War Letters – NW Australia: 31 Jul 1943, Darwin; Under dive bombing attack by a Mosquito squadron

W.E. Pidgeon
C/O DPR Unit
APO DARWIN

Sat. night
[31 Jul 1943]

Darling,

You’re an awful nice kid to write me long letters.  I likes ‘em fine and appreciate in a big way your doing so well what with the quiet life you seem to be living.  Keep it up honey – it’s a great help to hear about the poor old civilians back home.  It’s great for the morale of our intrepid war correspondent.  That’s the kind of battling (with bores & loud speakers) which really shakes the soul.  To see you standing up to it gives me fresh heart and a sterner eye.  I think you are a darling.  Looks as though this short separation helps somehow.  Makes us think more about each other & how to be nicer in both large and tiny ways.  Wish you were here for me to give a big hug & kiss. (platonic like?)

The mosquito craft are zooming about in token formations, manoeuvring into position.  I’ve already received a few direct hits but retaliating have got 4 destroyed, 6 probable, and 32 near misses.  There is no thought of my evacuating – I shall carry on in glory, in honor, and in love.  It must in all fairness be reported that had the enemy be backed by squadrons of sand flies retreat would have been both rapid and inevitable.  I have never seen a sandfly.  They must have some sort of radio direction finding equipment especially tuned to my wave length.  They never miss.  The inverted craters scaring my beyootiful body bear ample witness to the efficiency of their aiming.  I am not in the hunt.

A constant drone of war reminiscences slithers round the corner of the mess but, thank God, no tap-tapping blasts the sub-tropic heaviness of the night.  In fact it appears highly probable that there will be no rude & hearty interruptions to my pleasant solitude.  It’s a hell of a problem to be alone in any sort of comfort.  And I could do with a spot of nice cold weather – Cripes – think of all that snow going to waste!

2 more of the enemy crashed screaming to their doom.  6 more near misses.  Am becoming quite an ace – what?

Have just applied methylated spirits to my sand fly bites.

Have also practically recovered from the correspondents’ occupational disease – motor car arse and/or crumpled coccyx.

George Finey1George Finey, caricaturist and artist was a lifetime long close friend and associate of Wep’s for around 60 years wrote me too, the old villain, a very nice note telling me not to bust the poor old boiler.  Tomorrow I’ll settle down to a field day of letter writing.  Whilst you are shivering (and maybe drinking sherry) or even eating, ½ an hour’s mean time before me, I’ll be lolling near naked in the sunshine sopping up all sorts of light rays and vitamins.  Occasionally I shall put pen to paper.

Have been to a lousy picture tonight.  One could hope to escape the uncivilizing influence of Wallace Beery2Wallace Beery – American film and stage actor at this local show – but no.

Shall put up one more ack-ack barrage before I turn in.

24

Anopheles, where art thou?

 

Time Sunday morning

Scene In the backyard young old Wep is discovered lounging in lounge – He is bare to the waist & under bright sunshine is simmering nicely giving forth sweet fleshy odors more fragrant than myrrh and sandalwood.  Centre background is wire meshed kitchen. In right back is seen dimly as through a black blanc-mange a man and a bike.  This man is a solid straight forward type not the sort who would make lewd use of a bike.  In the foreground a grease trap & a pool covered with sludgy fat.  2 Dogs, Mim and D’ouevre sniff at pool and posteriors.  As the curtain rises wep is again discovered writing to his beloved wife – anon and anon he brushes fat green ants off his bronzed gladiatorial form.  A young lad, a press correspondents’ driver, enters scratching his poll.

WEP:                  G’day!

DRIVER:           G’day!

WEP:                  Have a good day yesterday?

DRIVER:           Upta f—ing putty!  The f—ing f—ers f—– round all f—ing day & f—-ing night.  And wadda the f—ing f—ers f—ing well get.  F— all!

(Driver exits back centre, scratching crutch & slavering at cook house).

(CURTAIN)

Notes:

  • 1
    George Finey, caricaturist and artist was a lifetime long close friend and associate of Wep’s for around 60 years
  • 2
    Wallace Beery – American film and stage actor

War Letters – NW Australia: 31 Jul 1943, Adelaide River; Formal mess at the field hospital

W.E.Pidgeon
C/O DPR
APO Darwin

Sat. morning
[31 Jul 1943]

Darling,

I wish you were here to smother me.  I’m not so damn hot this, for others, gay & cheerful morning.  Some wild men from the hospital fixed me up last night.  My dearest wish is that they suffer with me.

After being about the hospital grounds for three days I was invited to attend their formal mess.  On these occasions there is supposed to be a little ceremony attached to the business of eating.  In this case it was pretty free the only formality being the smart (but not from me) standing to attention & drinking the King’s health.  The port was passed – somehow or other – due either to the shortage of decanters or the shape of the table – the grog was passed the wrong way round.  Previous to going over the beer ration arrived & rather than pass it by I downed the bottle with great expediency (you wouldn’t know him).  Vic Bitter it were & booful cold.  Had a coupla gins before dinner, then the port & back to gin after the meal.  Managed to do myself up fairly nicely with 3 majors.  I repeat, I am not so hot.  Hangovers in hot weather are not recommended.

