Life in Northern Italy by Arthur Kingston Smith

Volume is a carbon copy typescript of Arthur K Smith's work 'Life in Northern Italy'. Manuscript was typed by Miss Valmai R Baird at Wingatui Otago in 1945 and 1946.

The narrative covers Smith's last nine months in Northern Italy serving with the Number One New Zealand Convalescent Depot at Senigallia. Topics include military life, travel, local people, hospital treatment, education, and hockey. Smith describes his admittance to hospital for worms and treatment at Bari, also discusses his inferiority complex [mental health].

On leave he travelled to cities such as Rome, Venice, Loreto, and San Marino, and viewed local castles, including for Gradara. Smith describes military accomodation such as Albergo Danielli and the New Zealand Forces Club at Venice.

A teacher before the war, Smith continued his interest in education visiting Rome University and Tasso primary school. Smith records the announcement of and celebration of Victory over Europe Day. A hockey player, Smith continued his sporting activities and describes matches and playing hockey with the New Zealand Forces Hockey team. At the end of the memoir Smith leaves Italy to return to New Zealand.

The memoir mentions the names of several people Smith met including Padre West, Lew Billington, Ken White of Gore, Vern Joel, Sergeant Major W R Hardy, Sergeant Major B M A Maslin, Sergeant T Heene, Sergeant A Stevens, Corporal A Williams, Bombardier V Joel, Driver L H Shillington, Private Hayes, Reg Hayden, and Jack Maydon.

The diary contains illustrations including a sketch map of Venice.

Title supplied by Library.

Quantity: 1 volume(s) Diary with illustrations.

Physical Description: Black cover, bound typescript, with title and General Assembly Library logo embossed in gold on front cover. 25.5 x 20.2 cm