WWI stories unfold at roadshow
Incredible stories of World War 1 veterans were exchanged as South Waikato residents came together to share their war memorabilia.
The Waikato Museum arrived to Tokoroa and Putaruru during its World War 1 roadshow.
It was a chance for anyone who had unanswered questions about their veteran ancestors.
Tokoroa RSA president Ken Reid said it was a great turnout.
About half a dozen people turned up with unique pieces.
Tokoroa’s Lorna Clarry carefully unfolded an embroidered piece all the way from France, something that was important to her as it had been gifted from her father.
And in the 97 years it has been in the family, it remains unused.
‘‘I’m proud of it,’’ she said.
Along with the treasured piece, Clarry kept hold of a book compiled of letters, pictures and certificates.
While Clarry remembered her father from pieces he left behind, Tokoroa’s Murray Grey recalled his own dad in a different way.
‘‘He was a very difficult person,’’ he said.
It was only until he read the diary of this ‘‘difficult’’ man that he began to realise why he was like that.
‘‘ You did what he said and when he said it . . . I now understand why he was so difficult . . . it’s not until you get older and you read something like this that you understand,’’ he said. Grey’s suitcase full of books, pictures and even horse spurs were passed on to him by his sister.
And part of the reason Grey turned up to the roadshow was to have some of the writing deciphered.
The stories will go towards the For Us They Fell website and an exhibition which will be held in April next year.