On Red Shield Letterhead – Redbank Camp, Brisbane 28/5/1941

Dear Mother - Liz and Vi,

                                      Well old Dear, I am writing you once more, & still from Redbank. We are still as wise as ever re our sailing day, so can pass you on no more information about same. I got my writing case Mum, & very pleased too. I am saving the paper ‘till I get overseas.

It is getting very cold here now and we have to take our overcoat with us if going out of a night. We were issued with another blanket on Monday, four all told now.

I am writing this from the Guard Room, twelve of us and a Sergeant are on for this twenty four hours. We have to be spotless and scrubbed like a young baby, & we guard the Main Gate and the Bow?? House. Three on at a time, two hours on & four off. It is not so hard for me getting woke up in the early hours of the morning to go out in the dark, It is very much like Droving, only we didn’t have to go on watch with clean shave and shiney boots. Ever car entering & leaving the camp, whether Military or other – has to be stopped & searched. Every Civilian has to be escorted to wherever he wishes to go. We came on at five yesterday evening and go off at the same time this evening. I might go up to Ipswich tonight, it is Show Week – started yesterday. I might happen to run into Ford strolling about somewhere. Going along in a tram in the City Sunday evening, I met Mrs Debney. She looks well & happy & sends her regards to all. Had a note from a Mrs Howard from Boulia – she & a daughter are holidaying in the City, & want me to get all the Boulia chaps together & come out and have an evening at their place. But getting them together, & finding them amongst this crowd is a big job. The camp is Chock a Block with men again & the tents are being put up for the new arrivals. I have had letters from Ann, Till & Nell & they are all well. The big recruiting rallys are well worth seeing. Thousands in Anzac square, Soldiers, Sailors & Militia & Civvies all jostled together, but they never get many recruits. Now Mother of mine I will close for the time being as I hanged if I can think of any news for you. I will write again shortly & if we get word to leave here I will send you a wire with just, 

                                     Received letter, fondest love – Dave,

& you will know then that I am going on the boat, but old Darling that might not be for weeks yet & it may be any day, so for this time I will close, hoping this finds yourself and all the family in good health & spirits, as it leaves me at present, so cheerio old Sweetheart O. mine, & write again soon, to your

                           loving boy

                                                                                                   David  xxxxxxxxxx

                                                                                                        All for you old Dear