Letter

A letter from camp

This hand written letter was written by trooper Arthur Gerald Levien (known as Gerald, and as Gerry) at Featherston Military Training Camp on 3 July 1916, shortly after his enlistment. It describes his arrival and the living conditions at the camp. It is addressed to 'Mim' whose identity is unknown, but makes reference to his aunt, uncle, and mother. He describes staying under the grandstand in Palmerston after being entertained at the Anzac Club, before leaving along with the Mounted Rifles, Artillery and Army Service Corp for the Featherston Training Camp. For Levien, the camp did not seem very camp-like, and he notes its collquial name - 'The Old Mens Home'.

He describes the physical conditions of the camp, including the sleeping huts, electric lighting, and the mess-room, noting it 'is cleaner than any house I know.' He asks Mim to thank his aunt and uncle for gifting a towel, and then lists all the uniform particulars he had been supplied with since arriving at the camp. He had written to his mother and Murie but was waiting to recieve money. Levien closes the letter as he is required at a compulsory bathing parade and hot showers. He wishes Mim to be as well as he is, noting he has not had a cold yet despite the weather being wet.

Arthur 'Gerald' Levien's war service

Levien was born 1 May 1896 in Bulls, Rangitikei to Joan and Charles Levien. He had three siblings: a sister Mrs Ruth Guthrie, and brothers Edward and John. Gerald Levien worked as a shepherd and linesman before enlisting from Fielding on 27 June 1916, aged 20. He embarked with the 19th Reinforcements New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 5 December 1916. He sailed from Wellington on the HMNZT 70 'Waihora', bound for Suez, Egypt. He was hospitalised 12 May 1917 for diarrhoea in the field to Kantara and on 29 September 1918 for malaria. He was discharged as no longer fit for war service 7 June 1919. For his service in the First World War, Levien was awarded the British War Medal (1914-1920) and Victory Medal.

Levien also served in the Second World War. He enlisted 15 January 1940, aged 43. During his service he was imprisoned in four Prisoner Of War camps: PG 75 (Bari) near Brindisi Transit Camp, PG 57 PM 3200 in Italy, Stalag VIII in Germany and Stalag 344 in Germany. He was interned as a POW from 15 July 1942 to 17 May 1945, when his camp was liberated. He was discharged from service 10 December 1945 because the war had ended. For his services in the Second World War, Levien received the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, War Medal 1939-1945 and New Zealand War Service Medal.

Levien died 10 June 1967, aged 71, in Auckland, New Zealand.