Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Letters to Walter Lawry Waterhouse, 17 August 1916-15 February 1921
MLMSS 2792 (K 21690 / Item 4 )

[Page 1
Hillview
(rd) Goodchap
Chatswood
24th July 1917

Dear - Mr Waterhouse

I hope you will soon be back again to our sunday schooll and tell us all about the war. I am longing for the day when your able to come back to take Sunday School again to us and be our suprientendant.

I remain
Your loving
xxxxxxx friend
J. Demeral

[Page 2]
Hill View
Good Chap Rd
Chatswood
24 July 1917

Dear Mr Waterhouse
We all hope you are getting on all right in hospital. Nearly all the Sunday School has send up prayers for you. We all are longing for the day to come when you will be back amongst us.
Not many scholars are going up for the exam. I am one. I went up last year and failed.
I remain
Your loving Shol
H. Demeral.

[Page 3]
Lieutenant W. L Waterhouse
Randwick Military Hospital
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia

Postmarked:
GPO Fiji
10 Aug 1917

[Page 4]
[Letter to W. L. Waterhouse from Peni Tirikula and J. Raikoso dated July 1917, written from, Fiji Davuilevu and written in Fijian]

[Page 5]
[page 2 of letter written in Fijian]

[Page 6]
[Letter from W.L.W. in answer to letter above, written in Fijian, dated 17 Sept 1917]

[Page 7]
Lieut. L Waterhouse
Randick Hosp
Sydney

[Page 8]
August 9 1917
[indecipherable]
My Dear

friend Just a Line to thanks for your kindes to me for my poor boys photo of his Last rentin place are my friend I was Liven in hopes for him to Come back to me I will never see my poor boys Emey Mor My poor LesLis My Dear friend I Can not thank to much my frend with teares I am writing your Letter I hope Som day with gods hellpe you and I will Meet you May be abele to tell Som thing about my poor boy I hope God will belles you and hellp to get Strong you know frend I have had too killed privity See J J Mathews God help me I will Meet them agane Som day I have not got Eney thing belong to them My poor LesLis had a watch on is wrist [indecipherable]
My Dear frend I hope you will Exques my writing as my poor eyes are aim with tears My frend I never tought I had a good frend Like you to bee so kind as to send Such Loven token in Lovens rembers of my Soldier boy
Well my dear frend I Close My Letter My best wishes to you and I must thank you again for

[Page 9]
you kindes to think of me and my poor Son
I will close my Letter with all of our best wishes from Mr Honner and my too Sons and myself and I hope and trust you will help you to Get Strong
If I do not see you my friend I will never forGet you as Long as my God Let Me Live so I will say a fond Good Night and God bless you I hope if you Ever Come to Kiama you will Come and see me You will be made wellCom to my home and Stay with us for a time I will Close my Letter from a broken harted Mother My poor boys

Just writ to Me and Let Me know how you are My Loves Goes with all of the poor boys as a Mother

My adress
Mrs M Honner
BomB P O

[Page 10]
Walter L Waterhouse Esqr M.C.
Military Hospital
Randwick
Sydney N.S.W.
Australia

Please Forward

Postmarked :
Birdbrook
Hallstead
17 Aug 17
1penny stamp affixed

[Page 11]
Moyns Park
Birdbrook
Essex
Aug 17

Dear Mr Waterhouse

How pleased I was to get your letter today
It took plenty of time coming. I am so glad to hear you arm is at last better How hateful having two operations. Well I dont know whether to hope it will get quite well or not! I think it was most nice of you to write to me but I can only account from your delusion that you had anything to thank me for by the suppositions that you were delirious with pain when you were at Wandsworth. I did nothing for you alas, except tire you to death & manys the time I've reproached myself for that thoughtlessness. I did not realise how ill you were as having some letters from you & not knowing you had dictated them, I imagined you were better especially as you talked of getting up the next day.
Then I found the truth, & was dismayed & terrified lest I might have done you harm.

[Page 12]
The war still does one, but I dont think the Boche can have much to cheer himself up with when he reviews the situation, in spite of Russia & our Labour foolishness over here. I shall tell General Nevill Smyth I have heard from you but I expect you have written to him too. He had ten days leave in February & again in May & I am hoping he will come back again soon but he says other people want it more than he does. As no doubt you know he has commanded the 2nd Australian Div since Xmas. He was in command at Bullecourt after which he had a message from Haig, saying that what he & the troops under him had done there wld live in the annals of War forever. They ought to give him an army corps. Isnt he splendid?
We are in the throes of our harvest here & the weather is pretty bad. We had 3 months of perfection so its sure to be bad now. However I dont fancy theres much question of our being starved now, if people are sensible.
This is a very sad year for me

[Page 13]
Copy of
General Birdwood's letter
to W.L.W.
"1st Anzac Corps
17th August 1916

Dear Waterhouse,
This is a line to congratulate you very heartily upon the Military Cross, which I am so glad you have been awarded for your good work during the operations against Poziers from the 23rd to the 25th of last month.
I well know how you went out and captured one of the enemy's strong positions on our left flank, while later on your coolness and courage on moving about among the men under very trying circumstances were deserving of all credit, and I thank you so much for this,
With good wishes to you for the future,
Yours sincerely,
(Signed) W.R. Birdwood"

[Page 14]
Envelope addressed to:

O.A.S.
Lieut W L. Waterhouse
Archer St
Chatswood
Sydney
Australia

Try
No 4 Military Hospital
Randwick

Passed Field Censor 3416
Signed: E E Herrod

Postmarked :
Field Office
25 Au 17
&
Chatswood NSW
11 2017

[Page 15]
France
Aug 23rd 1917

Dear Waterhouse,
Many thanks for yours of 2nd June, which has just reached me. I was very pleased to hear first hand news of you. My wife's letter telling me she had seen you was amongst the many we have lost at sea recently
I was am sorry to learn that you will not be fit enough to return to us, & still hope to see you.
I never thought for one minute that you had forgotten me.
Gen Sloan still has this Bde. I am doing fairly well I think, but still only holding temporary rank.
I was very sorry indeed to leave the old bn. I commanded it through the worst part of last Winter, from Jan 1st to March 25th, at which date Col Milligan took it over.
I do not think Major Sedgwick should be waving the green & purple, I do not

[Page 16]
think he was ever on our strength, he certainly did duty with us for a little while.
You probably know that Don Campbell is on his way back to Australia. He won a M.C. in the Bullecourt stunt: he is magnificant. I hope you meet him , he can give you news of the bn.
up to May.
We have had a very good spell out of the line for rest and training.
Watson Capt. M.C. is the Bde Maj of this Bde.
The White Eagle I am wearing, does not entitle me to SWE: please note.
I am kept very busy, this command means a good deal of worry & responsibility. I do hope I am able to do well.
I hope you are still improving, & that are now you are quite well.
I will be very pleased to hear from you whenever you feel like writing.
Best wishes.

Yours very sincerely
Ernest E Herrod

[Page 17]
Field Service Post CardA.F.A. 2042
114/Gen.No/5248
The address only to be
written on this side.
If anything else is added the
post card will
be destroyed
[Crown Copyright Reserved]
Lieut W. L. Waterhouse M.C.
Milirary Hospital
Randwick
Sydney
Australia

Postmarked:
Field Post Office C.I.
X
1 SP
17

[Page 18]
[This post card is prewritten with phrases to be crossed out as to the condition of the writer, the date of the card and the signature of the writer. There is a note at the top of the card "Nothing else is to be written except the date and signature of the sender and Sentences not required may be crossed out If anything else is added the post card will be destroyed."

