Spoilt rotten' in quest for answers

A wave of public support has overwhelmed a Patea woman trying to right a 70-year-old family wrong. Topsy Gardner is heading to El Alamein this year after finding long-lost letters from her father from the frontlines of World War II. The 71-year-old never knew William Wereta, who died on the battlefield of El Alamein when she was nine months old. She, along with her family, believed he had died without writing them a single word. Her story in the Taranaki Daily News last week prompted an outpouring of financial support throughout the country. Mrs Gardner said she felt "spoilt rotten" by the generosity of so many strangers. "People have been ringing me and offering help but I don't know them," she said. "I want to cry every time they talk about those letters." For reasons taken to the grave, her mother's younger sister hid a dozen letters written by Mr Wereta from North Africa. Her mother died without knowing he had written to her. When the letters were found in her aunt's belongings two years ago, Mrs Gardner was left with more questions than answers. Now, she can find closure. "I will be able to bring those letters back to him." One man, who did not want to be identified, told the Daily News he wanted to help because he had made a similar pilgrimage a few years ago. He said her story had touched him and she deserved to go. The $7000, 16-day trip is being funded by the Patea RSA. It was hoped the community would also offer some assistance. Member Jim Baird said so far they had received "a very pleasing amount of money" from the community and Mrs Gardner would be well looked after. Mr Wereta was killed on October 26, 1942, while he was serving with the 28th Maori Battalion in one of the crucial battles of World War II. - © Fairfax NZ News LAIRD HARPER Last updated 05:00 24/08/2012 http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/7538722/Spoilt-rotten-in-quest-for-answers