of ‘B’ Company… We try as much as possible to interest our fellows in sport and thus in a measure to take their minds off and lessen the strain which is inseparable from the life we have to put up with. These lads of ours [Maori men and Pacific men of NZPB] are great footballers and they take the keenest delight in all manly sport."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 12 Jan 1917The conscripts"I was surprised to hear of so many families in Pukekohe who seemed to have failed in doing their duty."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 Jan 1917Keep up the good work"Now Daisy, it is good of you to write as you do. I think I told you before that letters in the trenches were appreciated more than anything else."Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 Jan 1917Lucky charms"I am getting to know a little about this war game now. I'm generally considered a 'lucky beggar' & my luck still seems to hold good"Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 Jan 1917The meaning of life"Do you ever, Daisy, worry about life & its riddle?... I think of my life & especially of the last 7 years I too wonder & wonder."Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 Jan 1917A game of football"Would you believe I journeyed to a township 20 miles away in order to play football. Fancy football in war time & in a war area. Army Commanders are more sensible now & the value of games in keeping men fit is recognised & when we are not in the trenches we encourage the men to play"Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 Jan 1917When snow thaws"This week it has been snowing & there is about 6 inches of snow on the ground at present. We indulged in a bit of snowballing today... It looks very beautiful and I wish I were allowed to have my camera here"Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 21 Jan 1917On leave in London"I had a Hell of a good time in London, etc, the return to military routine seems more than rotten."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 22 Jan 1917If I were your precious baby"Your little elephant arrived on Saturday last & I am now wearing it along with my identity disc"Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 27 Jan 1917Send me a photo!"Re the above I want a snap-shot of you smiling ... And what about making it a full length one also. Now don't you think I'm a worry?"Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 12 Feb 1917Leave"All leave to England has run out so my turn won't come for ages. It's a damned nuisance, I am so disappointed. I see we are advancing again at the Somme..."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 12 Feb 1917Piano and ping-pong"I do hope I get my leave someday. Had an afternoon off, spent it in the YMCA listening to a piano & playing ping-pong."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 14 Feb 1917My lucky elephant"I'm still wearing the little elephant and so far have not even been scratched by the old Hun. However that is quite beside the point."Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 14 Feb 1917News of my father"Did I tell you that my Father had joined the great majority since I left N.Z.? He had been ill for over a year & passed away at the end of October…"Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 14 Feb 1917We must carry on"I'll admit that occasionally I wonder whether life is worth all the worry we give to it yet at most times I think there is plenty in this life to make it worth living."Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 18 Feb 1917Returning to the Front"Once again I am back in this beautiful (!!!) land of France, and expect to reach the dear old wavering line in a day or two."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 21 Feb 1917Death notice"The friends of Captain Herbert William King, will regret to hear that news has just been received that he has been killed in action in France."Herbert William King, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · March–DecemberThe Palestine Campaign The Allies invade Palestine, and capture Jerusalem.Read the chronicle →
Event · 7–16 MarchRussia’s revolution Russia takes the first steps towards revolution and overthrows its royal family.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 11 Mar 1917Could you imagine Auckland destroyed?"In your wildest dreams you could not picture the scenes of desolation and destruction throughout this country."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 11 Mar 1917We need our jokes"It seems to me that under the frightful stress of war if men who are really in the vortex of death did not joke and make light of it, they would assuredly go mad."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · 6 AprilThe USA enters the war Americans want their government to fight back when the Germans sink 10 US merchant ships.