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..
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?
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.
(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.
Love again
Bill.
Notes:
- 1
- 2King Watson
- 3Cyril Pearl
- 4Tony Pearl