Am going back to the home town today.  It will be a hellova treat to get some clean clothes & a spot of spine-bashing.  (Why lying down on bed is called spine-bashing is beyond me.) Darling, I love you.  Our old friends from Admiralty House are due up here any tick of the clock.  I will not be calling on them.  May leave my card though.  I don’t seem to be getting through the work very rapidly.  Hope to start on the air force next week.  Miss you a lot.  Am working diligently when hangovers are not on deck.  It is bloody hot work standing at an easel during the day.  I should imagine I have lost quite a bit of weight what with the sweating & lousy sleeping.

Big wedding on at Darwin this afternoon.  One of the doctors going off with a sister.

Am looking forward to your letters.  Quite an event to return to Correspondents’ mess & receive my mail.  Forgive me, dear, not writing more at the moment.  I really am very faint.  The old blood pressure wouldn’t squash a fly. – Plenty of love to you darling from little Willie.

Love to Mum & Dad.  Hope they got my telegram on the right day.1Jess’s father, George Alexander Graham celebrated his 79th birthday on Sunday, August 1, 1943

Notes:

  • 1
    Jess’s father, George Alexander Graham celebrated his 79th birthday on Sunday, August 1, 1943

War Letters – NW Australia: 29 Jul 1943, Adelaide River; At a Field Hospital

C/O DPR Unit
A.P.O. Darwin

Thursday 7am
[29 Jul 1943]

Dear,

Too tired to write you last night as I’d had a strenuous day.  Started about 8.30am at the Field hospital1119 AGH at Adelaide River – launched off 3 paintings.  The sun was blazing.  Sweat just rolled off me.  Knocked off about 5.  A heavy day.  Am getting quite used to over the shoulder lookers-on.  Shall be able to paint with even the Pearl2Cyril Pearl, Carey, Lahm3Hottie Lahm gang anywhere.

One of the Sisters came over & said “You’re not Wep are you?”  Said she thought she recognised my face.  Met me at Romanos4Romano’s Restaurant in Sydney was frequented by Bill and Jess throughout the 1930s and 1940.  Remember the night Arthur Mailey5Arthur Mailey was an Australian test cricketeer, cartoonist and journalist. Wep’s portrait of him was a finalist in the 1951 Archibald Prize. introduced us to a table full of Captains etc & nurses back from the Middle East.  He & I were drawing.

Sorry this letter is so short.  Breakfast is now ready & I’m off in a car at 8.15 back to the Hospital.

Lots & lots of love.

Bill.

Hospital Tent
Field Hospital. Northern Australia
The Australian Women’s Weekly, 15 January 1944, p12
Field Hospital
Field Hospital
Field Hospital
Field Hospital Tents
Hospital Tent, Field Hospital
Field Hospital

Notes:

  • 1
    119 AGH at Adelaide River
  • 2
    Cyril Pearl
  • 3
    Hottie Lahm
  • 4
    Romano’s Restaurant in Sydney was frequented by Bill and Jess throughout the 1930s and 1940
  • 5
    Arthur Mailey was an Australian test cricketeer, cartoonist and journalist. Wep’s portrait of him was a finalist in the 1951 Archibald Prize.

War Letters – NW Australia: 27 Jul 1943, Adelaide River; Visited a transit camp and a field hospital

C/O DPR Unit
Army Post Office
Darwin

Tuesday night
(I haven’t the foggiest idea of the date)
[27 Jul 1943]

Darling,

Didn’t have time to write you yesterday.  Arrived down south1Adelaide River Camp fairly late, about 3.30pm tired & dirty.  Showered & rested.  Fed – then off to pictures (what again!) where “Mrs Miniver”2Mrs Minniver (1942) starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon- see also Wikipedia was showing.  It exhibited all the usual American glamorisation of sentiment & emotion.  Just a show.  By making this trip I have missed “In which we Serve”3In Which We Serve (1942) starring Noel Coward. See also Wikipedia so if you haven’t seen it by this hold your horses until I return.

Probably I find myself as lonely as you do, although I can manage to submerge myself to a great extent in work.  The nights all seem somehow short and useless.  There is practically no ground of common contact with the people I meet.  This is no doubt to be expected – Army people talk shop as much as others do.

You’d love to be here with me in the tent I am at present occupying. – A bloody bobby dazzler.  Usually its function is to accommodate high officials & big wigs.  Because the earth round about gets mighty soggy during the wet season the floor is built some 2 ft above the ground.  To have a real wooden floor (even though made of packing cases) is dinkum Point Piper up here.  Edging the floor & meeting the tent sides is a ducky wooden fence.  Alongside the entrance steps one may tread lightly down to the sun deck furnished with deck chair.  Tent flaps are open wide & sensuously warm breezes wiggle over the old bod.  There’s room for twin beds how’s about?  Just the cool summer night touch.  All just too too.

31

I had my best sleep since being up here.  The bed is good and I have been honoured with 2 SHEETS.  Christ, this is a grim & arduous front line.  Pay up for a couple of Hail Marys and pater nosters for me, my sweet.  I’m battling through on fresh eggs, Gorgonzola, Scotch Whiskey and Van der Hum (imported).  Keeping a stiff upper lip, that’s me.  The only ointment on the fly is the dust, that’s lovely, just like wading through a foot of talcum powder.

