Henry Thomas Norton - Letters

Contains photocopied material. Letter (photocopy) from Harry Norton, B Company, 7th Reinforcements, Trentham Military Camp, New Zealand, to his wife, dated 14 June 1915. (3 leaves plus envelope)

The text reads as follows:

"My Dear Chum.

Well here I am in Camp. And just a few lines to tell you how I am. 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 1 singlet 1 pair under pants, 1 flannel & boots 2 towels in fact everything to keep a man warm & comfortable and I am happy so far

I have got good fellows in my tent and we are all pulling together. The place is so big & muddy and dark at night and I got lost twice

[Page 2]

coming to these rooms, the mud is over boot tops if you don’t know where to go, and there is such a lot of fine fellows writing here and the music is going all the time. I will get to know the run of Camp in a few days

Now Dear old Girl I have got everything to make me comfortable and there is so much to be thankful for. Good warm clothes & food in plenty. I was glad I took the cover for the mattress as the other chaps had to pay 2/- for theirs. My address is

B. Company. 7th Reinforcements (Tent 43) 8 tents down the line from the Wellington Eng. I will write you fuller directions when I see where we are in daylight.

[Page 3]

We get letters delivered twice a day at 12 oclock [o'clock] & at about 5. Now Chum, I want you to be quite happy about me, and I will write to you every night and tell you all the news. I do hope you can manage to do without me. I thought you were so brave not to break down. God bless you & the children.

xxxxxxxx your loving husband

xxxxxxxx Harry Norton

P.S. Send me 3 stamps please."