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 13 May 1917Thanks for the tobacco"You're a brick to write such lovely long letters, I wish I had your talent. You mentioned that you had sent several parcels - so far I have received one only - the tin of tobacco. It's decent tobacco. I am enjoying a pipe-full while I am writing."Hugh Reginald Clark, Gunner — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 16 May 1917Shots of adrenalin"I won't bother writing 'war' except to say we have had some exciting experiences which make one's old pumping machine inside go full speed ahead. We have, of course, had many losses all round. But we are doing quite well - we are winning from what I have seen... No, I shall never settle down to the old game if I return. It will be too slow and crawling."Harry Frederick Hall, Second Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · 7–14 JuneThe Battle of Messines The explosive Battle of Messines leads to a stunning victory for the Allies.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 9 Jun 1917This is to say goodbye"My dear people, just in case I get nip'd [?] this is my goodbye. Don't worry one little bit we all have to die some day."Gordon Osmond, Sapper
Letter · 20 Jun 1917Just a few lost toes"No doubt by this time you have received my cable which Cousin Florence sent for me the other day. I have not written before as I had no writing paper. Well no doubt you are anxiously waiting to hear from me as I have not written for almost a month."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 20 Jun 1917Carried by German soldiers"It was while crossing [trenches at Messines] that I was knocked out. My wounds were quickly dressed by the field ambulance and I was soon on my way out. After the stretcher bearers had carried me about a quarter of a mile, a batch of Huns came along and six of them carried me for about a mile to the dressing station."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 20 Jun 1917On the front line"It is surprising how quickly I got used to being in danger."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 20 Jun 1917Gas makes the eyes run"During our last spell in the line we had no less than three bombardments and a gas attack in 24 hours."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 20 Jun 1917My trust and faith in the Almighty"When in the danger zone I always put my trust and faith in the Almighty who alone is capable of protecting and helping one there. I prayed constantly for coolness and courage and felt sure my prayers were answered…"Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 20 Jun 1917A scarf and balaclava, please"In the meantime you can get to work on a scarf and balaclava cap for next winter. All I have left of my kit is a few things I had in my pockets when wounded and my knitted waistcoat which I was wearing at the time"Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 21 Jun 1917The safety of the trenches"Set out on a three day march carrying all our belongings and equipment. We arrived... on the Saturday evening very tired and foot-sore and almost immediately set about making preparations for the trenches."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 21 Jun 1917A gas attack"During the night we were busy getting everything ready - filling water bottles and stacking away biscuits and tins of bully beef in every spare corner of our haversacks, being issued with shovels, picks, wire-cutters, bombs, flares etc. The picks and shovels are carried on the back, the handle being pushed down behind the straps of the web equipment."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Letter · 21 Jun 1917The mines explode"At 3 o'clock the side of the hill gave a roll like a violent earthquake, the officer said 'a mine!' and we all jumped up on the fire step to see what was happening."Martin George Brown, Corporal
Event · June–DecemberClose to home German raiders bring the war to New Zealand shores.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 10 Jul 1917The horror of a modern battlefield"When for the first time I stood on a modern battlefield and saw the ruin and havoc and desolation caused and still being caused by German and our shells that flew overhead, some of them landing in crops of wheat and mangolds, I realised for the first time the awfulness of war."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 10 Jul 1917Visions of Messines"I could not describe Messines Battlefield to you if I tried for the havoc and ruin baffles all description. Just imagine all those Aspen trees around your place torn, smashed or uprooted, not a branch on one of them and of those that stood only a portion of the trunk remaining. Imagine those paddocks around your house for a mile or more on either side so smashed up with shellfire that not a blade of grass is to be seen..."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · July–NovemberThird Battle of Ypres The Allied attack is crippled by terrible conditions.Read the chronicle →
Letter · Aug 1917A letter of condolence from one mother to another"Dear Mrs Alison, I was so very grieved to read of your son's death. It seems so cruel that the finest of our boys should be called upon to make the supreme sacrifice of their lives. The war is causing so many tragic deaths that I hardly know what to write but I know you will understand how deeply I feel for you in your trouble. The glory of death in battle is a magnificent thing but when it is our own who are killed - almost before they have grown to manhood - that the grief is too terrible. Do please accept our very sincerest sympathy. Faithfully yours, Ethel Bolitho"Charles Frederick Alison, Lance Corporal — Auckland, New Zealand
