The message of the day - Never stop hunting, Never stop looking for new family history!
Why? When we were on the hunt for World War letters a few years back, I never once considered that there would be anything from my paternal side. Then out of the blue, two family photos were retrieved which has started a whole new journey.
Postcard A above & Postcard B below
Postcard B: Back of card: "6m active service. Mrs C Barker, Kauaeranga, Thames, Auckland.
Dear Janie …. Good bye to all & Good luck, With fondest love Tommy."
Dear Janie …. Good bye to all & Good luck, With fondest love Tommy."
This card was postmarked 9 October 1915, the day Thomas Pascoe left New Zealand. Rifleman Pascoe would not be back on New Zealand soil until 15 July 1919.
Part of Rifleman Pascoe's service record.
Source: New Zealand Archives.
Who was Tommy?
Thomas Pascoe was the son of Benjamin Eddy and Honour Pascoe. Ben and Honour were from St Just in Penwith (Cornwall), they emigrated to New Zealand and married in Timaru in 1881. Thomas was one of eleven children, born 27 April 1892 in Napier - he married Mavis McConnell in 1924 and they had five children. Thomas Pascoe passed away 19 May 1971 at Auckland.
In the regimental band photo, Thomas Pascoe is at the right hand end of the 2nd row from the top (there is a small mark to his right). In postcard B, Thomas is standing on the right at the back of photo of three.
Who was Mrs C Barker?
These postcards were written to Jane Barker (nee Pascoe), who was Thomas Pascoe's older sister. Jane lived up the Kauaeranga Valley with her husband Cliff Barker - my grandparents. Tommy Pascoe was my father's uncle.
Regimental Band Photo
Thanks to a facebook page Unknown Warriors of the NZEF, the next bit of the puzzle was answered. The facebook group also had a copy of 'Postcard A' and on the back was written: "Rifle Brigade Band. Camped at Rangiotu." It appears to be the last photo taken before the men departed for the battlefield in Europe - August 1915.
The Pascoe family, including Benjamin Eddy Pascoe had a strong connection to brass bands, both in Timaru and Waihi - winning numerous regional and national titles. It was no surprise then to see Thomas Pascoe as a member of the Regimental Band.
The Next Surprise!
While it was wonderful to have found these postcards and be able to know more about my father's uncle, the next find was even more amazing.
While checking out the Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph entry for our Thomas Pascoe, further treasures were revealed. Attached to Pascoe's memorial are multiple cards sent Jane Barker of Thames from her brother.
CARD ONE:
Belgium, Xmas Eve 1917My Dear SisterReceived your welcome letter a few days back very pleased to learn everyone is doing so well. Well Janie it is hoped you are spending a better Xmas there. I for one could hardly tell the difference in any other time here. It is very cold here all the ponds are frozen & most of the boys are amusing themselves skating, some effort I tell you. Hoping this finds you & all in the best of health as it leaves me at present with love & kisses to all. From Your brother Tom xxxxx
19/5/?16 In the FieldMy Dear SisterIn answer to your most welcome letter which I received two days ago & was very pleased to hear from you. I was very sorry to hear all of you had bad colds & hope you are all well again. We are having lovely weather here at present it hardly gets dark at night. I have not seen Jim Goldsworthy since I have been over here I think he must be over in England on leave. I have not had news from Honour yet & have written to her a lot of times with best & fondest love I remain your loving brother Tommy xxxxx
CARD THREE
25/7/17My Dear Sister,Just a few lines to let you know I am still keeping my end up & going strong. I have not heard from you for a mail or two now but as there is another mail in I suppose your letters will come in a heap. There is not very much news at present in this part of the globe so please excuse this time. Best love to all from your loving brother Tom xxxxI suppose I will get some now as the other young fellow ?has ?hopped in.
OTHER CARDS
There are several other cards that were sent to Jane Barker of Thames by her brother, the donor was Brent English - at this stage I am not sure of any connection to the family / how he came to have my grandmother's cards.
There are five cases on Thomas' Conduct Sheet in his war file, all related to misconduct and punishments. From mining in Waihi to the Western Front, Thomas found it hard to adjust. At intervals he suffered from severe Depression. His feelings of helplessness evident in the brief words written to his sister Jane. Her letters gave him something to look forward to and then there was no mail, life was hard!
What was the role of the regimental band, what would it have been like for Thomas Pascoe and his fellow bandsmen? The photograph below and explanation from The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, may help us to get a little understanding of what it was like to walk in their boots!
"A brass band plays at the New Zealand Rifle Brigade camp near Ypres, Belgium, on 19 September 1917. In the early years of the First World War bandsmen also acted as stretcher bearers. High stretcher-bearer casualties and the difficulty of replacing musicians meant that bandsmen were later withdrawn from the front line. Military authorities considered that the morale-boosting effect of music was the bandsmen's greatest contribution to the war effort."
Brass Band, New Zealand Rifle Brigade Camp, Belgium 19 September 1917.
YOUR CHALLENGE
Maybe you have treasured letters and cards from World War One? Have you shared them with fellow researchers? How about going to the Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph site, find your relative and share information and photographs.
Left: Honour and Benjamin Pascoe. Right The Pascoe family, Thomas is far right (seated).
Ben Pascoe with his daughters.
Jane is in the back row, far left.
