'Things have been pretty lively'

While researching the names on the Carterton memorial I have been re-reading the Great War diary of Melve King, 'Things have been pretty lively', Neil Frances and Doug King (Melve's son).

Melve King was born and bred in Carterton so it was rather apt to read it while looking at the Carterton Memorial and some of the names inscribed on the memorial are mentioned in the diary.  Melve Kings's diary gives the reader a real glimpse into the everyday life of the New Zealand soldier during the Great War and I recommend reading it.  I am always astounded of the amount of marching and physical labour soldiers endured when not actually on the front line.  Apart from short spells of leave there was not much respite for the ordinary soldier.