Letter · 8 Aug 1917A desire to forget"When I get back Amy my one desire will be to utterly and absolutely forget many things that I have seen here and yet it will be impossible."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 8 Aug 1917Taking cover"The conditions were awful. I was wet to the skin for four days, the trench was wet & up to the knees in mud. The ground was worsened by bursting shells and the trenches kept falling in in places. Men were lying in the mud trying to get sleep."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 8 Aug 1917Digging for our lives"One wet misty morning at 4.45 we attacked Fritz. In the early dawn our Bombardment was magnificent to watch and yet terrible..."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 8 Aug 1917Transporting the wounded"The work of the stretcher bearers is terrible & if any deserves medals they do. They cannot dodge shells but must keep steadily on & carrying men in the dark, up to their knees in mud stumbling over broken trench boards & in shell holes is awful work. Their danger is greater than ours by far."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 26 Aug 1917What warfare is really like"I suppose you will not have found my letters very interesting in the past twelve months as one cannot put much in them when they are read by your Platoon Officer so I am writing this one to describe what warfare is really like this time."Harold Edward Burrows, Private
Letter · 26 Aug 1917Were we going up or them?"Now take the Messines battle. We worked all night & slept in the day times to fix our trenches for the attack for several weeks before it took place. Then on the night of the 6th of June we marched to our assembly lines for...(page torn).. mile, this had to be done with gas masks on."Harold Edward Burrows, Private
Letter · 26 Aug 1917Piteous sights of the enemy"Then there was men falling about me crying for help which we must ignore .... you don't stop till you reach your objective unless you're shot. Well I need not tell you anything blood thirsty about it but I never lost my reasoning throughout. There were piteous sights of the enemy. One such as this I saw a small dog lying alongside of two bodies which were more or less mutilated & barked viciously at us as we passed."Harold Edward Burrows, Private
Letter · 26 Aug 1917Face to face with the enemy"On reaching our objective about a half a mile past what was once the town of Messines we dug in & remained there for eighty hours..."Harold Edward Burrows, Private
Letter · 28 Aug 1917Picturing peace"What a wave of joy will surge round this old earth of ours, not only in the Empire but throughout. Just imagine it. Peace and then you. Great heavens."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 8 Sep 1917Home away from home"Words cannot express, how much I appreciated your kindness, I left the hospital willingly, but already I am feeling homesick, you will understand what I mean, as I intend to speak of C Ward as a 'home away from home'. The life here is rough, but I am strong and able to stand it"Jack Alfred Charles Thomas, Rifleman — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · 12 OctoberDarkest day Passchendaele delivers the bloodiest day in the history of the New Zealand Army.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 15 Oct 1917A hero's end"A soldier’s burial consists of a winding sheet of a blanket sewn up, a narrow hole in the ground 4-6 inches deep and a simple short service after which the grave is surmounted by a little wooden cross, the name stamped on a narrow aluminium plate. A hero’s end."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 29 Oct 1917Will we recover?"The stress of living here is so great upon a man that it is difficult to say if after the war he can recover completely his previous state of health."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 3 Nov 1917Mentally preparing to advance"You may wonder what my thoughts were as I waited for the order to advance. You may ask, 'Was I scared?' 'Did I see my past life come before me?' 'Did I repent many sins committed?' As I waited there in the darkness of the hour before dawn on that morning I had a strange feeling of perfect confidence that I would be safe."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 3 Nov 1917Revenge for a mate's death"At 5.55 am the word came ‘Get Ready!’ Just once I looked at my loaded rifle, just once I thought of Home…"Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 3 Nov 1917Saving a German soldier's life"There was one incident I saw I will never forget. A Hun of about 19 years of age lay on the ground & one of our boys stood over him with the point of his bayonet on the Hun's stomach - he was saying 'I am going to kill you, you-'."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · NovemberRussia’s revolution rolls on The communists are in power as the Russians exchange world war for civil war.