Have walked about 6 miles today.  In the morning down to a transit camp alongside a river4Adelaide River in which one of the troops caught, while I was there, a swordfish of all things – about 2’6” long.  Spent the afternoon at a field hospital5119th Australian General Hospital – i.e. one in which the patients are under canvas.

All very picturesque, the large and calming masses of white & salmon tinted tents slashed and emphasised by the waving greens of paw paws & bananas.  A good spot to paint – but time is too limited.  From the newspaper point of view I should restrict myself more to close-ups of patients & to merely suggest the pleasantries of the scene.  Will spend about two days over it.

Had to go down a slit trench tonight.6There is no official record of any Japanese air raids that night. Was probably a practice drill or Wep simply fell into the trench by accident.  I took it arse up – nose first.  This is not the accepted technique, but I had no time for indulging the niceties of descent.  I fell in.  next time I walk around after dark the torch goes with me.  Gave myself a fearful thump – winded me for a few minutes – However am all right except for some cutie saucer shaped bruises on the hip.

About time I got to bed – I’m losing my grip – mosquito dive bombing is most demoralising.

Lots of love to you my darling.

Willie

 

Hope mum got my telegram on the right day.7Wep sent a Telegram to Jess’s mother, Mary Jane Graham (nee Wray 1868-1953) for her birthday the previous day, July 26.  You have to send them early here – they say it takes about 2 days.  Glad to hear dad is still up & doing.

More affection to you from me.

Nightie.

Notes:

  • 1
    Adelaide River Camp
  • 2
    Mrs Minniver (1942) starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon- see also Wikipedia
  • 3
    In Which We Serve (1942) starring Noel Coward. See also Wikipedia
  • 4
    Adelaide River
  • 5
    119th Australian General Hospital
  • 6
    There is no official record of any Japanese air raids that night. Was probably a practice drill or Wep simply fell into the trench by accident.
  • 7
    Wep sent a Telegram to Jess’s mother, Mary Jane Graham (nee Wray 1868-1953) for her birthday the previous day, July 26.

War Letters – NW Australia: 24 Jul 1943, Darwin; Material for Women’s Weekly, daily diet & journo’s gossip

C/O DPR Unit,
Army Post Office,
Darwin,

Saturday night
[24 Jul 1943]

Darling,

I was enormously pleased to get your letter, sweetheart – it did me a lot of good –  picked the old soul up no end.  Forgive me if my last letter sounded somewhat morbid.  “Troppo” madness sets in early and I was too tired & weak to attempt good cheer.  However you will overlook it – yes?

Letters do help – one has to be away to realize that.  Poor Ivan – he must eat his heart out waiting for them.

I’m sitting down to work – have been fairly busy although my painting is not of any class as yet, it being overwhelmingly amateurish.  Obviously I need much more practice.  It’s mostly rough notes that I am compiling for a more or less free use when I come home to my cuddly snugglepot.  Judging from the material I have gathered in less than two weeks it will take me at least 2 months back in Sydney working flat out to cover the space necessary for any sort of decent display.  That’s good news, heh?

They’re still discussing this & that.  It’s U.S. and Jap strategy now & I cannot help but listen.  Destroys my thoughts.

25

A great call comes through for us to eat supper sandwiches.  And at present that’s nothing to look forward to.  We are on “tropical spread” a bloody margarine substitute – tastes like blasted coconut oil.  Should be butter any time now.  We have only had to bear the burden for a couple of days.

The poor old pate is sight to behold, huge shivers of burnt up skin float slowly off its tarnished dome.  My face is a dried apricot with pimples on it.  The bank roll is still well – I’ve only spent a tenner so far.  You must apologise to the boys for me and explain that to date it is next door to impossible to buy anything up here.  My only expenses are household – you can’t spend any on grog at other camps as each officer only gets so much ration & none is really left over for visitors to buy for them.  I’ve just bought 18 large packets of Capstans.  They seem to be all you can get.  Also I let the office buy me a real kangaroo skin tobacco pouch for 10/-.  Incidently (sic) I haven’t heard from them yet – touch wood.

You’d better go in and price that casserole doings as it’s a moral I won’t be home to consummate our tenth anniversary.  Get it if you like & give a dinner to the Watso’s1King and Eleanor Watson & O’Deas2Tommy O’Dea out of it.  Do me in style and don’t forget to leave an empty setting at table for me – don’t neglect my drinks either.  Telepath me lots of lurv.

It’s no secret about McNulty3Clarence Sydney McNulty was Editor in Chief at the Telegraph. He was arrested in early 1943 in an embarrassing situation and gave Police a false name.  I knew in Brisbane.  No doubt King4King Watson & Cyril5Cyril Pearl resented his queer behaviour.  Perhaps he didn’t like to let Cyril know that the estimable Brian6Brian Penton was to be his superior.  The set-up has violent possibilities.  Cyril will object to Penton’s policies & the daily night work.  Pretty ‘orrid what!

