This photo postcard was sent by Trooper James Henry Saunders to a friend in Russell, in January 1916. He was the son of William & Sarah (nee Mills) Saunders and brother to seven siblings. Their ancestors first came to Russell in the 1840s-50s, settling in Kororāreka, Te Wahapu and Paroa Bay. Descendants of his brother Jake still live here. Jim died 26 February 1917 in a Turkish POW camp. This was his message:
18/1/16
Dear old Cobber,
Just a line to let you know that I am still alive. I am in the same squadron as Peter…We have some rare old times together. This photo is the result of a night out in Cairo, I guess we are some honey when we get going. Well old boy I have been back from the Dards about 3 weeks. I had six months there, quite enough too. Hurrah. Remember me to all the Russell folks,
Jim
In the photo, from left to right are: Bert (better known as Peter) Williams, unknown, Jim Saunders.