This card has the phrase 'I am quite well', is dated June 11th 1917, Letter follows at first opportunity, is signed S.L. Milligan and dated Aug 30 1917"

W.L.W. 3497/293 29246 600 m. 9/16 C & Co., Grange Mills, S.W.

[Page 19]
France 6-12-17
Dear Walter
Many thanks for your long & newsy letter of Oct 15th.
At present we are out spelling & training near a village that you visited when we first arrived in France in 1916.
Jacko is still going strong & is a/adj while Willie T is in England arranging a transfer to the Indian Army
Please don't rub it in about my promotion as unless I can dig in somewhere for about twelve months I fail to see where my promotion is to come from. Col M has gone to Div and our old C. O is back Glad to hear Don Campbell turned up safely as there was rumors of the boat he was on, being sunk .

[Page 20]
Give him my regards & tell him not to hurry worry & hurry back. The young brother received his com & is in the 3rd L.G.H at present. He had to undergo another minor operation this week.
I expect to get Blighty leave so as to enable me to spend Xmas in Scotland. Several more of our 14/2 boys have done well. Lee, Rendall & Ferguson have won Military Medals recently so that is not too bad.
Several of the others are Corporals while I hear that Peake is still going strong in the 5th Div. Our original G.M.S is still a L/Cpl in the Engineers . you will remember him leaving us in Egypt. Have no news of Pitt & vine Hall. Webb was killed at Bullecourt as you have doubtless heard.
Saw the young lady who used to

[Page 21]
do your developing & she wishes to be remembered to you.
Will be pleased indeed when I hear that you are finally up & about. Today the Bn is taking the vote on the Referendum. I'm afraid the general trend of their opinions is in the negative direction.
They have all sorts of reasons, from the inability for failure of our people to clothe them decently. Long periods between leave. Treatment in hospitals & in English Bases. Changing old cables & in their current a/c pay books when they were promised that the cables would be against deferred pay. They have a bad opinion of all parties in power at present. Am disgusted with the lake strike & many are of the opinion that the wealth of Australia

[Page 22]
should be conscripted as well as the men. Someone has sent a weekly leaflet round to all troops. It's called "All for Australia" & has done more harm than good.
Of course a lot of their grievances are mountains made out of molehills but still the grievance every so small it will influence a man in voting unless he takes a national view of the situation & votes accordingly.
I might mention that all troops that leave Australia fitted out with leather equipment have the same taken from them on arrival in England. It is dumped and they are supplied with webb. No effort is made to return it & use for the trip of another draft but still the washe goes on.
There is really no war news

[Page 23]
as far as we are concerned at present. Our Bn got a dozen M.Ms & mention out of our last tour in the line & we did not stunt. We seem Jonah's for D.C.Ms but C. Coy got two for the 2nd last time in.
Low, Mann & Ward are on Paris leave at present. Hookway is with A.
Will conclude for the present wishing you the compliments of the Season & a speedy return to good health.

Yours sincerely,
Freddie
F W Taylor

P.S. Davis was G.K a fortnight ago & Newton 14/2 is on his way back & L/Cpl Junkins may return. His arm like yours.
F

[Page 24]
France 12-9-17

My Dear Walter,

From time to time I receive reports of your progress which is slow but I hope sure.
If thoughts were letters you should often receive news from me. Since, they were not I considered it the least I could do, to act as well so think on this occasion.
Very often I find my mind wandering back to the old spot where some very, very happy months were spent in a ministry which was not altogether a failure. Due undoubtably to the support given by the people of the district.
You may be surprised to hear that I am trying to obtain a commission in the infantry. The matter has been duely considered from every view point & I am convinced that the right step has been taken.
At the school where I am at present are some splendid instructors. The sergeant [indecipherable], the section to which I belong is very patient yet thorough. Drill & lectures occupy the whole of one's time. But the work is most interesting to me.
On Sunday next, if arrangements can be made with the C.O. I am conducting services. No Padre is attached & consequently there are no church parades.
the weather has been very pleasant & promises to continue so. Of course as you know it is not safe to "crow" in this country.
I must now stop. With the very best wishes for a speedy recovery.

I am
Yours very sincerely
M E Cosier

[Page 25]
[Active Service Envelope specifically for correspondence, signed by sender J Carr and addressed to Lieut W L Waterhouse M.C.]
Archer St Chatswood
No 4 Military Hospital
Randwick
NSW

[Page 26]
France
14 Sept 1917

Dear Walter
Yours of July 9 received yesterday & 3 weeks ago I received 2 others from you so am quite ashamed of myself for not replying sooner.
I was thinking of your yesterday afternoon for after marching up for 2 days I had to take a car & travel back several kilometres to out Post Office & where do you think I found it? It was in the little camp where I last saw you on October 14 last year the morning you moved off, on the trek to "you know where" Ant it was a bumper mail I picked up too, straight from Australia & 16 letters for me.
I should have written a couple of weeks ago but really I was having too good a time down near the town where we usually entrain from here.
The village we were in was just to our taste & I've never felt so sorry to leave a village in France. Had some bonny little friends there & all the folk seemed so friendly. It was a nice sight

[Page 27]
to walk down the street in the evening and see our chaps everywhere playing with the kiddies & yarning to the Frenchies. The girls were very respectable & hardworking & always ready for a joke & a laugh in the evenings.
There was plenty of "buckshee" coffee in fact more than we wanted. It touched me on the morning we left when my 2 little girls walked to out Headquarters from the other end of the village to bring me pennyworth of acid drops (8 in all) wrapped up in a little piece of newspaper at 7 AM, the time we had expected to move off.
Well we are up among the big stuff once more. After a long spell but have notgot busy yet. Weather is fine but plenty of cloud about & plenty of dust on the road owing to constant traffic. Oh! I saw Capy Oakley 4 days before ago, they had just reached their resting post after a gruelling time. He looked fairly well but his bronchitis will stop him remaining here in the cold weather.
Am so glad your arm is making some definite improvement but how tediously slow & irksome it must be for you. I don't want a Blighty

[Page 28]
Mr Cosier went to an O.T.C. about 3 weeks ago. Saw Jo Graham today – he is A.!.
Our O/C is a bit of a stickler for doing things "just so" but he's made a very marked improvement in our tucker & shaken sundry persons up, for which we are devoutly thankful. He hasn't has a hop-over onto me yet except to tell me to hurry & get him some mail Col. Nicholas is him name & our new Major is Major Buchanan late D.A.D.M. S. 1st Div.
Roby wishes to be very kindly remembered to you & hopes your arm will get along "tout suite"
the old building we are in looks very queer. It was originally 6 cottages but the 2 centre are nearly nonest & the others are in a decline. You know the brand. There are burrows underneath for 4 or 6 men in each. I was in a larger one (that holds 2) that will keep out anything except a direct hit.

