Hocken Collections archivists uncovered this letter from Lance-corporal George Marshall Helm to his friend, farmer Daniel Weir, of Paerau.
Lcpl Helm, who was with the 14th Reinforcements, Otago Infantry Battalion, D Company, was a station hand from nearby Gimmerburn. The letter was written not long before he died on November 16, 1916, from wounds received at the Somme.
DEAR Dan
... We have been Practising throwing bombs yesterday my word these deadly things will make the Germans fly when we get throwing them at them, & that will be very soon I think all our officers that came over with us are going to France tomorrow, we didn't like loosing our O.C. he was a grand fellow (Chisholm) from Oamaru, he was a master at the boys High School, but I suppose one is as good as another we have to start & carry our Pack this week its about eighty Pounds so that will make some of us wish we dident join the Army,
Well Dan I think I will bring this scribble to a close as I have a few more letters to write so good bye just now I will write again when I get to France so that's if I have time good Day
with best of love to all
I remain your Chum
George
