Henry Thomas Norton - Letters

Contains photocopied material. Typed transcript (photocopy) of a letter from Harry Norton, France, to his wife, dated 26 May 1916.

The following extracts are taken from pages 82 and 83:

[Page 82]

"I was 4 days in the trenches before the Coy came in, and had the very first shot at the enemy of all the N.Z. troops fighting in France. ... I have something to be proud of. ... There is the most beautiful Cathedral just across the road. I go over night & morning, and it is so restful to sit for an hour in front of the altar, and think & pray for you all. ... You can hardly imagine the desolation of the places ... and when I see sometimes little children & women, I thank God that you are safe & far away from the war.

If the men in N.Z. could only see what goes on, the dreadful breaking up of homes, they would realise what we here are fighting for. If they could only understand

[Page 83]

that Our Women & homes are liable to the same wicked brutality, they would come forward ... Thank God I came, ..."