[Page 29]
It got too dark outside so had to get inside & light a candle. Orders are "no lights after dark" so if there is trouble I will mention your name. Oh what do you think – our ORDERS are all felt hats had to be left 10 miles back in our havers packs so am wearing a ten hat regularly for the first time, just as I'm trying to coax my hair to do a spurt. The dispenser mixed some fine stuff foe several of us & it seemed to be "teaching the young idea to shoot"
I will probably enclose a few notes for you to report if not troubling you too much – I don't like having "my idea of things" being assimilated o=by the officers. The base censor can read them id he feels so disposed.
with all good wishes for a speedy recovery
Yours to a cinds
Jocelyn

[Page 30]
Lieut W.L. Waterhouse
Military Hospital
Randwick
New. South. Wales

From
Tunbridge Wells
3 Oct 17

[Page 31]
27 Upper St
Rurthall
Tunbridge Wells

2nd. 10.17

Dear Sir

Am taking the liberty of writing a few lines to express my thanks to you for sending me the photo of my late sons grace myself and family think it is very kind of you.

[Page 32]
God that we shall prize it. I sincerely hope that you are recovering from your wounds and that you will gay good health again thanking you

I beg to remain
Your Obedient
Servant
W. Gander

[Page 33]
[Post card with drawing of a black cat from the rear. The following words printed on the front]:

My tail
is long,
My story's
short:
One word
and I am
through –
A friend has sent me
all the way,
To bring "good luck":
to you.

Dated:

Belgium 5.10.17

[Page 34]
Belgium
5 Oct 1917

Dear Walter
Yours of Aug 8 received yesterday. It is very good of you to write so much. I seem to get little time to send more than cards. Glad to hear that there is some improvement but what a weary business it must be for you. Fritz has not been very persistant with bombs round here every night coming back again & again. We were glad when rain stopped him. He has had a good kick back also from our troops.

With all good wishes
Yours affect.
Jocelyn

[Page 35]
Lieut W.L. Waterhouse
Military Hospital
Randwick
Australia Sydney

If left please forward

[Page 36]
3rd London Gen. Hospital
Wansworth S W
Oct 16th 17.

Dear Mr Waterhouse

I was so glad to get your letter a couple of weeks ago. I had so often wondered how you were. for I feel that you would have a trying time with your arm. However I'm pleased to know that it is beginning to do well – I trust that one day I will hear that everything is right again.

Things here go on in much the same way – we are often very heavy with

[Page 37]
work & since you left have extended the accomodation for officers tremendously. We now have 900-1000 beds for officers - & quite frequently are full up

I have heard nothing of Mr Tucker nor Mr Montgomery except the news you gave me. Some day they may come strolling in to "I". that has happened on several occasions – old patients we retired to the South just walking in as unconcerned as possible.

Mr Lamrock, who was with us in your time is at Salisbury or Anaover. I forget which. He wrote to me in July

[Page 38]
last saying he was being married that week, & that his arm was not healed – I answered saying that he should come back & get the arm seen to but he hasn't yet appeared.

Captain Miller has been back again but not a very interesting "Blighty" this time – he got kicked in the eye at football. He looked so well – just the same cheeky face.

I have also has another old friend of yours . Lt. O'Reilly. He knew you very well, I believe. He got a smashed up hand, & did very well. has been back some time.

[Page 39]
I was so sorry to hear your news of Lieut Nunn. I told his Sister, who at the same time got a letter from Mrs Nunn.

Just lately the war news on the Western front has been exceptionally good. We have just captured very commanding positions which will help us through the winter.

And the air-raids! Every night for over a week we got them in London. Only one or two were able to get to London proper. for our gun-fire makes an excellent barrage which they cannot penetrate. We have 2 fires on Wandsworth Common

[Page 40]
& we are shaken well up when they fire. Last week a "ana" shell fell through the roof of one of the wards. It went through a bed, & buried itself in the floor. Fortunately for the owners of the bed, he was outside watching the gun-fire. We are quite often peppered with shrapnel, & the patients very facetiously call if the "Battle of Wandsworth Common". I think if it goes on we will have to be provided with tin hats!.

Please let me know news of your progress. With kind remberances.

Sincerely yours
B L Seacham

[Page 41]
Picture post card

Black and white photo of Brown Hall and Gardens, Durban

[Page 42]
H.M.A.H. Ship
Kanowna
24.10.17

Here we are back again in good old Durban. We had very nasty weather For our two days stay so did not have as nice a time as usual. Hope the old Arm is really progressing & that you will soon have the use of it again. With every good wishes for a Happy Xmas

From
Dorothy Agluin

[Page 43]
Envelope addressed to:

Lieutenant W. Waterhouse
No 4 A.G. Hospital
Randwick
Sydney
Australia

On active service

[Page 44]
4-11-17

Dear Mr Waterhouse –

The snow rests on the ground outside – I am clothed in everything I posess – (almost) - & sitting in a tent with three heaters round me – If only these women would stop talking – How I hate the clater of womens tongues. There is a car waiting outside to take some of them for a joy ride so presently there will be peace. If ever anyone says "gorgeous" to me after I leave this little bit of the world Ill scream. Everything is gorgeous – the sunset, the scenery, the food, the – but then – I'm in an ill temper because I want to write & can't because of the talking .... & the grizzling.

I have not said yet I am in a convalescent camp up in the hills – I have not been sick really – just thin & not quite well & was sent up here 'for a rest'.

Have been here a week today & expect to go back this afternoon or tomorrow.

I can see this woman – an English nurse – has no intention of being quiet – Im afraid I'll have to return to return to my own tent.

I have retired – It is so cold but at least it is quiet – one cannot have everything can they? – You

[Page 45]
(2)
will think I am horrid - & perhaps I am – But one does grow so tired of hospital chatter, & little tales of woe, & the [indecipherable] of real or imagining injustices. there ... now I have finished.

I'm glad I came to my tent – The view from the open door is – I nearly said "gorgeous" – Tall snow clad hills with a little white – seemingly age old village at their foot. It is said to be the village where Miss Stone the American missionary was held for ransom – we passed through it on Donkeys two nights ago, just at dark. the Streets are very narrow & the whole place had a sinister, "capable of anything feeling" – I felt very thankful for the presence of the two English Officers who were with us .... & yet I love these villages. They are so old & so utterly difference to anything to which we have been acustomed.

Australia is very new isnt it?. So new that the shine still clings to it – It is a very very good country tho' – It is our country of course & .... well."Breathes there a man" ... & all the rest of it. I do not want to go back tho' Not yet. When one has parents & a home it is different.. But when there is not that tie one part of the world is as attractive as another almost – no... I am quite content to stay

[Page 46]
(3)
away for years & years & still more years.

I am not wanting the war to last nevertheless – I'd like to send all home for Christmas – A group of Frenchmen are singing somewhere across the way – A little time ago they were playing twos & threes – trying to get warm evidently – I hope they succeed poor things – I think I would like the French if I knew them – I'd like to go & live in France for several years – If it was possible I would do so – after the war is ended ... but .... well it isn't –

I had not had any Australian letters for a long long time – someone came up last Sunday – two days ago - & brought a bundle for me – I simply pounc ed on them – I was just hungry for letters – Your note was amongst them .... & the photo. I hardly recognised it – You see I have not seen you in uniform – Aways for me memory conjures up a somewhat lopsided figure draped in a hark dressing gown – However the face is the same only plumper I think - & what bright confusion In future I'll have to banish the dressing gown spectre & see something much more military – It is really

[Page 47]
(4)
quite a good picture - & I like the way it is mounted – I am so sorry ... yet not really surprised -- I was persuaded of sorts that you would be able to do transport duty but ... it would seem from your description it will be some time yet before the arm can be used.

