Wednesday 29 April 2009: WW1 - A kiss from France

Before today I hadn't noticed the three flags depicted on the front of this card; the Union Jack, and flags of France and Belgium. A poignant reminder of the mothers, wives and sweet hearts left at home (Edit: Thanks to kdoes who pointed out what I'd originally thought was the German flag is in fact the Belgium flag. Thank you. Correction much appreicated :-).

"We are at the school now for a while ago we are on a pretty good job now as we don't go in the line."

These few lines obliquely understate the relief of being away from the horrors of the front line.

This smaller note was inside the larger to my dear mother card when I received it from my aunt, Fay. I guess it may have been sent like that from France.

If my memory is correct Granddad Boo discovered mechanical engineering during his WW1 service. The first fridge I grew up with was in-built in our kitchen by him. Mum says he had the door specially made but other than that, it was his creation and amazing expertise.

By WW2 he was married, living in Auckland and worked as an engineer. He served three years of Home Service until the war ended.

Alfred James Pearce
Born: South Australia
In 1916: Ploughman from Te Karaka, Gisborne, New Zealand.
18/03/1896 - 10/11/1957

Granddad Boo passed away years before I was born. I never knew him but I'm very proud of him.

For those who missed the earlier blips in this series of war mementos.

1. WW1 shrapnel

2. Sent from France, 1918

3. WW1 hanky

I'm slowly doing ok. Very tired tonight so this is an early blip. One more to go in this series. As always thanks for viewing and for your comments and best wishes.

• NIKON D60:
• f/4.2:
• 1/200":
• 24mm:
• ISO 800

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