Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

Reginald Hewitt - scrapbook, 1940-1944
MLMSS 7169

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[Cover]

Franking Stamp dated 8 Aug 16
Postage stamp 0/9 ½ d Australia

Addressed:
MR. R. HEWITT.
35 WELLS ST.
ANNANDALE.

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3 Franking Stamps

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AUSTRALIAN MILITARY LIAISON OFFICE
G.H.Q. M.E.F.

TO ALL REPATRIATED AND ESCAPED PRISONERS OF WAR

Now that you are at last commencing the "Last Lap" in your journey home, may I, besides wishing each one of you a happy and pleasant trip back to the folks "Down Under", offer a word of advice.

Remember you still have comrades left behind in the Enemy’s hands. That anything you say, particularly where it gets press publicity in big or small papers, or is passed on by casual conversation, may have a boomerang effect on your mates and any friendly civilians who may have in the past helped you. Don’t give anything away except to the proper authorities, for being sorry afterwards cannot recall the spoken word or written interpretation placed upon it.

In your voyage home still play the game as Australian Soldiers, and make the trip pleasant for yourself and those whose duty it is to look after you.

All are sorry we have not been able to get some of you away earlier from the heat of Egypt, but there are very many circumstances operating over which even higher authority has no control at this present juncture.

Of practically all of you, with a very small exception in this present main contingent of repatriates and escapees, I can speak and write with admiration regardingyour conduct. Realizing to some degree your feelings and reaction to freedom, I think you have, on the whole, played your part well. For the one or two incorrigibles I feel grieved that the A.I.F. reputation – not their individual reputation – has been smudged at this late hour. I think you all realize that nothing can be achieved without good all round discipline and good health.

My staff and myself wish you individually "Bon Voyage".

[signed]
James A Chapman, Colonel,
Australian Military Liaison Officer.

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[Images of next 2 pages out of order]

CONFIDENTIAL

NOTES IN CONNECTION WITH REPATRIATED OR RETURNED PRISONERS OF WAR on ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

The following general notes which are issued under a Confidential heading should be of value to all personnel being returned to Australia from enemy custody.

1. First action on disembarkation in Australia

All sick and wounded personnel requiring further hospital or medical treatment will be evacuated immediately on arrival to an appropriate general or other hospital.

All other personnel will be marched into GDD [vide GRO A 597/1943 para [16]. A separate area or portion of the camp should be set aside for their accommodation, and arrangements should be made that every stage of their progress through the procedure herein prescribed is facilitated and expedited to the greatest possible extent.

Medical examination

Personnel recommended for hospital or convalescent treatment prior to being granted home leave will be evacuated to an appropriate hospital or convalescent depot.

Personnel requiring convalescent treatment only will be evacuated to a convalescent depot in their home state.

Leave

Approval has been given for the granting to all repatriated and returned personnel of 21 days’ disembarkation leave, exclusive of travelling time, but total leave and travelling time must not exceed 35 days.

Personnel who require any medical or convalescent treatment will not be granted such leave unless they are certified by an examining medical officer as fit to proceed upon leave.

All personnel will be advised, before proceeding on leave, that if they desire any assistance in any personal or domestic problems while on leave they should consult the Amenities Officer [Special Duties] at HQ of their L of C Area.

All personnel will be entitled immediately prior to discharge to war service leave, in accordance with GRO A 598/1943 Part XIII and the period of captivity will be counted as service qualifying for such leave.

Clothing Ration Coupons

Clothing ration coupons will be issued on disembarkation to all personnel who have not received an issue of coupons for the current year in accordance with the provisions of GRO F 184/1944.

Food Coupons

Food coupons will be issued at final LTD before proceeding upon leave. Arrangements will also be made whereby personnel may, prior to proceeding on leave, purchase tobacco and cigarettes, in accordance with the normal ration scale covering the period of leave, from the canteen attached to the LTD granting leave.

Subsistence allowance

An advance of subsistence allowance of £3 will be paid by last LTD through which members pass to all those going on leave. Any balance will be drawn on return from leave on production of leave pass.

Action upon return from leave

Personnel will be medically boarded and classified in accordance with the provisions of GRO A 205/1944; and will then be disposed of [subject to any special instructions issued by LHQ] under directions from L of C Area Records Office as may be appropriate in accordance with the instructions contained in GRO A 415/1943 and A 600/1943 or any subsequent orders replacing them. Officers [including chaplains] will be disposed of in accordance with instructions from LHQ.

Postal

Letters and telegrams will be delivered to personnel at place of disembarkation, or, if practicable, at any earlier intermediate port of call.

