25-04-1943

                                  written whilst on the Atherton Tableland whilst in training for the New Guinea jungle.                                                       

25.4.43                        Q.X. 11656

                                                                                                Pte Wotherspoon D.J.

                                                                                                H.Q. Coy 2/15 Bn

                                                                                                A.I.F.  Australia .

Dear Till, Bob, Joyce & Bobbi,

Almost a month since I said Hooray to your sister, and it seems a year.

You will have heard that my leave came to an abrupt ending, one night in Townsville, never even had a chance to say bye bye to Ann. I was on the lookout coming through, but never saw anyone I knew. Bob & Grace wasn’t looking through the back the back window either.

Till I have had ever so much old mail since coming here, and amongst the pile of old stuff addressed “Abroad”, there were two from you. One I remember you wrote on your birthday, so that one certainly took a while to catch up. But I read every word Till, and as my new letters have been scarce. I really believe that I am getting plenty still.

Well Till I missed Bill & Bob coming through, would have liked to have seen both of them so much, perhaps I will get a chance later on. A couple of my Cobbers had a day with Bob, and every second fellow seems to have been speaking to Bill, he met every train but the one I was on.

There is no leave to any towns about here, but later on it may brighten & I will try to pop in on them. I met that old chap in the bar the day I left Till, he has certainly been well out in the West. I gave him a lap from Camooweal to Bourke and back again. Give him my regards when next you meet him, Sis. While I am here would you post on the Register after you finish; that is if you get it and don’t send it on to Harry. It is the best old paper of the lot, still.

I haven’t made a very promising start Till, give myself a bit of a strain over my side carrying a rail and have had a few days light duties. Don’t know how i’ll fair keeping up to the boys when they get going properly. You needn’t mention anything in your Home letters, poor old Mother has enough worries now.

Speaking of that old dear, I had a page from Liz today and Mum has gone to Townsville, says over her glasses. I am wondering if it is anything else, or if dear Ann is worse. She had a bad turn the last day I was with her. I only hope there is nothing wrong.

See most of the Ingham lads about camp, they are all OK. Tell Grace I met her little sister Pearl , in Townsville. She was to meet me again next day, but never turned up. We had a nice little party at Mitchell St. one night, I guess Ann told you about it

Let me know if Pat Clifford moves this way Till, he mentioned that day he may be transferred again soon. One of our other old mates is gone, Liz told me about Henry Huddy, bad luck for his wife and youngsters. I am waiting to hear more details, I wouldn’t be surprised if my old friend Mr Berry ? Was in it also.

This is a bonzer climate Till, the days have been fairly warm, but I have two blankets over me at night, and tonight after a showery day, I have my pullover on for the first time, but not this year. Remember Sis, I have already staggered thru one winter many thousands of miles from here, but I am not getting hardened to the cold much.

I am well in the bush here Till, a lovely big river a short walk away, plenty of scrub, long grass & bird life, also snakes on many varieties. In fact the few laughs I get is when the boys try to catch a ‘Roo or when a Joe Blake makes them ring out wide.

I hope little Norma’s finger is nearly better now, I was sorry she wasn’t able to play Uncle a tune on the piano.

Well Sis, I have heard the news, they have raised another £100000000 loan. I wonder how many more loans will be collected before this mad War ends. Listening to the wireless lately the end appears a long way off yet.

Today was Anzac Day. It was just another Sunday in camp to me, Church Parade & a day’s spell. I guess there were processions in all big cities. I suppose they will have the same old Meeting out in Richmond . Old Gordon Stewart will Speak in his old slow drawl, and old Llewellyn, and then they will read the names of the Fallen.

Fancy Till, two years ago tonight I was home on my final leave. I have crammed more into my life in those two years, then all the other 35 put together. Now dear Till, writing paper is scarce. I have written to all my family since coming here, also all my Pen Pals, and I am just about out of material. Liz told me she had packed me a pad & envelopes, so here is a promise Sis, when it arrives & before  I use it all, I will write you again on a few of those new pages.

Many kisses to Joyce, and will Booby accept one!! Pass my love on to Grace & family, tell her or one of the nips to write & let me know Bob’s address.

Fondest love to you Tillo & all the best to yourself, kiddies & Bob Taylor, the girls in the Store, the Baker girl, what’s her name, Teresa? & any others I know. , the Baker girl, what’s her name, Teresa? & any others I know. Your loving Brother.

                                                                        Dave.