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 17 Dec 1917You worry too much"Well Sophia" by the tone of your letter I know you are worrying to [too] much, and I don’t like to hear of that, and I hope you are not writing in the same strain to Bert, and I will tell you why I think so."Henry Herbert Gill, Sapper — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 17 Dec 1917Be of good cheer"We are thousands of miles away from those who are near & dear to us, and they are always uppermost in our mind, even in times of danger, I know we are always in your thoughts but it is your duty when you write to us to show us that you are carrying your troubles with a brave heart, and that you are as cheerful as you can, for you know if you write to us in so discouraging a tone it makes our troubles harder to bear."Henry Herbert Gill, Sapper — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · 20 Dec 1917The horror of war"The sights and experiences out here in Flanders are awful at times..."Charles Stewart Alexander, Lieutenant

1918

Letter · 2 Jan 1918No end in sight"Another year has gone and still we cannot see the end of the war ... At the present time I know of no one who can give any idea as to the probably duration of the war, or as to how it will end..."Sir George Spafford Richardson, Brigadier general — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · 28 Feb 1918A touch of gas"I have never been the same man since I got that touch of “Gass” [sic] , and I am sure if a man lives through this war his health will pay the penalty for it"Henry Herbert Gill, Sapper — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · March–JulyThe spring offensives Germany’s all-or-nothing attacks wreak havoc on the Western Front.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 19 Mar 1918Keeping watch"A very wet miserable day, rained hard most of the time. Shelling still going on, it's horrible to listen to. Enemy shot I listen to & when I hear it coming know that it's not to 'out' me. Hundreds of shells have come in night & day it never ceases. Wed. And still the game goes on..."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Arras, France
Letter · 19 Mar 1918A muffled war"Every shell fired our way we can hear distinctly fired, it's a muffled roar, shortly after you hear the roaring, squealing, screaming, squeaking whining, roaring shell, you then know it's gone past you (you feel safer), on it goes & shortly explodes with a deafening roar, throwing whatever it hits some [hundreds] of feet in the air for hundreds of yards around. When 3 or 4 come together the noise is appalling thundering, it's nothing but crushing cascades which are indescribable. Different sizes of shells have different notes, what we are getting is big stuff which about shakes the whole county..."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — Arras, France
Event · March–OctoberThe Ottoman defeat The Ottomans fall as Britain wins its biggest victory of the war.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 19 Apr 1918Homeless"Hundreds and hundreds of poor refugees are pouring down all the country roads in these parts and this has been going on for days - one of the most pathetic aspects of this terrible conflict."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Event · July–NovemberThe Allies strike The German Army is near the verge of complete collapse.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 28 Oct 1918A chaplain's letter of condolence"This is a sad letter I'm writing to you just to tell you what few particulars I can of the death of your brother, Harold Biss, who, as you know was one of my gunners and a very good friend of mine. Words aren't much good at a time like this, yet I'm writing in the hope that the few things I can tell you may be of some slight comfort to you & your people in your sorrow."James Rarity Young, Chaplain — Flanders Fields, Belgium
Letter · Nov 1918The joyful news"At 12.30 came the joyful news that Armistice was agreed. signed. Bells began ringing everywhere, bugles and whistles blowing. At 1 o'clock we are allowed out until 6. So off I went to Walton, found the small town packed with people, all carrying flags ...flags wherever you looked. A sight scene not to be forgotten..."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · Nov 1918When will we go home?"The question now is how long before we are sent home finally. I can't get home fast enough."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · Nov 1918What a wondrous thing"Couldn't resist the temptation of taking French leave, donned my blues & overcoat, & walked out past the guard as though I had a pass. Walked to Walton & caught the train for London..."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Letter · Nov 1918Hugs and kisses"Every now & then a girl would come up & kiss you, it's great."Gordon Osmond, Sapper — London, Great Britain and Ireland
Event · 4 NovemberLiberation of Le Quesnoy Kiwis come to the rescue in their last major attack of the war.Read the chronicle →
Event · 11 NovemberArmistice The guns fall silent as the Central Powers call for peace.Read the chronicle →
Letter · 15 Nov 1918A fine feat"As you know the New Zealanders scaled these perpendicular walls with ladders and took over 1000 prisoners – one of the finest feats of the war."Harry Delamere Dansey, Captain — Le Quesnoy, France
Event · Post WarPeace at last? Germany pays harshly for the war – but are the demands too high?Read the chronicle →