“Gargle Parade.”
No postmark or postage stamp. Card not dated.
This group of New Zealand troops at their training camp are each holding a cup of diluted mouthwash disinfectant. This is their ‘Gargle Parade’which was considered great value in preventing the spread of some infectious diseases.The disinfectant was a means of keeping a healthy throat and preventing ulcers and sore throats.
The soldier kneeling in the centre of this photographic postcard is holding a copy of the New Zealand newspaper ‘The Dominion’.
Handwritten on the reverse of the postcard is; “To Dear Elsie King. From Horace Turner. With best wishes & love.”
This was written by Private Horace Victor Turner, 3/1204, most likely during his military training in New Zealand in 1915. He is the son of Reverend Nicholas Turner of the Methodist Manse in Gore. Horace enlisted for army service in Christchurch in 1915. He joined the 7th Reinforcements of the New Zealand Medical Corps which sailed from Wellington on 9 October 1915 destined for Suez in Egypt. He survived both wars and died in 1984.
Really enjoying seeing these postcards - they're such incredible moments from New Zealand at war. Thank you for sharing them.
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