I recently 'read' Michael Palin's 'Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire':
Some years ago a stash of family records was handed down to me, among which were photos of an enigmatic young man in army uniform, as well as photos of the same young man as a teenager looking uncomfortable at family gatherings. This, I learnt, was my Great-Uncle Harry, born in 1884, died in 1916. I previously had no idea that I had a Great-Uncle Harry, much less that his life was cut short at the age of 32 when he was killed in the Battle of the Somme.' - Michael Palin
I actually listened to the audiobook, which I recommend, and found the story of Great-Uncle Harry eerily familiar in a family context. Great-Uncle Harry had emigrated from Britain to New Zealand, went back to Europe to fight in WW1, and never returned.
My Great-Grandfather Ernest Bock
My Mum never knew her Grandfather who died on the battlefield in the last few weeks of World War One (which ended 11th November – 1918). Although born in Australia, of German emigrants, he served for NZ where he had settled (in search of work) and married. He enlisted in 1916, the first married man in Canterbury to do so. I wonder if his German sounding name, probably originally Boch, was a factor in that?
He fought for King, Country, and Empire, possibly against his own distant relatives. The world is a strange place.
For me he was a family story, and a few medals still stored in a (of the era) tobacco tin.
In Memory of Private ERNEST THEODORE BOCK who died age 37 on 12 September 1918
29609, New Zealand Machine Gun Battalion
Husband of Isabella Jane Bock, of 19 Russell St., Linwood, Christchurch. Born in South Australia.
Remembered with honour; GREVILLERS (NEW ZEALAND) MEMORIAL
Attending the 2025 Auckland Dawn Service
Today is ANZAC Day, which commemorates the New Zealanders killed in war and honours returned servicemen and women. For no particular reason I was wide awake at 04:30 this morning. I thought about attending a local Dawn Service, but Waikumete Cemetery (a few km from home) have theirs at 11:00am. The main Auckland service is in the central city Auckland Domain, at the cenotaph in front of the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
While having breakfast I decided to cycle in, then onwards to see my Mum, recovering from a fall, at North Shore Hospital. It's about an hour ride to the city, leaving home about 04:50 meant a bit of a dash to make the 06:00am start. I mostly followed my Garmin's 'fastest route' but forewent bike paths for roads. There was little to no traffic, and it was pretty calm, so the slight North Easterly headwind wasn't an issue.
I was listening to random music, files on the phone on shuffle, while getting ready and just as I set off it chose Kraftwerk 'Autobahn'. Seems odd but German synth automobile-based music was actually really good for cycling pacing. I got to the Domain in just 52 minutes, no parking problems, and passed lots of people walking in.
The service was memorable; the exposed location meant the PA mics were picking up wind noise and the speakers good bass made it sound somewhat reminiscent of distant gunfire. Quite eerie, especially when—near the start of the service—a short-lived (thankfully) misty rain shower passed through.
Dawn breaks towards the conclusion of the service.
After the service, heading to the shore. I just missed the 07:15 ferry, so filled time until the next (07:45) with some waterfront meanderings.
I was still too early for the hospital visiting so had breakfast two (or is it 'lunch' at 08:30?) French toast and coffee at Takapuna Beach Café.
Heading home along Upper Harbour Drive, love this sign. Kererū (New Zealand wood pigeon) are big, but not that big!