On disembarkation, all ranks will be instructed to arrange for future correspondence to be addressed to the appropriate hospital, GDD etc. Arrangements will also be made to facilitate the sending of telegrams by personnel at their own expense announcing their safe arrival in Australia. It is not proposed to arrange for standard-text free telegrams. A telegram will be subject to usual censorship.

Reception by P W Societies and Visits of Next of Kin and Friends

Subject to usual security precautions, permission will be given and arrangements made by L of C Area of disembarkation or detraining, for parties of repatriated P W to be met by representatives of Australian Red Cross Society, Prisoners of War Relatives Association, and any similar organization, which may desire to be represented, for the purpose of welcoming personnel and distributing comforts.

Except as above, next of kin and friends will not be permitted to meet personnel at point of disembarkation, but may be permitted to see them as soon as possible at hospital or GDD under such arrangements as may be made to suit local convenience.

Eligibility for Service Chevrons

Eligibility for service chevrons is governed by GRO A 45/1943. An ex-PW may count his period of detention by the enemy towards eligibility to wear service chevrons.

Security

Censorship rules as for the military forces in Australia will be applicable to these personnel.

Members are forbidden to communicate with the press or to give interviews for broadcasting or other media of publicity on military matters, whether by correspondence, personal interviews with press representatives or by any other means.

James A Chapman, Colonel,
Australian Military Liaison Officer.

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3/4/41
Water shortage. Very serious. What we are using vile. On Iron Rations for past week. Joined up with 3rd Indian Armoured Div done 60 mile today.
4/4
Dep Camp moved 30 miles met Indian Regt & Orders taken to strip Guns for action. [Sooner than expected] 4 ½ hrs Travel then through the worst country on Gods Earth not a thing but sand Dust & Heat awful is no name for it no wonder they want young Blood in the army. Arrived at [indecipherable] about 6 oclock Just sand. First thing look for water then some Grub. Sleep on Desert no Tents or covering. Had l hrs fire at us we – I’ll say we did.
5/4/41
Enemy opened attack lasted 2 hrs.
6/4/41
Enemy again attacked. No Damage to us. Dug our slit trenches like hell & as deep as possible in sand.
6/4/41
Attacked again 10 AM till 2 pm all Guns in action & did we get hell enemy driven Back No Cases yet. Ger & Iti officers come in too Brig & Col & ask us to surrender. Told when they get off. Rest of time spent in preparation still no tank traps or Barb wire. Just plain desert. Attacked again in night from 7 till midnight we got merry hell again very heavy.
7/4/41
lost 1 man & 1 Gun this morning again. Ger & Iti officers come in & ask us to surrender. Answer the same. One of our planes [the first we saw incidentally] dropped a note & told us we were surrounded on all sides [very cheerful]. Orders to prepare to move first light.
8/4/41
Approx 2 AM orders given. All ready to move worked all night. First Break made by 10 Bty & RHQ. We were rear guard [what for God only knows] 7AM 3 very lights go up all clear mount Trucks & prepare to move. As soon as we do up goes a red very sent up by us

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the white sent up by Ger & Itis in a trap & Bombardment started in earnest & what a Time Tanks M.G. Bredas & H.E. Bombs they throw everything you can think of. 10 Bty get away. Part of RHQ & 2 Troops of 11 Bty. We as rear Guard with Indian Regt trapped & did we get it. Lasted for 2 ½ hrs. We had only 4 Guns with us then. Indians with M.G. & Rifles & A.A. Guns only – Ger Tanks advance in our lines & one cruising about Trench I am in expected any minute to be run over by it. only a small shell hole with 4 or us in it. A wonderful feeling. Orders given to surrender at 9.20 then we were rounded up & spent the worst day that could be possible to Imagine in Desert Dust Storm all day & Blazing hot. had Goggles on dust just smothering eyes Handkerchief tied round mouth ears full no hat on Tin Hat knocked of with Bayonet. Sat in that all day without water.
Ger & Iti Tanks & Troops coming in from all sides all day & night. Night Just as bad. still no water. Marched up to fort for night. Bitterly cold no covering nearly frozen stiff.
Ger officers allowed us to light a fire to try & keep warm all Huddled together like dogs Indians Aussies & English about 2000 Captured all Told. Held all day
9/4/41
Same conditions. left the fort in Trucks for Derna arr Derna
10/4/41. Slept on Aerodrome again huddled up like dogs. Water & food very scarce. 10 more of our lads Brought in. Moved into Derna in afternoon
12/4/41
told we could write home thank God for that. the start of a Beautiful Easter I don’t think. Dep for Bengahzi
13/4 Travelled all night 25 in Truck Conditions cruel. 1 Tin Bully all day.

