Anzac Day: War letters to home
Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.
And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.
We remember our Auckland veterans with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.
Corporal Owen Tudor Brewer (pictured in uniform with his family) wrote to his sister Elsie Brewer:
Zeitoun, June 5, 1915
Dear Elsie,
I received your letter of the 17th April yesterday, though I suppose you expected me to receive it on the boat.
I last sent a letter at Aden. We only stopped there a few hours and then left for Suez.
The Red Sea seems to be studded with islands and numbers of light houses on the same (I do not mean on each island).
We passed in very close to one, where a small supply boat had just landed kerosene or what they burn and a long line of coolies like small dots with flashing heads were moving up a steep almost precipitous slope carrying a tin each on their head which glittered in the sun.
Soon after we ran into thousands of drowned locusts floating in the water and now and again one or two fluttered aboard.
For a day and a half we steamed through them and as we were then cutting out 275 miles per day, you can imagine there must have been a fair number of them.
They were a bright yellow colour and about three inches long.
Eventually we arrived at Suez where we disembarked and one lot went through to Cairo that day and I was left behind with a fatigue party to clean up the stables.
We soon finished that and I went for a short stroll round the wharf and yarned to a few Gurka troops who had been in France and were recuperating in a more suitable climate.
One of them claimed to have accounted for 7 Germans and was eager to hang a few more scalps to his belt.
They had some very exciting experiences to relate and I reluctantly bid them Kia Ora, as the troop train which was to convey the remainder of us to Cairo was due.
We soon left Suez behind us, it being late in the evening a cool breeze, or at any rate a cooler breeze than we had had throughout the day when not a breath of air was stirring fanned through the open carriage window.
We had several stops at which the natives beseeched us to buy “orange, mulberries, lemonade.”
I invested 1 piastre in a basket of mulberries and after passing it around the carriage discovered the simple minded native had shoved a couple of handfuls of grass in the bottom and a dozen or so berries on the top as bait.
The joke was on me.
We arrived in Cairo next morning and learning the train, marched down to camp, finding on arrival everything ready for us to drop into our places.
That day and the next we sweltered in the heat.
Cairo was gasping and the maximum temperature reached 119 in the shade.
I consumed great quantities of cool lemonade and became acclimatised.
The heat now does not affect us any more than a midsummer New Zealand day.
It is a very dry heat and we do not oil our rifles at all, only using black lead on any friction parts.
I have been down to Cairo and Heliopolis twice and tomorrow have arranged with a guide for a trip to the Pyramids which will provide some news.
Cairo has very beautiful buildings built of solid stone and masonry work.
Some of them are surrounded by gardens which are a picture to look at and again by a high stone wall with a ponderous gate lot guarded by native porters and a few beggars whose children gather up the crusts we throw away when having lunch on route marches.
We have lots of fun with orange sellers and donkey hirers who charge exorbitant rates if you let them ring it out of you, but a touch up with the riding whip soon brings them around to a knowledge that they have not caught a bunch of mugs.
The troops here are all anxious to get to work and if we have any luck I expect to get away within 3 weeks time.
The flies are biting something unprintable so guess I will have to close.
I am going to have a look around at some postcards and will send them along under separate cover to ta ta, love to all at home,
Owen.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.
You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.
Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.
Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.
Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:
1. Personal Preferences.
Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.
Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?
Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?
Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.
2. Bedroom Size.
Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.
A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.
3. Sleeping Partners.
If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.
A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.
What Size Should You Get?
Let's break it down size by size:
Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.
Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.
Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.
King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.
Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs
Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.
However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.
Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.
By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.
At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
82.3% Yes
-
15.1% No
-
2.6% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
