From a prisoner of war to a Waikato farm
About this episode
The episode explores Tarn Harker's journey from a prisoner of war to a farmer in Waikato, as uncovered by his granddaughter Ruve Baker.
In 1915, Tarn Harker left his farm in Surrey in England for the trenches and the devastation of the Western Front. He later became a pilot, was shot down, captured as a prison of war and was part of a group that tunnelled their way out of prison. When he did make it home, the old way was gone, so Tarn, along with his parents and a new bride, headed to a new life farming near Te Awamutu. His granddaughter, Ruve Baker has delved into the family records to uncover her grandfather's and the family's story. Turbulence to Tranquillity, the Harker family, a war story, and 100 years of farming in the Waikato. Available at www.lifestories.co.nz: $59
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