Alamein Campaign I have just attended a funeral of an old 97yrs old soldier of the 24th Ak battalion he was my fathers war friend. Dad was a sergeantalso. They both served at Alamein and it was great that you took the time to write about your experiences in following your Poppa footsteps. Thank you.
Remembering Hi. Great article. My dad spent several years in Egypt with 2nd NZEF in the Medical Corps. My daughter and I managed to get to Egypt (from NZ) 3 years ago and went to El Alamein as I had promised dad I would go as he always wanted to go back. It was a very moving and emotional experience. I couldn't stay in the museum as I was crying so much but I felt so peaceful at the cemetery. I am currently looking at the possibility of sending dad's kit bag to the museum as part of the NZ collection.
grave ref. xxv111.b.11. i am the nephew of gordon mclaren campbell who died on 18/7/1942 i would relly appreciate if somebody could get me a photo of his headstone. we always were lad to believe that he died on crete.
Great fun Hi Ben, that is a great description of your trip to Cardiff. A marvellous fun time. You would have loved meeting the celebrities. 99% GOOD TIMES 1% All Black loss!
Grandad Loved your dscription of Thailand ben.
Sorry about the leg room on planes etc. Best get used to it. The world is not made to suit us tall ones!!
Keep the prose acoming please, we love it.
Grandad
Well done It is always fun to read about your travels Ben and really nice you had Cushla with you this time. No too long now and you will be together again. Take care, Love Mum and Dad.
Waitangi Day Pub Crawl We enjoyed reading of your celebration of our national day. We also enjoyed the hospitality of the Zetland Arms on our visit. Did you get upstairs to the Charlie Chaplin room? There is something special about being a Kiwi and I guess the locals in London have learnt to envy the loyalty.
Chur Chur Bro Ben Fitchett chur chur bro - sounds like you couldn't manage to get your tongue around the cheers bro to me and the locals misheard you. Remember alcohol is a ......! Your Mum has this one worked out!
Anyway great reading and we were there just last year so it is extra special to us to have you be there and experience these places. Good for you. I remember Blair. Wasn't it great you found him in Germany.
I see you were out front with the haka - like father like son. There's a nightclub in Istanbul you must visit to match him on that one.
Take care and keep an eye on Bevan too.
Love from Mum and Dad.
Most interesting Blog Ben I loved the story as it unfolded ...beer, old friends [the "best"], and German culture.
Am eagerly awaiting your next effort.
Ashton Fitchett
Feldernhalle The statue in the middle at the front of the Feldernhalle commemorates the death of Graf (Count) Tilly, who was the imperial (Austrian/Bavarian) general who lost a battle (and his life) against the Swedish army at the River Lech (near Augsburg) in 1631. Following their victory, the Swedish army sacked Munich (which explains the relative dearth of older buildings).
Nearly Needed Fires Ourselves Who cut Tim's hair ??? Was that you Ben??? Will give you a job back here, we're short on shearers! Looks like you had fun.
Nice undies! I'm sure all of the families missed their youngsters but great to see you had a memorable Christmas. I am impressed with all the cooks. Do you give lessons? Roll on the next adventure. (It was almost as cold back here in the hills!).
Bev Reid
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Alamein Campaign
I have just attended a funeral of an old 97yrs old soldier of the 24th Ak battalion he was my fathers war friend. Dad was a sergeantalso. They both served at Alamein and it was great that you took the time to write about your experiences in following your Poppa footsteps. Thank you.