Henry Thomas Norton - Letters

Contains photocopied material. Typed transcript (photocopy) of a letter from Harry Norton, France, to his wife, dated 18 May 1916.

The following extract is taken from page 77:

"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 big bit Chum.

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. ... I must admit for the first hour my knees were shaky, but all of a sudden my nerve came back, & I am getting on fine."