I can understand you desire to "howl" & yet I am quite convinced there are hundreds of men would gladly be in your place – that does not mean they are shirkers ... but ... they suffer so from climate & all kinds of privations & illnesses – you have done your bit ... & now you are out of it .... unavoidably & unwillingly & honorably --- your people cannot help being glad that you are safe – tho' you may lament.

I often wonder about your sister's husband Is he still safe?

Those girls are – as you say p very fortunate – I did so long to go to England – all my thoughts were there & I came to Salonica – However I'm quite sure these things are arranged .... In that belief Catholic or Presbyterian or both or neither? Never mind it is mine. What is to be will be & I make an effort to add "& whatever is is [indecipherable]. I thought to write quite a long letter but all at once I find myself with nothing to say & so for a time goodybe.

Sincerely yours
Margaret [indecipherable]

[Page 48]
Lieut. W. Waterhouse
Officers Ward
Randwick Military Hospital
Sydney
New South Wales
Australia
Postmarked: CapeTown 30 Oct 17 2.30 PM Kaapstad

[Page 49]

Lieut W.L. Waterhouse M.C.
Archer St
Chatswood
N.S.W.

On Active Service
Postmarked: Field Post Office 13.9.17 NO

Passed by Censor No. 4373 and signed A M Cunliffe

[Page 50]
France
17.11.17
Dear Walter
Yours of Sep 21 received this week. We have been on the move again & are now at the same camp as we were for the first 3 months in France. You will remember I cycled down & with Arnold, visited you (the first time in France). Sorry you are getting the discharge & that it is unpalatable. Hope the arm is making quicker progress.
Was visiting some old Friends in the part that I've not seen for 16 months. They reckon I'm getting "bouquet fat" in the face. Weather still keeps mild – but mud is pretty plentiful. Please excuse this wretched scrawl. Kindest regards.
Yours to a cinder
Jocelyn

[Page 51]
Lieut W L Waterhouse
"Cairnleith"
Archer St
Chatswood
New South Wales
Australia
Please forward
Postmarked:
London
3.15 PM
26 Nov

[Page 52]
Written across top of page:
I am having some snaps printed. If they turn out I will send you one shortly

Englefield
Hampton Rd
Twickenham
Nov 24th 1917

Dear Mr Waterhouse

Dec 13th 1916
Ever so many thanks for your card which I received last evening & also for your long letter which came to hand some months ago. It is nice of you not to forget us in the Old Country when you are back among your "Ain Fold". I feel very guilty not to have answered your letter before, not that we do not often speak of you & wonder how you are getting on but because i am a bad correspondent, I fear so please forgive me. I am afraid this letter cannot possibly reach you by Xmas or the New Year but if it does arrive anywhere about then, you will know that we all three wish you the very best of good wishes for happiness, health & regained strength in the coming year. I am very sorry I see that by the post mark on your cars that you are still in hospital. I fear your arm is still giving you trouble. I do hope it

[Page 53]
Page 2
is less painful & that it is getting on, even if slowly. surely. You have had such a long spell of it now. I am so sorry but I know how brave you are over it. You men, set us all a lesson. I wish you had put on the card how you were feeling & whether you can yet get about at all. It seems only the other day that I fixed to come & worry you in the afternoons & you were always so cherry too. It was too bad however not to let me know what deed of daring led to the M.C. . I shall always remember the Beauty Prize story, it always makes me smile.
I had a long letter from "Dickey" the other day. You remember him in your ward. He too, had won the M.C. but perhaps you have met him since he returned to Australia. After you left he & Mr Wilton often used to come & see us. They are both discharged from the army now & Mr Wilton is to be married shortly. I expect he is by now,

[Page 54]
Page 3
also a Mr Connor, an Irishman in your ward with one leg. I don't know whether he was there when you were. He also come to see us. So you see, that is two of them taking the plunge, if you are the third don't forget to send us a wedding group & a piece of cake, I believe you are allowed cake still in Australia, it is now a great luxury here & one feels most unpatrioted eating it. Dicky is ever so much better & his face nearly straight again, he hopes to commence some work in the New Year. – forgive me if all this is stale news but most probably you have not met.
Noel has been very fortunate in getting leave this last year. We are expecting him home any day now. Last June he was sent to Cambridge to undergo a six weeks staff course & did very well. I believe in his report from there were these words "Shows great experience" & when the General interviewed him & asked learned his age he noearly had a fit on the spot. He has been very worried just lately poor boy, as

[Page 55]
his brother Ross, who is in the Navy, has been very ill indeed with appendicitis. Luckily he was home on six days leave in Scotland when the attack developed, so was able to have the best advice & attention & is now out of danger.
Noel has been on the Div Headquarters Staff since he returned to France alson with Cairns Anderson, - a great friend of his – so we do not feel quite so anxious about him as we should if he were right in front. It must be quite bad enough where he is.
My mother is, I am glad to say, a little stronger that she was & father & I are very fit. Most probably I shall be spending Xmas at Brighton as I did last year. My parents are going to freinds at Ascot.
We all join in sending very kindest regards & good wishes.
Hoping all your people are well & that you will soon be restored to health.
I remain
Yours very sincerely
Daisy Lavender

[Page 56]
Lieut W L Waterhouse
(2nd BN A.I.F.)
Archer St Try No 4 Military Hospital
Chatswood Randwick
N.S.W.
Australia

O.A.S.
Passed by Censor No 3506
Signed E E Herrod

Postmarked Field Post Office 9 No 17 & Parramatta

[Page 57]
Card with bronze emblem in shape of crown with ribbon. Writing on ribbon: Australian Commonwealth Military Forces
Card is held together with a red bow on left side.

[Page 58]
Inside card:

With the Season's Greetings
and all Kind Thoughts
for Christmas
and the New Year.

Lieut-Col E.E. Herrod

[Page 59]
No 14 A.S.H.
Abbassia
Egypt
2.12.17
Dear Mr Waterhouse
Received your Photo Xmas Card today & was delighted with it. The photographer has missed your expression but what matters. I think of you & your smiling face when I saw you last. Very glad to see you have your arm out of the splint & I do hope it is for good this time. Waiting anxiously for your home address as these letters might go astray. The days here are all like glorious Spring days & we are making the best of them, plenty of work & a good deal of play. Had a lovely game of tennis the other day & hope for more. I am writing to you next week.
Best wishes for the arm & rapid improvement.

Sincerely Yours
Grace Wright

[Page 60]
Lieut Waterhouse
No 4 Base Hospital
Randwick
N.S.W.
Australia

Please Forward
G Wright
A.A N S

O.A.S.
Stamped:
Passed
Censor
No 3995
Postmarked:
[indecipherable]
3 Dec 1917
No 14

Overstamped:
Post Office
3 Dec 17

[Page 61]
Coloured Picture Post Card
"Native Woman Carrying Water Jar
Fellaha Hamia el Belassi
[Arabic writing on bottom of card]

[Page 62]
People of Egypt. Series No. 13
From "People of Egypt" by Lance Thackeray
Published by A & C Black Ltd, Soho Square, London W.
British Manufacture.