We don’t do our own washing.  Every day we change and one of the poor unfortunates chores for us all.  Ironing is done as well.  We do nothing but eat.  None of these blokes are what you could call drinking men.  Although there is at least 5 bottles Corio – 3 gin & 5 port, 1 hock, 1 advocat & 2 beer no one wants a drink.  I’ll be glad to get out again.  Am going down the road tomorrow – shall be away about 4 days finishing up at the last camp I stayed at.  They’re having a do on Thursday 29thRay Stehr & Tom Izzard, prominent Sydney footballers, also 4 other leading Sydney Rugby players are in the unit.  To my great despair I won’t see any of your letters until I come back, my pet.  I’ll forward you letters from where ever I am.

Mindil Beach, Darwin
Mindil Beach, Darwin

All the gang have been on the beach this afternoon.  It seems incredible that the water should be so warm and the weather so glorious.  Dozens of soldiers turn out for a dip it’s all very gay and nude – the probeing & squealing is reminiscent of a schoolboys water carnival.  An amazing assortment of Freds strike the eye.  I retire with modesty – grander and stouter are encountered with every flick of the eye.7The scene at Mindil Beach provided an influence for several paintings by Pidgeon throughout the 1950s including The Sun Bathers, which was a finalist in the Sir John Sulman Prize in 1956 and again with The Bathers in 1957. Other versions in the later 1950s introducing the female form based on new wife, Dorothy following Jess’s death in 1953 of a brain tumour), adorned the walls of Wep’s home

Cards on a northern beach – The Australian Women’s Weekly, 26 February 1944, p1 The scene is Mindil Beach, Darwin
Playing cards, Mindil Beach, Darwin, July 1943
Playing cards, Mindil Beach, Darwin, July 1943
Mindil Beach, Darwin, June 18, 2023
Sunset, Darwin area most likely near Mindil Beach, July 1943

W.E. Pidgeon (WEP) at work

Air Force Pool, Darwin

Yesterday I spent some time painting the delightful freshwater pool I wrote you of some time back.  To my great satisfaction I had the spot alone for close on 1½ hours when 20 or there about soldiers came roaring down like wolves on the fold.  I fled soon after.  On the way back saw dozens of wallabies.  The poor creatures suffer the fate of rabbits down south – dazzled by car lights they are struck & killed.

The blarsted typing has started again. So farewell for the nonce my love.  It’s going to be a great thrill when we meet.

Lot & lots

Bill

Inside, not looking out

Notes:

  • 1
    King and Eleanor Watson
  • 2
    Tommy O’Dea
  • 3
    Clarence Sydney McNulty was Editor in Chief at the Telegraph. He was arrested in early 1943 in an embarrassing situation and gave Police a false name
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
    The scene at Mindil Beach provided an influence for several paintings by Pidgeon throughout the 1950s including The Sun Bathers, which was a finalist in the Sir John Sulman Prize in 1956 and again with The Bathers in 1957. Other versions in the later 1950s introducing the female form based on new wife, Dorothy following Jess’s death in 1953 of a brain tumour), adorned the walls of Wep’s home

War Letters – NW Australia: 23 July 1943, Darwin; Back to base and noisy correspondents

W.E.Pidgeon
C/O DPR Unit
Army Post Office
Darwin

Friday
[23 Jul 1943]

Darling,

Am back again to the old home comforts.  There are only 4 correspondents here at the moment, thank heavens.  But those at present here are damned voluble – voceriferously arguing the toss on world social system.  I’m too weak to join in.  The mob down the road had a formal mess last night (as they go once a week) this seemed – or rather did – get away on us all.  After beer and sherry – we settled down to some steady gin drinking.  Unfortunately liquor has immediate and body shattering effect.  Hangovers are pretty shaking in this here territory.

Last two nights have been plenty cold.  To my sorry I had taken only 2 blankets with me.  One to sleep on & the other to cover me.  Not enough – your sweet hubby was always glad to see the dawn as most of the night I just lay and shivered.

This is a bugger of a place to write letters.  One cannot continue a line of thought.  Willy nilly the conversation about obtrudes.

Haven’t had any letters from you yet.  What gibes?  Too much social life?  Am anticipating one tomorrow.  I’ll break down & cry or go plumb “Troppo”.

Sorry to say that I’m too tired to write much tonight.  I’d like to be home at the moment lying in my beauto bed reading a thriller-diller.  Or just lying, yes?  Are you being my good little sweet model wifie?  Has Tommy gone north yet?

Lots of love and special juicy kisses.  Save ‘em all up for me.  No giving any away –

Goodnight sweet heart –

Bill

 

5 minutes later

I cannot leave you so.  How’s Ellie? Hours?  My new nephew?  Has Sally conceived?  Noticed in our local daily paper (printed by the army) that another Telegraph correspondent Osmar White has stopped it1JAP BOMB WOUNDS WAR REPORTER (1943, July 27). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 – 1954), p. 4..

33

Farewell again.  Relapse has hold of me – Pray for my liver my sweet.  Tell King2King Watson I got his little note.  Is Cyril3Cyril Pearl happy?  Are you minding Tony4Tony Pearl & Pussy yet?

32

Spose I’d better write to the boys.

Am back in D.

no letters!!!!!
in a week!!!!

naughty Jessie

 

Later edition.

Things have quietened down.  One still smashes the noise box, another silently struggles with a game of patience.

