W.E. Pidgeon
C/O P.R. Unit
N. G. Forces
Moresby
Thurs 27th Jan [1944]
Darling,
Am writing by a 1 candle power lamp which as the mood suits the letter may be changed to cast either red, green or white light. Green is the color called for but unfortunately its illuminative qualities are quite on the blink.
Red is not helpful.
Roy H is under his mosquito net growling about things in general and about the job he is on in particular. He has to reconstruct a beach landing made here a couple of months ago. Not the best of jobs in the world with the extremely limited facilities available. He has just yelled out his regards to you. Alice comes in for a lit of cracks – appears she had all sorts of affairs. Roy laughs a lot about it all. Says she is stinking to the girl he now takes out.
Today is about the first time I have felt human since I arrived. Possibly because I have done a bit of modest work and am settled down for a few days. Am going round to the Casualty Clearing Station to see if there is anything of interest for the Weekly. Should be because the nurses there are closer to the front lines than any others. Did I tell you I travelled from Moresby in the plane with them? Fifteen there were, and no beauties amongst them. After that off to the Ramu Valley.
We had a swim this afternoon – it was delightful. Crystal water – cool, refreshing. Bombers going Japwards overhead. Lots of lads in the water & on the beach. We’re getting pretty sick of the sight of bare bums & privates.
Passed by Operational Censor.
Photo No. 16063. Issued by Department of Information, Commonwealth of Australia.
New Guinea. Finschhafen Area. 37 dead Japanese were counted in these two wrecked barges at Scarlet Beach.
Friday morning [28 Jan 1944]
Disaster overtook this letter last night. Roy had borrowed this lamp I spoke of above from the Signallers – they implored him to look after it. At the above stage of my letter the bloody thing caught fire & I couldn’t for the life of me blow it out. All my puffing & blowing served to feed the flames turning the whole gazaboo into the finest of blow lamps. The solder melted reflector and handle fell off – flaming kerosene spilled on Roy’s drawing board – he was in a panic for his work – I was busy shovelling sand (rather mud) over the blaze.
The lamps was a sorry sight. We laughed ourselves sick. Must have done me good for I slept till 6am.
Lots of love darling – Taking it easy?
Bill.