[Page 63]
Lieut W. Waterhouse
Try No 4 Military Hospital
Chatswood Randwick
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

One penny stamp on envelope
Stamped 1 PM 7 De 17

[Page 64]
Back of envelope stamped with:
Crow's Nest N.S.W
10.15 31 Ja 18

[Page 65]
Eccles House
Benshaw Manor Road
Thornton Heath
Surrey
6.12.17

Best of good wishes

Yours very sincerely
[indecipherable]
PS
Still address
C/O Cooks
n c

Dear Mr Waterhouse,

Am very sorry I've got so behind hand with letters lately. It seems ages since I settled down to write to Australia, the boys in France we simply can't neglect the letters mean so much to them & one must know how comforting it is over in France, to feel there's some one close at hand taking an interest in you & ready to welcome you by any chance you're lucky enough to get leave on a "Blighty one" as the boys say.

I've been lucky enough to leave a cousin over at Wandsworth, which is awfully handy for me. He has been gasses but after a couple of months was practically consalescent & is now at some Cstle in Scotland

[Page 66]
where he expects to stay a month, We had a great old fly rond while he was here.
Had one long day at Windsor & Eaton which he enjoyed immensely & one afternoon we boated on the Thames at Richmond. A passtime which isn't done in the winter months by the elite of England but then don't we Aussies delight in: pleasing ourselves what we do of course it would be much more fascinating in the summer time & I hope to be here in the spring: when we can do "whats done"
However we ended up at the Piccadilly Grill for dinner which seemed very much the thing to do there as the place was crowded as usual.
Had lots of afternoons at the Trock for afternoon tea, which is most fascinating. I love seeing so many Aussies together

[Page 67]
& have promises of lots more good times there. I quite imagine how you must long to be back. I consider London altogether most fascinating. It does me anyway.
Have also had a coz at Harefield which is a wretch of a place to get at. I reckon therefore absolutely marooned there, but then we've all been spoilt. Being so handy to London & living only 2 minutes from the tram. Am very much afraid we may have to go to Harefield soon – there are all sorts of [indecipherable] rumors about us being recalled as our own Hospitals are overcrowded & [indecipherable] am shaped. No cutting to London 3 times a week then. MCC will about be out limit & won't things seem tame but I musn't growl. I've had a jolly good time & am quite prepared for any old thing that comes along.
Did I ever thank you for the native rose. Do you know it still

[Page 68]
retains its natural scent & when I want to give anyone a special treat, let them have a sniff. I open the letter & smell it whenever I am homesick, which I must say isn't very often, owing no doubt to the way in which I keep my mind occupied.
It was great getting your letters of 14-10-12. a fortnight ago. they came over in less than six weeks. It was such a bonzer big mail & being a Sunday morning (& no church parade) I spent most of the morning reading them. the same day I saw sleet for the first time & not since. To date we've had no snow but some very white frosts which look awfully pretty but we nearrly have our noses bitten off driving to the hospital.
Since last writing our Division has been turned into a hospital for general cases & we've had quite a

[Page 69]
number of convoys in, its a real treat getting some true dinkum nursing to do again, & the boys are so very good. Really I am quite pleased to be in a position to do something for the Tommies, as I consider their lot quite the hardest of any. Small pay & no one much to take any interest in them & I've never seen a Red Cross [indecipherable] to arrive at the hospital since I've been there. Will be spending all our spare time in preparing the decorations etc for Xmas. I do want the boys to have a good time, but I've quite a number of people collecting for then. I only hope the hospital is free for Xmas. I was looking to spend it with some relations but seem now I can't. I do hope you'll be able to read this awful scrawl. Have been on the floor in front of the fire all the afternoon writing letters on my knee & I am so tired I could like on the mat

[Page 70]
& go to sleep but a fire being only allowed twice a week must make the most of it while we have it.
The Hun visited us at 2 this am & the all clear signal wasn't given till 7 am. I was wakened at 5 am with the boom of guns all round me but some went to sleep again, thinking if we were going to be bombed I'd be so comfortably in bed.
Am glad to say two [indecipherable] were brought down , & all crews captured. I wonder if will have a repetition of it tonight. Don't know extent of damage. Am sorry this is so scrawly but am afraid its this or nothing.
Randwick must look nice with all the improvements. I wonder if I'll ever see it again. I am afraid from the look of things were here for a very long time.
Thanks so much for Xmas wishes & the photo which is quite good but I note the [indecipherable] is still there

[Page 71]
Lieut W L Waterhouse
Archer St Try No 4 Military Hospital
Chatswood Randwick
NSW
On active service.

Postmarked:
Field Post Office C.5.
B 13 Dec 17

[Page 72]
Black and White Picture Post Card of Paris – Le Pont Alexandre III –

[Page 73]
Carte Postale
Liuet W L Waterhouse
France
9.12.17

Dear Walter
Back from Paris last night after a gorgeous time. It was great. There are so many beautiful things to see. Received yours (14 Oct) on the day I left for Paris. Many thanks for Xmas wishes. Sorry the arm is giving more trouble. It must be very wearisome. This photo is of the bridge of Paris leading towards the "Invalides" where Napolions tomb is.
Place de la Concorde where the Guillotine was erected. Rain started as soon as our trip was over.
Yours to a cinds Joycelyn

[Page 74]
Transcribers note:
Drawing of crest with words – Australian Commonwealth Military Forces
Nulli – Sedundus
2nd Australian Battalian
A Coy
No 2 Platoon
Xmas Dinner
France 25-12.1917

[Page 75]
2nd Australian Battalian
1914-1917
Sydney 1914
Egypt 1914-1915
Gallipoli 1915
The Landing
Lone Pine
Evacuation

France & Belgium 1916-1917
Armentiers
Poziers
Ypres
The Somme
Hermies
Bullicourt
Polygon Wood
Anzac Ridge
Passcheandaile [Passchendaele] Ridge

[Page 76]
MENU
Vegetable Soup

Roast Pork
Apple Sauce
Roast Beef
Baked & Boiled Potatoes
Cabbage
Green Peas
Roast Turkey
Fowl
Plum Pudding
Brandy Sauce
Blanc Mange
Fruit Jelly
Biscuits
Apples
Assorted Nuts
Beer
Coffee
Cigars
Cigarettes

[Page 77]
Autographs

L W Taylor
Cpl G J Kearey
Pte J B Grantlin
Pte T A McCracken
Pte L.J. White\Pte E. Bufton
Pte R. Peel
Pte M T Quirk
W. Connelly
O Keown
A Maitland
C Quinn
J Welch

QM S.M. Lancaster
L/Cpl W Baskerville
Pte R H Best
Pte B M Burns
Pte F P Hurley
Pte S. E. Fraser
F. Staples
Pte M T QuirK
Pte W.F. Ward
L/Cpl R. Hartup
Pte A E Hughes
Pte A TR
A Nelson

[Page 78]
Mr Walter Waterhouse
Archer St
Chatswood
NSW
Australia

On Active Service
Postmarked:
Army Post Office 25 DE

Passed by Censor No 3116
Signed: S W Johnson

[Page 79]
Black and White Picture Post Card of Chicksands Park

France
26/12/17

Dear old Chum
This is one of my own photos of the Compat Chicksands Park Shefford, tow cleared away for the winter. Sports meeting is in progress. Weather here at present is fine & cold. 3 inch fall of snow yesterday terminating Christmas festivities in orthodox fashion. Your letter to hand some weeks ago. Kindest regards Your old chum Rex

[Page 81]
Black and White Picture Post Card of soldier in uniform

[Page 82]
France
26/12/17

Walter

from his old friend
Rex

[Page 83]
Black and White Picture Post Card of "Sunset" R.S.C. Camp Seymour 13

[Page 84]
One of my own taken whilst at Seymour

[Page 85]
Black and White Picture Post Card of Chicksand Estate

[Page 86]
France
26/12/17

A farmhouse on the Chicksand Estate & where I have at times been entertained

[Page 87]
Lieut Walter L Waterhouse M.C.
Randwick Military Hospital
Sydney
N.S.W.

