Blighty

From the humdrum existence of camp life to the horrors of the front line trenches, soldiers lived for the day to get a trip to 'dear old Blighty'. 'Blighty' was a slang term referrring to Britain, and New Zealand soldiers deployed in France and Belgium longed for their chance of either gaining a leave pass to England or receiving a 'blighty wound' that was just enough to pull them out of the trenches and send them to hospital and eventually a convalescent depot in Britain. What follows, are examples of some of the many Blighty-themed postcards in distribution during the First World War...

Girls in Khaki

Two ladies identified only as Sylvia and Nell, dressed in khaki military uniform as a show of support to New Zealand soldiers on active service overseas.

This portrait postcard was taken at Alva Studios on Cuba Street in Wellington c.1915.

"The Alva Studio, 26 Cuba street, is now under entirely new management, Mr H. Fawson, a well-known Auckland photographer, having purchased the business. General alterations and improvements have been effected, and the studio is now one of the most up-to-date in the city. First-class work and entire satisfaction is guaranteed all patrons." NZ Times, 9 July 1915.