43
James (Jimmy) Frederick Smyth represented Sydney’s Daily Mirror and Truth; William (Bill) Caldbeck-Moore was feature writer for Sydney’s Daily Telegraph; Frank Tierney was correspondent for the Sydney Morning Herald; Noel Adams for the Advertiser (Adelaide) see also; Noel Ottaway for Sydney’s Sun newspaper

(This is all very rough I’m saving myself up for the grand effort I on at present here.)

After next week I start on the air force – then may be something on the navy.

Blarsted sandflies are like pneumatic suckers & the mosquitos like blarsted bombers.

More love

Bill

 

(am feeling plenty sunburnt right now!)

Bill.

Have lost cig. lighter twice.
Have found cig. lighter twice after lapse of two days.

No grilled steak here.

Tea like stewed treacle.

Out of the mouths of babes & sucklings we had large helpings of prunes today.

 

44

Love again

Bill.

 

Notes:

War Letters – NW Australia: 21 July 1943, Darwin; Bush races at a military camp down the road

C/O DPR Unit
Darwin

Wednesday night
[21 Jul 1943]

Dear Jesso,

I haven’t been staying at the palatial residence of press fraternity for 3 days. At present situated at a spot about as far as Camden.  The weather still holds its perfection although away from the coast the nights are considerably cooler.  Poor Willie having brought only 1 blanket inevitably wakes during early morning & spends the remainder of the night between a spit and a shiver.

First day out I stayed at a big shot camp & dined in the big shots’ mess1Most likely the 12 Div NT Force HQ at 57 Mile Camp. Here Wep would have seen the HQ of the Royal Australia Engineers 12 Div Northern Territory Force and sketched bulldozers practising bridge building in New Guinea, which appeared in The Australian Women’s Weekly, June 10, 1944, p41..

The Royal Australian Engineers HQ was situated at 57 mile camp along with 12 Div NT Force HQ at the time of Wep’s visit. Here they were practising bridge building in preparation for New Guinea.

The food was very good – much better cooked than at above – this is to be expected I guess.  Cook would have to be on his toes (i.e. as far as is possible when cooking under the conditions here).  There’s plenty of good grub but it is all hash house cooked except the potatoes which are invariably damned good.  Tomatoes too are available, as most of the camps irrigate the plants with the waste from showers.  Saw two cabbages grown here, one was 20 lbs & the other 23 lbs in weight. – some cabbage!  Telegraph correspondent Bill Moore is a keen tomatoeer – more power to his soul!  Moreover we had asparagus sandwiches for supper!  That may be nothing in your sweet mouth – it wasn’t much in mine either, I was too darn polite to hog ‘em.  Raisin puddin’ is another standing dish up here.  My bowels & appetite can’t cope with the supply of edibles as yet.

After spending two nights at the abovementioned camp (sh-h-h!) I was transported hither2Believed to be Adelaide River Camp – Here all is livelier.  The restraint subconsciously imposed on everyone by the presence of a plus senior officer is gone – Another fundamental difference is that this is one of the few NSW crowds about locally.  They seem much more companionable.  All the officers in this mess are motor men the majority from Sydney.  The C.O.’s face is familiar.  I think we may have seen him at the Auto Club.  Another officer said he had seen one there.  Asked if I knew Ron Gill3Ronald Edward (Ron) Gill, was a motor car salesman from Sydney and was formerly engaged to Jess prior to her meeting Wep..  Said Ron had a very bad attack of malaria & has been in & out of hospital for some eight months.

Am making sketches of the local race track recently cut out of the bush by the army forces4The Northern Picnic Races (later Adelaide River Races) were first run in December 1941 and are held annually at the ARSS Showgrounds in the beginning of the dry season. Originally commenced as a rest and recreation event for Australian troops stationed there during the Second World War, the event has increased in size and popularity each year..  By Christ it’s a surprisingly good little course.  A creek covered with water lilies flows round the edge of the paddock & official stand.  A pleasant spot covered with pandana palms is set aside for the horses, jockeys & form gazers.  The nags are brought in form the neighbouring stations and auctioned to whoever wishes to buy. The proceeds from the sales are put into prize money.  At the last meeting stakes were £1,500!

No change given here, The Australian Women’s Weekly, 15 Jan 1944, cover
No change given here
The official box

There is a big tote – 3 stands for the hoi polloi – the flat contains a football field.  The course is half a mile.  A commentator’s stand is behind the winning post.  Judges’ box and result board just like Randwick.  It’s bloody staggering.  I believe the sight of the north, is the numbers of two up games being played on the flat.  About 50 schools at one time.  And the thousands of bottles of LOLLY WATER emptied down the parched army throats.  It is reputed to be impossible to step between them.

28

This afternoon I emerged as a both a public entertainer & benefactor.  I appeared as the only live artist left in the territory.  I sat & worked before the bewildered gaze of at least 40 taken in relays of about 5 at a time.  Strangely enough I have found that when these things become unavoidable I could settle down a bit.  Not much though. Obviously I will get accustomed to it.

There is a magnificent canteen run by the publican of that new pub set back from the footpath on Botany Rd at Mascot.  Pub on the right on the way out to Brighton.  Dozens of tins of asparagus – plenty cigs, tobacco, Minties, Chocolate and god knows what.