1 penny Australian postage stamp and stamped Rabaul N.W. Pacific Islands

[Page 88]
Malakuna
Rabaul, New Britain
6th January 1918

My dear Walter,

Just a line to ask whether you will be able to procure a "Rejects badge for me. The Customs authorities (Passport Office, Circular Quay) have my Medical Rejection Certificate, dated 8th December 1917, and should be able to direct you as to the course to be taken to secure same.
This note will serve as an authority from myself for you to make the application.

Your affectionate brother

J.H.L. Waterhouse

Lieut Walter L Waterhouse M.C.
Randwick Military Hospital,
Sydney.

[Page 89]
Envelope addressed to:

Lieut W L Watyerhouse M.C.
Archer St No 4 Military Hospital
Chatswood Randwick
N.S.W.

on active service.

Postmarked:
Field Post Office B WJA 18
Chatswood

Passed by Censor No 4373
Signed C James

[Page 90]
Black and White Picture Post Card
Paris – L'Hotel de Ville – The Town Hall

[Page 91]
Carte Postale

France 7 Jan 1918

Dear Walter
Yours of Oct 29 received yesterday. So sorry that bone is still giving you trouble – what a weary time you have had but I do hope by time this reaches you that it will have ceased to worry you & have knitted satisfactorily. I wrote a long letter yesterday to Stan & Mrs S which I think you will see & as usual you will forgive these brief cards. I say you are a bit too venturesome talking of taking on the Senior 5.5. Dept. aren't you. Your arm is not in a state to take liberties with it yet so go easy my friend. Plenty of ice about but I don't feel the cold nearly as much as last year. We are still in the quiet part adjoining your first experience in France. Am in no hurry to go out for a rest as we will probably camp in a big field in tents & we are far more comfortable here. Hope you were able to take chair at 5.5. amm without any penalty with your arm. There are some beautiful reception rooms in the Hotel de Ville Paris. Yours to a cinds

[Page 92]
Envelope addressed to:

Mr W. Waterhouse
Chatswood
N.S. Wales
Australia

O.A.S.
Luxor Hotel
Luxor

Postmarked
Luxor 17.1.18 8.30
Passed by Censor C C F.

G. [indecipherable]
A A N S

[Page 93]
Black and White Picture Post Card of Vue generale d'Assouan

[Page 94]
Union Postale Universelle
Egypte
Carte Postale

Dear Mr Waterhouse

We stayed at the pretty little place for one day & then went on to Luxor there we saw all the Relics of Ancient Egypt. Stayed here for a week & then we go back to Work. So grateful to you for papers & letters & promise to write soon.

Sincerely Yours

Grace Wright

[Page 95]
For one thing my sister whom I think I tole you was a bacteriologist like yourself, fell ill & died soon after you left England. As we had been together all our lives & as she was unique in every way, life can never be the same to me again.

I have few friends left now & it is nice to think that someone at the Antipodes thinks kindly of me. I am always so anxious about my dear friend Neville Smyth. It seems almost impossible eh can continue to escape indefinitely. I am just sending him a 'Chemico' body shield made of many layers of linen or some tissue. They say they are light (5 lbs) & efficient, but I suppose he'll throw on the rubbish heap.

Io think I must send you a copy of one of my novels – you didn't know it but I write stuppid stories sometimes - & you neednot read it, in fact I'd rather you didn't. But if you've any friends who subscribe to circulating libraries

[Page 96]
get them to demand my books & then my circulation will start in Australia & I shall be under a deep obligation to you.

I think I shall most likely spend the winter in London with my mother, so if you have any friend stranded in England then, give him a letter to me, here, & it will be forwarded & we shall always be more than glad to see him.

I hope we may yet have the pleasure of welcoming you here one of these days & if you ever return you must immediately let me know. Or perhaps, who known, we may meet in Australia.

Well, I'm glad to think you are with your friends & recovering slowly.

Yours sincerely

Marion Bryce

[Page 97]
3 envelopes addressed to:

Lieut Walter L. Waterhouse M.C.
"Cavinleith"
Chatswood
New South Wales.

Postmarked:

Rabaul N.W. Pacific Islands

Various stamps on letters – 2 x 1/2d, 1 x 2 ½ d, 1 x 3d

[Page 98]
Mr W. Waterhouse
Chatswood
Sydney N.S.W.
Australia

O.A.S.
Passed by Censor 2003
G Wright A.A.N.S.

[Page 99]
No 14 A.G.H.
Abbassia
19.1.18

My dear Mr Waterhouse

I came back from my week's holiday & saw a letter from you & about 10 Sydney Mails how good of you to send them to me so often I appreciate them, very much it is the only Sydney paper I get & it keeps me in touch with the things that used to be. And your letters they are full of interest i feel when I read them, most intellectual. How splendid if you could get a post on a boat. Very decent of your arm to heal up I do hope for the last time I have a case here in Hospital, I thought might be something like yours & he so far seems to be healing up right away. I wish I had seen your dressing & then I could have told you more about this one. Anyhow the boy is coming home to Randwick by the next boat & I do wish you would go & see him. His name is Sergt Baird, 6th Light Horse . M.M. too.
I want to tell you a little about my holiday. We left Cairo, thirteen of us on Saturday night 8 pm

[Page 100]
ii
secured a carriage for three of us two nice West Australian girls & myself & set off on our journey. We had only started about five minutes when a friend of one of the Sisters Major Derryington 1-3rd Regt came & found us out he then joined us & we were a merry party of four. the night was very cold & we had no sleeper so warmed our interiors with some coffee & biscuits at 10 pm & settled down for the night. My rug was thin & I was like a frog in the morning. Arrived at Luxor at 9.30 am but we were going on to Assowan, ran out to see if we could get some breakfast, all we could find was a cup of tea & some bread & butter. Climbed back into a smaller train & made our journey through a good deal of the desert, feeling by that time very dirty & sleepy. We did not care much & jumped for joy when we arrived at a very nice hotel & got a bath & a warm one. Something difficult to procure at No. 14 A.G.G. Appetites fit for horses we went down to dinner & then to bed. Next morning we were awake early & in out riding habits 8.30 am for a long day out. I might tell you we stayed in the party of four until the end of our trip. I will send you a few snaps later on. The riding skirts

[Page 101]
iii

provided some amusement as they were made out of two grey aprons & we had to be careful walking down stairs as the fit was too close. quite a lot of Tommy Officers staying at the hotel & I think they are inclined to be critical. Anyhow we mounted our Donks & rode off in fine style to some granite quarries & jolly fine they were too. A glorious day clear & fresh not too hot. You can imagine the fun we had careering along & having races all the way, from the Quarries we went to a very large dam & Barrage by it mean nearly the whole of Upper Egypt is irrigated. took photos & I saw a tiny 'walad' & put out my hands & said 'Talaluna' but the Kid did not take to it & screamed & ran for its life, the crowd of niggers laughing at the poor things. Went across the Nile & saw the Temple of Philas & Kiosk & then rode home seeing who could get into the hotel first & I won by a head. Had lunch & went off in a Fleuccca on the Nile & landed at Lord Kitchener's Garden Island for afternoon tea picnic basket from the hotel. A lovely garden – we stayed for about an hour & the guide presented us with a lovely bunch of Roses each & we arrived at the hotel just after sunset. Next morning we caught

