Dear Lizzie

Ira Robinson was 28 years old when he signed up to fight in World War One. Like thousands of other New Zealanders, he had no idea of the events that lay in store for him. After training in England, Ira found himself in Flanders, fighting in one of the war's bloodiest battles at Passchendaele. Incredibly, he survived. And so did some of the numerous letters he wrote to his family, especially to his sister Lizzie. Ira wrote of route marches, drill practice and sports days during training; of seasickess and entertainment during embarkation; of England's poverty and splendour; of his life as a tourist and as a soldier in camp; and of food, fighting and the futility of war. His acute observations make fascinating reading, and allow us a rare personal glimpse into the daily life of an ordinary New Zealand soldier.