John's wartime experiences collected in a book

MEMORIES: John Sheldrake has recorded his experiences in World War II. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

A former World War II gunner has written a short story for his children, detailing his experience.

John Sheldrake, 93, remembers his time in the army behind the scenes. The notes were intended for his three children who had taken an interest in their father's journey. Mr Sheldrake's son Ray has turned the transcripts into a book with more readers than first intended.

"It starts with an 18-year-old going to Waiouru for three months initial training," Mr Sheldrake said. "There was no compunction ... it just happened. At 18 you went."

Mr Sheldrake arrived in Waiouru in September 1940. He, like many others, were under the impression their first issued property would be a uniform. But instead the first gruelling week was spent getting around in whatever 'civvy' gear they had brought with them.

Mr Sheldrake, from Palmerston North, was part of the artillery corp. He initially became a gun-tractor driver and relied on six inch howitzers and 18 inch field guns -- relics of World War I.

Fatigues included things like cleaning the toilet and guard and kitchen duty. An outbreak of measles and mumps also hit the camp. "Some of the bright boys decided measles was a great way to get sick leave. So when they saw someone going off to the Q store to hand in their gear ... before going into hospital, they would swap blankets in the hope that sleeping in them would pass on the measles."

The men would have a communal shower once a week, and had very little in the way of cleaning products.

The book tells of Mr Sheldrake's wedding. He was just 20 and had to get permission from his parents, but in November 1942 he married his wife before he left. She was pregnant but insisted Mr Sheldrake remain with the his corp. He met his first child when his son was two-and-a-half years old.

In July the following year, Mr Sheldrake embarked on his journey to join the fight in Egypt. He says there were moments he was terrified but he escaped the war "without a scratch".

His book details his time in Egypt and the transfer into Italy where a number of men experienced their first night of action.

Between sirens and air raids, Mr Sheldrake also relays his experience with the English and American Armies, as well as German soldiers.

The book ends with Mr Sheldrake's arrival home.

"Over the Port Hills into Christchurch where we found everything shut. It was a Sunday and New Zealand died on a Sunday. Pubs were shut but beer for those that wanted it was soon found."

As the men came to Palmerston North by train, Mr Sheldrake soon found the woman he was looking for and "the child in her arms and I had some getting to know you to do, and Peg and I surely had some catching up. But that is another story."