[Page 102]
iv
the 10 past 10.00 train to Luxor arriving there about 4.30 pm. The hotel was not so nice as the other but the garden was a dream of beauty. Pretty little walks & about half an acre of ground cut up into large beds for roses & they were perfect huge Pink & Red ones & we could pick as many as we liked. We went out every day. Saw the Mummy of Rameses III & a little baby six months old when it died & I lived 2,000 years ago. The tombs are wonderful things & the state of preservation is marvellous. the walls still retain the paintings & the hierglyphrics are wonderful so clear. The last day we went to a pottery where all the Water Jars the women carry on their head are made. The Gyppos are wonderful they way they live. Very little clothes hardly a roof to the dwelling, dirty & unsanitary. I would not like to live too long amongst them. In the afternoon we went to an orange orchard. Got there by Fleucca the boatmen chanting to each other all the way. The Guide gave us afternoon tea in the centre of the orchard & one felt you could stay there for hours, but our time was short so we brought back some oranges with us & called in on our

[Page 103]
way back to see Bella Donna [indecipherable] where she used to live did not go in but the gardner gave us a bunch of roses each
got all our things together & hurried for the train & our journey was over at 8 am the next morning A most delightful holiday but too short. Today I have started duty in another ward & in two days time we are going to Port Said All the Hospital, but our mail will be alright as it will be sent down in bulk. Later –
We are now in Port Said & I feel too disgusted with the whole place to write you anything about it. Had a nice long letter from Sergt Sharpe do you remember him in Hut vi he says Parrott & McQuaid the shell shock cases are both very well & playing football. I was very pleased to hear it. I do hope you can read this stuff & I will give a optimistic description of Port Said later on.
Goodbye & would love to see you coming into Port Said on one of the boats soon

Sincerely Yours
Grace Wright

[Page 104]
Lieut W.L. Waterhouse M.C.
Archer St
Chatswood
NSW.

[Page 105]
Active Service Lieut W L Waterhouse M. C.
Archer St
Chatswood
N.S.W.

Stamped:
Field Post Office and dated 25 Ja 18

Signed: {indecipherable]
[Transcribers note – this is from his friend Jocelyn but unable to read his surname]

[Page 106]
Coloured picture post card of young boy and dog
"Cheer up, Old Boy!"
"Console-toi, mon garcon!"

[Page 107]
Post card
"American Kids Series"
France
24 Jan 1918
Dear Walter,
How does this card strike you. I'm making us of you this trip in asking you to distribute enclosed. It saves them being censored bu our officers – you know how we love that. Moonlight again & can hear Fritz dropping bombs think & heavy lower down the line but he does not trouble us in this quiet part,. Found a card here left by one of the "Eggs a cook" ambulances – will give you a copy of it below – not that I think there is any need to give such advice to you:- Your parcels and November mail are coming in slowly at last, I do hope that old arm of yours is making good progress now. You can have all your "Blighties" I prefer a whole skin.

Yours to a cinds
Jocelyn

WORK LIKE HELEN. B. HAPPY

[Page 108]
Photograph of two men standing on what appears to be log steps and wearing light coloured suits, one has dark shoes on the other light shoes

Inscription on back: Mr H A Tunnicliffe & self

[Page 109]
Very small photograph with man, birds, palm trees and water
Inscription on back:
"Mother" (Kabiu)
"South Daughter" (Tokoman)
"Tauwvier – Crater to Historic matupit near low lying land
Rabaul at head of bay to left

[Page 110]
Very small photograph with man, birds, palm trees and water.

Inscription on back:
Taken on lawn in front of Mission House

[Page 111]
Very small photograph of water with land in the distance.

[Page 112]
Lieutenant Walter L. WAterhouse M.C.
Randwick Military Hospital,
Sydney.
New South Wales

R 1199
"Mavis" B.H.

R 11/3/18

[Page 113]
Rabaul
New Britain
14th Feb. 1918.

My dear Walter,

Your very welcome 4 page letter of 27th ult duly to hand on 9th inst. Many thanks for all the trouble you went to re my Military Reject's badge. As I did not sign the papers referred to I presume the matter is ended. I note what you say about Lawry being definitely turned down by the M.O. It will no doubt be a relief to him to know just where he stands in that connection – he will of course always have the satisfaction of knowing that it was practically due to his work in connection with his work for the Munitions Board that he is incapacitated for the Front!

Re yourself – for Father's sake I shall be glad to hear that you are settled at your Alma Mater. I have no doubt whatever that at the Varsity there will be many opportunities for Empire service, directly and indirectly. The greatest critic must acknowledge that you have twice over done your bit right at the Front, already. I do trust the final opperation on your arm will improve it immensely and that eventually you will regain practically its full use.

Did I thank you for your photo (taken I presume at the Hospital) – if not I hasten to make good the omission. while I think of it Wal – were you not for a long time on Birdie's staff. Maybe I'm thinking of your appointment on the Brigade staff. Whho was your Chief while you were on "Gas" work?

I note all your remarks re stamps – herewith I enclose one each of 1/2d, 2d. 2 1/2d 4d, 6d, & 2/6 surcharged, unused Papuans. Please accept same with my best loloma. I can let you have a few more if you so wish. They will not of course s ell less than£ 1 worth at Port Morsby, nor will they sell more than £ 1 to any-one person.

[Page 114]
2.
There are magnificant opportunities here for photography. Should you happen to be near Kodaks any time could you see Mr Gray there and ask him whether he can thoroughly recommend for use here any of their Kodaks abt £ 5. I would like a post-card size, I think, unless Mr G. & yourself know of any special disadvantages. Already I have practically promised Mr. Margetts to take a new No 2 Jaynay tripod (abt 14/- in Sydney) that he has an hand here. This in passing.

An idea Wal of trying to make studies of coconut palms and other tropical & /or native trees. I should think a p.c. size length-wise would be O.K. for that – what do you think? Maybe I shall be able to do something in that connection for you – I mean agricl or botanical photos. If Kodaks are agreeable, and you could without inconveniencing yourself left them have say a deposit of two guineas, perhaps the camera selected by Mr G & yourself could be posted at once. If it is not convenient Wal just now please let the matter stand over. You will be pleased to hear, that despite a lower salary than at D.L. finances should be much easier with me here. I would send the amount herewith for the new camera but can barely ask for my quarter's salary till the end of this month. you can rest assured that draft for your advance and also balance of a/c will "go South" by return mail should you send it camera.
I would like a fair number of films and some gaslight paper & developer & cto but for the present would not get a tank developer & c. There is a good dark room here. Insurance F.P.A. & War Risk – it would be wise to attent to, perhaps. One again thought Wal, if it means that you are to be inconvenienced financially let it stand over [indecopherable]?
I have not forgotten the V.P.K. but can find a good use for it too – I have in mind certain canoe trips & c in the future when I would hardly like to risk the more expensive one. Re view-finder on proposed new camera – I wd like this as simple as possible. Mr Margetts had trouble with his (I think it was like that on p. 28 of Kodak Price List No 31). He said he had to bend exactly over the finder or he would cut out part of the picture. Anyhow

[Page 115]
3.

for myself I wd like the simplest. I do not like the acid fixer – if hypo can be used I prefer it – however I leave this to Mr G & yourself too.