Saw another picture the other night.  Accepted troop behaviour is after standing to God Save the King (with picture of George VI) and Star Spangled Banner (pictures of McArthur & Roosevelt) the troops in a body scream out – “What about Joe?”  “Give us Joe” Whee – i.e!  “In which we Serve” is to be shown here next week – So you may as well see it at home.  A sketch for you, my darling see below – and attached thereto.

All the messes in the bush are built bush carpentry fashion – walls consisting of bark slabs – or more elegantly of the slender & decorative poles of the palms which grow in profusion around here.

This sort of

Trunks about 3” diam.

Or else bark thatched roofs with bamboo strip wall lining – looks very well.  The country is much the same as down south.  Tropics are suggested by the brilliant green & luscious leaves of some of the gums & these are all small & at times with the sun light streaming through take on the appearance a an apple orchard is climes more mellow.  Hawks in their hundreds look like black paper litter blown about in the wind.  Their incessant curling & dipping is reminiscent of what I should imagine a plane battle to be.  When far away they can be mistaken for the spits.  That is, to my poor old enfeebled vision.

The talk of women is incessant.  It’s quite easy to understand.  When I stop working I miss you in large bundles.  Fellows after 12 months of this become quite obsessed.  Lots of love my dear – am looking forward to seeing you – I haven’t settled down yet – am still restless – in too much of a hurry to get something done – I know that with a little more resignation & detachment I could do  quite well – hope to Christ it soon arrives.

How’s Pop5Jess’s father, George Alexander Graham (1864-1945)?  Haven’t had a letter yet but expect to get one on my return to D.  I keep wanting to go back – hearing from you will be bloody good.  Good luck, honey.  Give me some nice thinks.

Love

Bill

Holding yards, Darwin race course
Racecourse Grandstand
Racecourse Grandstand
Judge’s box
Bike Race
No change given here

 

Notes:

  • 1
    Most likely the 12 Div NT Force HQ at 57 Mile Camp. Here Wep would have seen the HQ of the Royal Australia Engineers 12 Div Northern Territory Force and sketched bulldozers practising bridge building in New Guinea, which appeared in The Australian Women’s Weekly, June 10, 1944, p41.
  • 2
    Believed to be Adelaide River Camp
  • 3
    Ronald Edward (Ron) Gill, was a motor car salesman from Sydney and was formerly engaged to Jess prior to her meeting Wep.
  • 4
    The Northern Picnic Races (later Adelaide River Races) were first run in December 1941 and are held annually at the ARSS Showgrounds in the beginning of the dry season. Originally commenced as a rest and recreation event for Australian troops stationed there during the Second World War, the event has increased in size and popularity each year.
  • 5
    Jess’s father, George Alexander Graham (1864-1945)

War Letters – NW Australia: 18 July 1943, Darwin; Swimming, painting and a Japanese plane shot down

Sunday
[18 Jul 1943]

Dear Jess,

A short note cos little Willie is a weeny bit tired – the boys & all their soldier helps had a picnic today out on one of the beaches about 12 miles from here.  Altogether about 13 of us went & bathed in the Timor Sea (which was regularly calm) without any clothes on!  This is neither here nor there as from the main streets here you can see soldiers having showers in unenclosed shower stands.  They just put up a spray on the end of a water pipe, place a piece of Hessian on one side & go ahead.

Camp shower, Darwin

All the fellows in this town – or in the whole territory – for that matter are a marvellous colour.  A rich brick red.  Few are that yellow brown colour as most wear nothing but shorts & boots & socks during the day.  As the sun is very hot they are continually being burnt.  I am at present a nice shade of lolly pink.  While I mention that, I may as well tell you that apart from a bottle of beer a week the troops can buy an un-carbonated cordial. They call it lolly-water & that’s just what it damned well is.  The abos are still cycling around. They look like a cavalry spider corps.

So     –> 

On the way back from the beach we bathed in a fresh water pool constructed on the head reaches of a creek.  It is a very lovely spot surrounded by pandana palms through which the sun filters & makes splendid patterns.  The pool is deep & about 20 yds long – The water much colder than that of the sea which is almost tepid.

Air Force Pool, Darwin  [A makeshift pool constructed at the head of Rapid Creek on the RAAF Airfield was used by troops and airforce men stationed at the airfield. See also AWM 134006]
The weather is really marvellous  – you would love it darling it’s right up your alley.  A couple of Jap planes arrived over today about 40 miles away.  One was shot down – I didn’t see or hear anything of them.1Mitsubishi Ki-46 “Dinah” #2414, wreck located south of Point Stuart, NT [ Historic Aircraft Wreck Sites; Heritage Assessment Report Compiled by Heritage Branch Department of Tourism & Culture May 2017. (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://tfhc.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/1216420/nt-historic-aircraft-wreck-sites-assessment-report.pdf ]
See also
Dunn, P. 2015; Crash of a Japanese ‘Dinah’, on Opium Creek Station, Northern Territory about 100 kms east of Darwin on 18 July 1943. (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/nt171.htm
And
Pacific Wrecks, Ki-46-II Dinah Manufacture Number 2414. (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-46/2414.html

Tomorrow I’m going down the road to stay at some of the camps for a while.  Next letter you receive from me will be written in a different setting and may be just a little late.

Locally the train to Adelaide is facetiously known as the “Spirit of Protest”.  Have been drawing some of the lads tonight – they were well received.

