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Private J. D. Caves: The Long Journey Home

31 July 1945 At Sea, Monowai

31 July 1945 At Sea, Monowai

My Own Darling,

I can make no plans for the future yet. Will have to find out just what the war has done to New Zealand first. It's funny the idea of it all now, home coming is getting so close, seems very strange and I'm beginning to dread it all a bit. Just stupid I guess. Because no one could have longed for home and my own girl more than I have these years.

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Denis' duties and living quarters onboard the H.M.S. Monowai.

Denis' duties and living quarters onboard the H.M.S. Monowai.

Telegram sent by Denis upon arrival in Wellington. One day away from seeing Jean, after nearly five years apart.

Telegram sent by Denis upon arrival in Wellington. One day away from seeing Jean, after nearly five years apart.

Denis travelled by train from Wellington to Hamilton then caught the bus to Opotiki. Jean had thought Denis would be arriving on the regular bus service but he arrived three hours early on a special bus for returning soldiers. Jean had just sat down to midday dinner when the phone rang to say Denis was at his parents' home. Leaving her meal uneaten, she rushed over to the Caves house on Ford Street.

Denis and Jean pictured together in Opotiki in 1945.

Denis and Jean pictured together in Opotiki in 1945.

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Soldier's Service and Pay BookPictured here is Denis' pay book issued on 19 May 1945 in England, hence the missing entries. The pay book instructs "You will always carry this book on your person" but Denis lost his original pay book in the Battle of Sidi Rezegh.

Soldier's Service and Pay Book
Pictured here is Denis' pay book issued on 19 May 1945 in England, hence the missing entries. The pay book instructs "You will always carry this book on your person" but Denis lost his original pay book in the Battle of Sidi Rezegh.

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