Forgive me Wal for not giving you more talamoa –but I have tried to concentrate on diary pps so dar as description of thins is concerned & I know you will see that the pages.

Any criticism or hints re birds mentioned or others that Father, Lawry or yourself can offer I shall appreciate – also any hints & c re trees & plants you can pass on I will grateful for. I suppose there is no fairly simple book that you know of on tropical botany?

The monsoonal rains have started at last, water is cheap just now. It is a pity to see such a lot running to waste when the S.E. season (later on) is so dry

Much loloma, Wal
Your loving brother
J.H.L. Waterhouse

[Page 116]
O.A.S.
W.L. Waterhouse Esq
Archer St
Sydney
NSW
Aust 212/3/18

Post marked:
[indecipherable]
Passed by Censor
No 2853
Signed F W Taylor

[Page 117]
envelope addressed to:

Lieutenant Waterhouse
Randwick Hospital
Sydney
N.S.W

Mrs Demeral called from Chatswood

[Page 118]
List on back of envelope:

The Books of the Rothamsted Expts
A.D. Hall

Soil conditions & Plant Growth
E.J. Russell

Soil Fertility & Permanent Agriculture
Cyril Hopkins

English Farming Past & Present
R.E. Prothero

[Page 119]
Lieut W.L. Waterhouse M.C.
Military Hospital
Randwick
Sydney
N.S.W.

Postmarked:
[indecipherable]
15 Apr 18 3.30 PM

Help To Win the War
[indecipherable] Savings Certificate
Eligibles Enist

[Page 120]
Back of envelope:
The University,
Adelaide.

[Page 121]
The University,
Adelaide
Box 498 G.P.O.
April 12th 1918

Dear Mr Waterhouse,
I meant to have written to you long ago, chiefly to tell you that I had seen Prof. Rennie before I heard from you, & had asked him where I might get some extra copies of his paper. Then your letter came saying that you had written to the publishers. If I hadn't been so silly i would have easily obtained another copy & could have saved you that trouble. However if you would like any

[Page 122]
for your friends I will be only too pleased to send them to you.
What you told me about returned officers not being allowed to go back to the front was new to me. I think I told you before what I think about 'mere' civilian work in your case & in the case of any scientific man but I can quite understand the feeling which makes you use the word 'mere'.
I can't tell you my feelings about the war at present.
to think that Aementieres is once again a centre of activity & that our men will again be talking about Plug Street ....... It seems quite inconceivable.
By last mail I received a letter from Mr. Grugeon & one from Mr. Pritchard. Mr Grugeon has had 5 or 6 weeks in the hospital with

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a poisoned leg but is otherwise quite content with his lot.
Mr Pritchard is head of a nitro-acid plant of some sort or another & although he likes the work he says it is very strenuous. He gave me quite an interesting house-keepers diary of the cost of various articles of food. I think he said it cost the, about 6/10 per. day for bare necessities.
UI think this year is going to be a very happy one for me now that I am used to being away from home. Sometime I will tell you about my trip to Victor Harbour & to the Salt Lakes. The salt lakes are amongst the most interesting of my experiences.
This year I am lecturing to a big evening class & am conducting the practical

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work on the same evening.
I had the first lecture last night & it was one of the most amusing things imaginable.
To begin with the course is a special one for Pharmacy students but all interested may attend. Well there are 22 of the, ranging from grey haired middle age to big-tailed youth. Worse still - they are mostly men.
There are seven wood0-workers amongst them who desire to know the anatomy of wood. They are the rule of thumb type who usually rely on their sense of smell in identifyiny a piece of wood & of course our aim is to give them a more sound basis. There are also a few horticulturists. So you see there is going to be variety.
I felt very nervous at seeing my houry students & went too quickly for the,. You can imagine my dismay when

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I found that I had finished me lecture half an hour too soon! I suppose practise will rmemdy that defect.
tonight I am opening a debate at the Women's "Union on Science v. Arts which will probably be exciting since Adelaide is literally steeped in classicism. Professor Osborne lent me an unprinted lecture of his on "Science of the Nation" which is splendid.
Have you read "The place of Science in Education" in the Federal Handbook for the visit of the Brit. Ass. That & the Presidential Address to the Education section are very good & I thought you might like them.
I am afraid I wander on

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regardless of whether you might be interested in the things I tell you or not.
I hope you are feeling a lot better now & that last treatment did you good. In your case I suppose gradual improvement is a better sign than a hasty one.
I will be interested to hear how you get on & wishing you the best of luck.
I am,
Yours sinderely
Marjorie I Collins

P.S. Science won the Debate

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[Copy of certificate
D.H.Q's Print, Sydney.]
Military Forces of the Commonwealth
2nd Military District

District Head-Quarters
Victoria Barracks,
Sydney 15 Feb 1921

To Lieut W.L. Waterhouse. MC
Department of Botant, Imperical College of Science
Sth Kensington, London SW 7
I have to inform you that you have been transferred to Retired List
as from 1.10.20 and that notification of this appears in Commonwealth
of Australia Gazette, No 6 of 13.1.21

Your attention is directed to A.M.R. 159, reading as under: -
" An Officer of the Unattached, Reserve, or Retired List shall report himself at
commencement of each year, in writing, to the Commandant of the District in
which he last served on the Active List, failing which his name may be removed
from the List. An Officer reporting himself will. at the same time, forward his
address for the current year, and any subsequent change of address should be notified.

W Butler Major
for A.A.G., 2nd Military District

[indecipherable]
Gampton Rd
Twickenham
Middoc

Dear Mr Waterhouse,

I thought I would send you a few lines as I saw your son in hospital this afternoon & I know how anxious you must be to hear of him. He is getting on very well. Although I am afraid it is rather a slow job. As doubtless you know he was wounded in the left arm by high explosives. This afternoon

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he was in hopes of being able to write you a few lines himself but had just returned from the Xrays & so was rather tired & shaky.

I am a cousin of [indecipherable], great friend of your son's – Noel Cuthbert. Perhaps you have heard of him in letters home. They were both attached to the staff at the same time. I had a letter from my cousin asking me to go & see his friend [indecipherable] Waterhouse who was wounded in London so last Saturday my Father & I called at

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the hospital & saw him & I repeated the visit today. I am glad to say I saw a great improvement in him this afternoon.
He is quite happy & well looked after, has quite a number of friends call to see him & is a general favourite in his ward which is a large one & consists, I should say, of about forty beds. The only things that concerns him is the thought that you at home should worry about him. He is very cheerful & bright & of

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course like all our brave boys makes light of all his sufferings. When he is able to get about we hope he will come & see us here sometimes as many of my cousin's friends will always have a very hearty welcome & I am sure we cannot do enough for all the splendid med who have come so many thousands of miles to help us in this terrible war.

Hoping that soon you will have the pleasure of receiving a letter from your son in his own writing.

I remain,
Yours sincerely
Daisy L Lavender

[Transcribed by Lynne Frizell for the State Library of New South Wales]