On our return from the picnic we sat down to dinner prepared by one of the drivers (2 cars & 1 truck are attached to the unit here).  Cookie had gone with us for a day off.  Taking advantage of his solitude in the kitchen, driver set to & sent up a voluminous 4 course meal.  Soup – macaroni & cheese & tomato – roast beef, etc peaches & cream & some sort of cocoa jelly.  Topped off with welsh rarebit.  I had thought him a bit simple.  He must have been to sweat like that.  Maybe he has my occasional enthusiasm. It’s easy to get that way when does have to do it often.

I find it hard to settle down to a letter – too many typewriters banging – too much talk.  Perhaps I shall do better down the road.  I think I shall also ask the major who works in the house next door for the use of one of his empty rooms – Christ I need it in order to get away from this noise if & when I work.

All my love petty & please look after yourself. I miss you

Bill.

Notes:

  • 1
    Mitsubishi Ki-46 “Dinah” #2414, wreck located south of Point Stuart, NT [ Historic Aircraft Wreck Sites; Heritage Assessment Report Compiled by Heritage Branch Department of Tourism & Culture May 2017. (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://tfhc.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/1216420/nt-historic-aircraft-wreck-sites-assessment-report.pdf ]
    See also
    Dunn, P. 2015; Crash of a Japanese ‘Dinah’, on Opium Creek Station, Northern Territory about 100 kms east of Darwin on 18 July 1943. (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://www.ozatwar.com/ozcrashes/nt171.htm
    And
    Pacific Wrecks, Ki-46-II Dinah Manufacture Number 2414. (2023, July 17). Retrieved from https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-46/2414.html

War Letters – NW Australia: 17 July 1943, Darwin; Visiting camps down the road

W.E. Pidgeon
C/O DPR
Army Post Office

Darwin
Saturday
[17 July 1943]

Dear Jess,

How’s things with my little wifie?  I hope things are still alright with the old man and that mum is keeping well.  Went down the road again yesterday & met all the blokes that matter.1A pay parade and Australian Comforts Fund issue was conducted at Headquarters, No. 14 Lines of Communication, Sub Area at Noonamah on July 16, 1943  At one camp where we were eating with the majors & colonels. I was more than surprised to see Major Bill Stanner2Bill Stanner was an associate and friend of Bill and Jess from the early days of their courtship. William Edward Hanley Stanner was a sub-editor for the Daily Guardian in 1927 at the time Wep worked for the Guardian and was made chief sub-editor for the Sunday Sun in 1932 when it absorbed the Sunday Guardian. He may have also been a member of the Millions Club as Wep referred to him asking Jess to thank him in a letter sent to her when she travelled with the club on a skiing tour to the Snowy Mountains in August 1931. From 1932 Stanner spent significant time in the Northern Territory and following Japan’s entry into the war, he proposed the formation of a bush commando unit. In May 1942 he was appointed as a temporary major, Citizen Military Forces (Australian Imperial Force from August), and in June was placed in command of the North Australia Observer Unit (‘the Nackeroos’), a position he held till October 1943, shortly after Wep returned to Sydney.  See also D. J. Mulvaney, ‘Stanner, William Edward (Bill) (1905–1981)‘, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/stanner-william-edward-bill-15541/text26753, published first in hardcopy 2012, accessed online 15 July 2023. walk in.  He had just a half hour before turned his car over & was still in a bit of a daze.  His knowledge of the area is apparently being put to good use by the army.  At another place we had the rare pleasure of drinking a very fine Scotch whiskey called “Mountain Cream” watered down with genuine French Vichy water such as I haven’t seen for years.  Our major in this mess & I imbibed somewhat heartily I’m afraid.  The colonel who treated us was a hell of a nice chap & most interested in art.  He was a wealthy business man and spends quite a lot of cash collecting pictures.  All the better known English artists’ work is represented in his collection.  After leaving that camp we went on further & had tea with another unit.  The Major there got us stuck into the port.  Our Major & I were goodo by the time we left.  It’s a rare blessing to have a driver.  We went to sleep and left him to it.  Took about 2 ½ hours to get back3Possibly travelled as far as 58-Mile Camp.  I’m not too hot today my love.

On Monday I will be off to live in a camp for a few days.  It is practically impossible to do any painting from here as a base.  All the boys are diligently writing their wives.  No work today.  I’m finding it hard to think.  Typewriters are clacking all over the bloody house.  Haven’t seen any ‘orrid crocodiles yet although they say there are some about.  Boy!  Little Willie is sure going to see he comes home with the same gruff voice!  No choir boy tones for me.  Not that it would matter much up here – life is extremely celibate.  Everything is still quiet on the front – thank God.  The boys reckon this is the toughest front line in the world.  We intrepid correspondents are pigging it with ice boxes and wireless sets, grog & plenty tobacco.  Next door is a Presbyterian mission house.  An adult aborigine & child are staying there at the moment.  The man rides round on a kid’s tricycle all day long & at night lights a fire (of all things!).  The two of them sit round it & give off.  Raucous native chants shatter the air.  I think the nig. is initiating the nipper into the tribal rites.  Terrible primitive up on this front.

Am looking forward to hearing from you darling.  Don’t suppose I’ll get anything for some time yet as even air mail takes a damned long time to come through.

