12-11-1942 Letter from Palestine

                                     12/11/42 -  (received 7/1/43 )             Q.X. 11656

                                                                                                            Pte Wotherspoon  D. J.

                                                                                                            H.Q. Coy.  A/TK

                                                                                                            2/15 Bn.  A.I.F. Abroad.

My Dear Till,

                    Well Sis, here I am about to attempt a page or two to you. I am sitting propped up against the pillows, how long before I grow tired, the length of your letter depends. It is a lovely sunny day here in Palestine , the rain has freshened everything. Through a canvas window and door I can see something bright green growing, probably weeds. In the next bed to me is a lad named Jack Brooks & he is at present attached to a NSW Bn. Talking one day he mentioned ‘Richmond’, turns out he is a Queenslander, he has worked on Cambridge and several other properties on the old Flinders. He also worked in or around Ingham for a while. He was originally in our 2/9 Bn, was sick in hospital at the time his Cobbers went Home and so, here he is. A few beds away is a Crow Eater  S.A.. He has built cattle yards on most of the big cattle stations in S.Western Queensland , around Birdsville, he has helped me remember the long Blackfello names of waterholes, yards, bores and many of the people I had almost forgotten about on that dried up Cooper Ck country. He and I last week have taken many mobs of Fats to Marree, a trucking town in S.Aust. and spent our cheques at the Pubs coming and going.

 But here I am rambling along & getting nowhere Till. What I really wished to tell you about mostly was this. Your lovely parcel followed closely on your welcome letter, it was such a surprise, it also carried well, a few dints in the tin, but everything enclosed was OK. Mum’s big cake arrived the day before. Several chaps got parcels, so we with cakes gave ours to the Orderly, and when they were cut and handed around with a drink of Cocoa, just before bed-time, there was a piece for each chappie in the ward. Mum’s big cake done about twenty. I sent your lollies around Till, and your nice cake done quite a few beds too. Each article was very acceptable & I have been blowing smoke rings with the Craven A’s. Many thanks sister Till, you could not have times its arrival better had you tried. I hope Harry receives his OK, there are H.Q. Guard chaps here guarding this area. I asked a few that have come through this ward about Harry, but so far none of them know him. Perhaps I will meet him yet.

Several Ingham lads have become casualties.  Million, Blue Shirt, they are just about recovered. Poor Bob Jessup will be staying over here, he will never go home to Halifax .

I lasted out well Till. This was by far the fiercest battle I have been in. I seen it through for four days, got hit the fourth night. I cannot say how it will affect me yet, but I’m hoping for the best. I should be let up in a few days. With any luck I should be back with the Boys inside a month.

This is my first taste of Hospital, not so bad eh Till? I am looked after for every want, ladies of the Red Cross visit the ward almost daily, handing out little necessities, cigarettes matches etc.. They also distribute chocolate & attend to cables, nail etc.. Our own Aussie nursing Sisters & Dr’s have been marvellous, working all hours to nurse the boys. The V.A.s also are wonderful. Altogether they are fighting just as great a fight as we did. Every little act of kindness is given with a smile, and something in the way they place the pillows gives rest to the most painful cases.

Have just heard good news Tobruk is in our hands once more, so this battle the Aussies started so well looks like growing into one of final Victory. The Yanks can take over now and show us how to finish the show. I think myself they are the only ones for the job, what they do, they seem to do thoroughly. They also have the numbers behind them, a very important item.

I have had ever so many letters this last few days. Three more this morning; one from Mum, Nell & Vic. Mum wrote hers just before going down to meet Ford, Nell’s was later and Vic’s was a nice long newsy letter. I will try & answer them, but if I don’t, they will understand.

This is all for this time Till, give dear Norma? (Joyce) and Bobby a big kiss for me the night you receive this. Give my kindest to Grace, Bob & Family. Now with all the best to Bob Taylor & fond love to your dear self, I remain always, your Brother.

                                                                                                            Dave.