Postcard of D.R. McLean's Company

Dear Gwen, This is a group we had taken the other day. Perhaps you can recognise your brother in it. We are having fine weather and think that we may have a trip to Wellington to see the 3rds off this week. Love to all, Rawei

Notes: My mum (Max's youngest daughter, Jennifer) thinks that he is the tall one in the middle of the back row, 7th from the right (he was 6 feet tall). You can click the photo to enlarge it on your screen.

Waimate, 12 August, 1914

Dear Father,
I have enlisted for Service in the Expeditionary Force, but do not know as yet whether I have been accepted. I go to Timaru on Friday for medical examination and will wire you if I am accepted and write full particulars. I will probably know by the time you receive this. There are some sixty enlisting from Waimate. Major Wain has been appointed second in command of the Sth Canterbury forces.
Until Friday. Best Regards to all.
Your affectionate son,
Rawei

Notes: Max was working as a banker in Waimate. England officially declared war against Germany on 3 August, 1914, so he enlisted as soon as enlistments began. He was 22 years old at the time.