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The Disenchanted Soldier is a biographical interpretation inspired by a true story. It is a story of pioneering New Zealand and the birth of a nation. The names of family members, dates and places mentioned are factual.
Between 1863 and 1926, Daniel lived through enormous change as roads were developed, the railway arrived, industries grew, the economy improved and a political identity was formed. Natural disasters had to be faced and family tragedies endured.
Fictional characters were added to reflect historical figures, such as Old Joe, who was based on a Mr W B Smith, who ran the Travellers Rest at Wairoa. The Helvellyn, its captain, the doctor and the people who died on board are also factual, as is the journey, the storm and a passing ship. Captain George Taylor of No. 1 Company is another historical figure.
I am grateful to historian James Cowan for his detailed narrative of the New Zealand Wars and the people involved, which assisted me to describe the battles of Rangiaowhia and Orakau Pa. Again, the names of the officers, regiments, action and places involved are factual and accurate, to the best of my ability.
After Daniel arrives in Foxton, most people he meets are fictional except for Captain Francis Robinson, who was a well-known and respected figure in Foxton. Daniel’s drinking friends are also fictional; however, the stories he tells, especially those of Te Kooti, are factual. Charles Pownall was the first person to design, build, and use the flax-stripping machine in Foxton. John Proctor, the racehorse trainer, his son Harry Proctor and Mary Pemberton Proctor, who bore witness at Daniel and Emma’s wedding, were real people. Other named people living in the Foxton area at the time were J R Stansell, who owned Whyte’s Hotel and ran the Royal Mail coach, later becoming mayor, and the Reverend Samuel Barnett.
After considerable research, the historical events mentioned, such as the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces, the Minnie Dean story, Labour Day celebrations, the death of Queen Victoria and conscientious objectors in World War One, are factual and taken from newspaper reports, archive files and government records.
Since much of the story is based on family members and historical figures, I offer apologies to anyone who considers I have misinterpreted these individuals, their descendants, their actions or beliefs in any way. I wrote the story based on my personal experience and extensive historical research.
I hope you have enjoyed this story of a pioneering life.
