SOLDIERS’ LETTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 August 1917, Page 3

SOLDIERS’ LETTERS.

Private Herb. Dimmick with the N.Z Forces in France, writes home cheerily about Ids exciting experiences on active service:— “1 have not had much time to write lately. Tho night before the advance at Massines Ridge. I had to go back and join the Sappers. It was a pretty rough time we had for a few days, and it is a wonder that any of us are left to tell the tale with the stuff old Fritz put over. At night there was not any chance of getting any sleep. There would be about three gas alarms, and •,ve would have to get our helmets out. “About a week before the advance I had rather an exciting time with tho horses. Officers would require horses at all hours. The road I had to pass along was almost always subject to .shell fire, and I had some lively experiences. The.' only way was to gallop through it and chance to luck to bring vou out.

“A few days after tho Messines advance wo were taken Out and given a rest two miles from N.Z. Headquarters. I had one day in tho town myself and then came back and rejoined the drivers. Altogether I have shiftod to about twenty different places this last six weeks so I know this part of the country fairly well.

I saw Furnace Fleming, hut could not stop long to talk to him. Also W. Smith to whom I only had a chance to sing out and then pass on. I havo not seen any of the Koiterangi boys since the advance, so do not know how they got on. There were ft lot of sappers in my company who will not come hack again. Welcome letters are to hand up. to April 7th. Remembrances to all.”