W.E. Pidgeon
C/o P R Unit
N. G. Forces
Moresby
Wed 25th 26th or 27th
[26 Jan 1944]
Darling,
How would you be feeling this morning? Taking it easy on the verandah? Keeping the mosquitoes off? I am managing that quite well now that I have commandeered a decent American hammock from the P. Relations.
A legitimate transaction I hasten to add it’s a very flash doover – a hammock with waterproof roof and walls of mosquito net joined together with zippers. In I hops & does myself up like a ruddy meat safe while the anoppeles wave frustrated stingers without.
Am in another camp again. Have pitched tent with Roy Hodgkinson & another fellow. I’m praising the place when I say it’s a pretty dreary joint. I’m told it is typical of a forward site. No lights, so these letters are written hastily after tea. I haven’t done a drawing in your letters yet because I’ve been too b- sour. Last night I slept or rather attempted to, on a bed of coral covered with a ground sheet and a blanket.
Trucks coming & going all night & 3 air raid alerts. I suppose I managed a couple of hours shuteye before my hip bone wore through the skin like a hole in the heel of a sock. That’s 2 nights out of 4 I have been awake since I arrived on the northern coast of N. Guinea. Haven’t done much work so far for the simple reason I have not been able to settle down. On two occasions the camps have shifted their sites the day after I arrived. The humidity is terrific. I wish they’d have this show on down near the pole or someplace like. My brain’s like a soggy lump of porridge.
After about 4 or 5 days here I’ll move off to the Ramu Valley, spend maybe a week or more & start back for the Mainland where I shall have to go on to the tablelands for a week. Then back – I hope. The rush has got me something rattled. However I have about 5 pictures lined up already – should have any amount by the time I get through.
Thurs Morning [27 Jan 1944] – Not much sleep again last night – seem to be taking your complaint over. First rain last night. Came down in sheets. My sweet little hammock kept it off.
Hope you are eating well.
How did that brew turn out?
My regards to junior.
Lots of love
Bill