Anzac Day: War letters to home
This 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 and fallen soldiers with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.
Captain Ernest Hugh Densem of the New Zealand Army Medical Corps 2nd New Zealand Expedition wrote this letter to daughter Mary McNair, who lives in New Lynn:
Medical Headquarters
Trentham
10.6.45
Dear Mary,
Daddy received your letter. You remember you told me about John going to Sunday School all by himself with Mr Hawkey.
I’m glad you liked the bonfire.
There was a very good drawing of it in one of your other letters that wasn’t there.
We had some funny bonfires here one night.
There were a lot of flowers and the soldiers shot flames out of their guns like this:
Mummy says you sleep in a different room now.
Where does Auntie Eva sleep?
Daddy.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
-
64.5% Yes
-
32.9% No
-
2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.