Extract from a letter titled ‘Bombar[d]ier E. C. N. May’, published in the Wellington Times, 14 September, 1916, p. 3.
“BOMBAR[D]IER E. C. N. MAY.
Bombardier E. C. N. May writes to his parents and sisters at Wongarbon from France (9/7/16) as follows:— Received your welcome letter, dated 19/4/16, also one from Mr. W. Moore, and two from Ida. I am always pleased to hear from my friends, but I am sure the majority of my letters go astray or are probably lying in some base.
Well, parents, I have been in France now nearly a month, and I am now well within the war zone area. The 4th D.A.C. are doing their bit. I have experienced shell fire while taking ammunition to the battery, and so far came off lucky. …
I’ve just been away drawing rations. I saw H. Saunders, he is O.K.; he is in No. 1 section. A. Eschelon. Aeroplanes are a common sight here, and are seen at all times during the day, and at night the bursting shrapnel in the sky denotes that aircraft are busy. I have sent you many French post cards and curios, and have others already on the way home. Kindly remember me to all enquiring friends. I am quite well and pray you are all the same at home, and that you still keep hopeful of my return. I may add we are now moving off again, and I’ve no time for writing more, so now, dear parents and sisters, farewell.”
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1915 Coo-ee March 