Work in progress
Previous | Contents | Next Cliff sent Dorothy a postcard, postmarked Wellington, as they were about to move out into the stream. They were “very, very lucky” — six of them in a flash, first class twin cabin with four additional berths fitted. They had a porthole, shower, hot and cold water and a bath. Two…
Contents Some of the text, mainly after Alamein, has been complied by me from Cliff’s letters to his fiancée Dorothy McCarroll, his occasional diary and postwar anecdotes. Photos, comments and footnotes have also been added by me. You can tap on most photos to view them full size. ~ Ian NEXT
Previous | Contents | Next But the Army was on the lookout for P&T staff for Divisional Signals, and he was soon transferred to HQ Platoon as a Signalman. Camp was invigorating and his letters were animated. Drill exercise, the rifle range, PT and signal training. Letter-writing and yarning with his mates. Singalongs and a concert.…
Previous | Contents | Next Like his stories of the Depression, the letters paint a picture of what already seems a distant time — of experiences we haven’t shared and values we’ve set aside. Or so it seems to me. Even distances aren’t the same. Fifty miles was a barrier, not an hour’s drive. §…
Previous | Contents | Next In September 1939 Hitler invaded Poland. According to Cliff’s diary, by the time he moved to Paparoa in March 1940 6,000 New Zealand men had enlisted for service overseas and wartime rationing had begun. Although he was still working for the Post Office and Telegraph Department, it was at the…
Contents When I visited him and Mum, and saw that he was still doing this I’d repeat my lecture about computer memory, and saving your work, and he’d say, “But surely it must be full up by now.” It reminds me of myself now — not bothering to comprehend or wanting to engage with aspects…