Lots of love, honey

From poor Fred.

Notes:

  • 1
    A pay parade and Australian Comforts Fund issue was conducted at Headquarters, No. 14 Lines of Communication, Sub Area at Noonamah on July 16, 1943
  • 2
    Bill Stanner was an associate and friend of Bill and Jess from the early days of their courtship. William Edward Hanley Stanner was a sub-editor for the Daily Guardian in 1927 at the time Wep worked for the Guardian and was made chief sub-editor for the Sunday Sun in 1932 when it absorbed the Sunday Guardian. He may have also been a member of the Millions Club as Wep referred to him asking Jess to thank him in a letter sent to her when she travelled with the club on a skiing tour to the Snowy Mountains in August 1931. From 1932 Stanner spent significant time in the Northern Territory and following Japan’s entry into the war, he proposed the formation of a bush commando unit. In May 1942 he was appointed as a temporary major, Citizen Military Forces (Australian Imperial Force from August), and in June was placed in command of the North Australia Observer Unit (‘the Nackeroos’), a position he held till October 1943, shortly after Wep returned to Sydney.  See also D. J. Mulvaney, ‘Stanner, William Edward (Bill) (1905–1981)‘, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/stanner-william-edward-bill-15541/text26753, published first in hardcopy 2012, accessed online 15 July 2023.
  • 3
    Possibly travelled as far as 58-Mile Camp

War Letters – NW Australia: 15 July 1943, Darwin; 2/11 Australian Army Field Regimental Beach Carnival

W.E. Pidgeon
C/O DPR
Army Post Office

Darwin
[15 Jul 1943]

Dear Jess,

Or should I say darling?  This is the first time I have been alone in this house.  Until 11 pm typewriters & dopes clack out their stuff and I cannot settle down to think of you and myself to the exclusion of everyone else.

God, darling, if you and I had a house to ourselves (and heavens know there are many empty) we would have a time such as only those days in the trailer gave us1Reference to Wep and Jess’s six month caravan trip in 1937.  Tonight for some reason one of the permanent lieutenants asked me to accompany him for a drink.  He & his & our understrapping sergeant enlisted more or less together in 1940 and they have a fellow feeling or pact to get stinking at least once a week together.  Tonight they asked me to accompany them.  This of course all under the lap as far as this end is concerned as officers & sergeants just don’t drink together.  Be that as it may it was my privilege (and I take it as such) to have been the only one asked to drink with them.  From what I can gather they really hate the guts of the fellow correspondents!  Any goodwill I seem to have gathered is because I still can mix with people of the lowlier orders without being the perfect quince &/or pounce, or ponce or (blast it you know what I mean!).

There is so much to tell you honey.  I can’t fit it all in these rapid scribblings.  The pages left unsaid in which I could say how much I would like you to be here are legion.  I went to the pictures again tonight & saw “Johnny Eager”.  Robert Taylor & Lana Turner.  God only knows why they insist on showing pictures in which the dames crawl all over the man’s body.  Not very helpful to the troops.  Got home about 10.30.  (Harold Dick took us in his car by the way.)  Had a couple of gins on return & then went out with this chappy and polished off (amongst us) some port & sherry.  Returned about 1.  Strangely enough I felt very restless & a bit sick.  I tried to get to bed – lay there ½ hour, decided to put the old finger down the throat & write you.  Not since Thursday previous to my leaving have I had so much to drink.  (Special note – The mosquitoes are really  eating me alive.  When I say that it’s no foolin!)  Everyone is asleep and its nice and peaceful and I feel as if I love you with the affection of a thousand Willies in the month of July 1932.  Look after yourself, pettie.

Went for a swim today.  The water was wonderful.  The whole setup was much the same as we had at George Warnecke’s place at Ettalong.  The weather is the same & the surroundings fairly similar.

Tomorrow I am going on the road again.  Always it is about as far as Mittagong to get anywhere.  And the dust is colossical.  I’m getting an occupational disease – you could almost call it potters lungs – there is so much clay about.

Have spent the day on the beach watching a regimental anniversary picnic.  Quite a GOOD SHOW marred only by the untimely death of the pig for the greasy pig race.  Poor bastard snuffed it about 2 hours before it was due to appear in the race!

Bike Race; 2/11 Aust. Army Field Regiment Third Anniversary Beach Carnival, Mindil Beach
Watching 880 Yards Race; Third Anniversary Beach Carnival, Mindil Beach, Thursday, 15 July, 1943
Low tide 10.30 Thursday; Third Anniversary Beach Carnival, Mindil Beach, Thursday, 15 July, 1943

This really is a wonderful winter climate – you’d go nuts about it.  The town is full of slick & well conditioned brown gods – not that you’d notice them!  The only soft bodies here are senior officers & war correspondents.  Am getting sunburnt.  Lolly pink – that’s about my status at the moment.  Shall meet fluttery eyed Gloria – from the Officer’s husband, F/O Newton when I get down to Caldwell’s Spitfire Squadron.

Guess I should go to bed.
Send me a little kiss in your letter.
Love from Winnie the Poo

P.S. (Something out the back stinks something dreadful!)

Wep’s plan view of the War Correspondents Mess, Darwin, July 1943

Notes:

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