Sunday 28 December 2014

Touching tributes

I've been doing some research through papers past and found some incredibly touching, heartfelt tributes to my Great Uncle George Keymer. Tear-jerking stuff. 




Saturday 27 December 2014

Hokianga Arch of Remembrance

Yesterday I visited the Hokianga Arch of Remembrance in the small town of Kohukohu on the northern edge of the Hokianga Harbour in Northland. More than 100 names are engraved on the archway including the name of my Great Uncle George E Keymer who was killed in the battle of Passchendaele on 12 October, 1917.

Uncle George never lived in the Hokianga vacinity as far as we know, but he is remembered there are his family moved to Waimamaku just after he left for the war.

It was a special moment to be in a place where so many brave young soldiers are forever remembered.






Thursday 11 December 2014

The Anzacs 100 Years On: In Story and Song

I highly recommend this book & and accompanying CD of war songs.



The Anzacs 100 Years On: In Story and Song: This publication is a unique and highly readable contribution to the commemoration of the centenary of the Anzacs in World War 1. Ted Egan presents an historical documentation of the Anzacs and the ordinary men, women and children of the two young nations of Australia and New Zealand, forever affected by this tragic episode in world history. Set against the political background of the day, succinctly revealed, Egan brings a clarity and immediacy to this period by his interweaving of personal stories, deeply moving songs, a collection of public and personal photos and an historical narrative that speaks directly to the reader, engaging our hearts as well as our heads. It is a story of the loss of innocence of two young nations, for a generation and beyond. Amusing anecdotes and stories of great courage and ingenuity leaven, to some extent, the brutal truth behind the personal stories.