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Waiting 'till the boys come home'

Ethel Martin was one of thousands of Cantabrians at home waiting for the return of their loved ones.

Canterbury Museum 2007.101.1

Henry Nicholas, known to Ethel as Harry, had apprenticed with her father as a carpenter. He and Ethel had developed a close relationship. They exchanged a number of letters, postcards and photographs while Henry served overseas.

In her last letter to him, Ethel wrote of her family’s move to New Plymouth and congratulated him on his Victoria Cross award.

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Ethel’s last letter to Henry, 31 August 1918

Canterbury Museum 2007.101.2

Postcard Henry Nicholas sent to Ethel, signed "Yours Sincerely Harry"

Canterbury Museum 2007.101.4

2007 101 4 Nicholas and friend2