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[This page out of order]
5/4/41
Set off with Q.M. to deliver Cognac to Crews of all the Guns. Arr at P. Kelly’s & tipped a couple of noggins into them & then they said let em come. Oh Boy did it have a kick? then on to Vin Rayners Gun & same Greeting from them it was then too late to continue the rounds then Being 11 PM & I was not sorry as the Guns were certainly Scattered as I found out next Day when we went around them again in a truck. We had a little surprise on coming in after Vins Gun we were halted in the pitch dark by the Indian Guards & luckily knew the password otherwise I would not have been here to tell the tale as the Indians are not too bad of a shot I’ll say. We eventually kidded one of them to have a nip & we passed on our way.
I suppose we would have walked about 1 ½ miles altogether trusting to luck as whether we would strike our own trucks or not. I took the direction which I thought was right & whether it was luck or good Judgement I do not know but we arrived safely at about 1 AM. Then to bed sitting up in a Slit Trench

[The following is a continuation of a July 41 entry]
to step forward which about 60 did so they were given 30 days but owing to there being so many they had to be taken to another compound it then being about 10.30 the next thing he does is to order 5 parades a day. 7.9.2.4.8 for 5 Days & cut out walks & Dips. God knows what we will finish up at. he also told us that we were not under British deciplne but Italian but I dont think that British Deciplne calls for M.G. to be brought into action against unarmed prisoners anyhow here’s hoping. he also told us that a repetion of same he would open fire without any warning.
24/7/41
We had a visit from an Iti General who promised us that if we behaved ourselves during our stay in this camp which was only Temporary he would do all he can to improve our conditions for us. He then met a deputation from us in regard to treatment of POWs food conditions generally punishment & Red X pils & big Issue & he promised to get the red X Rep to camp as soon as possible now it is for us to wait & see.

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14/41
Arrived 4.15 AM at Bengazhi food & water bad I am suffering from Dysentry & wish I had have been popped off. in agony & no chance of being fixed up. Food issue 1 Tin Bully 2 Biscuits per day & what Biscuits. All more or less down with Dysentry. No wash or shave since capture. Health outlook not the Best.
16/4
Work party taken out to wharf [320 Aussies]
18/4
Drew 4 days Rations 4 Bully 4 PKTS Biscuits & Loaded into trucks for 4 days nightmare Journey approx 700 miles. I did not think the human body could stand up to such conditions. Travelled 15 hrs first Day slept in Trucks only allowed out to lavortory 2nd night at Sirte done about 200 mile 2 more days of this in Misurata & Adgedabia [Ajdabiya] arr Tripoli 21 slept in Barraks conditions ?
22/4/41
Dep for Sabratha by train. Stand up or sit on floor about 60 miles out in desert. Arr Sabratha 1.15pm. Conditions change a little issued with 2 small loaves bread Tin Bully. Slept on concrete floor.
23/4
given coffee & 6 AM Dixie Macaroni for dinner ½ tin Bully for tea. On 2 meals a day of Macaroni Stew same thing every day. Smokes not in the question. Still bad with dysentry
29/4
new orders re camp must stay in room 8-11- 2-5. Just like prison [I’ll say]. Hair cut off.
30/4
big Issue [35] Same old thing until
3/5/41
left for Italy taken to Tripoli in goods trucks Tripoli Bombed night previous fires & explosions all day . in trucks all day [43 to truck] murder. Returned to Sabratha after 15 hr in trucks. Navy did good work. Dep Sabratha again 9.30 pm
4/5/41
Dot’s Birthday arr at Tripoli 5.30 am marched to Boat [Rialto] . Went aboard & sent Below in holds with hatches on allowed out to Lav. Given a cup of Tea & biscuits by Captain of ship. Good stew for dinner & soup or tea conditions very good on Boat treated well. Still suffer from Dysentry

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Under convoy to Naples, had a look at Mt Stromboli & Mt Vesuvius arr Naples 6 AM
7/4/41
Scenery since sighting land very Pretty. Entrained at Naples in fairly good carriages & Issued w/- 2 loaves & Tin Bully for Capua arr Capua 12.30 Marched about 2 mile to camp. Cond not so bad here. had a bath the first since capture & deloused [oh yes] 20 in a tent. 1st letter Home
11/5/41
big Issue [35]
13/5/41
Dep Capua 14/5/41 8.15 pm. 17 hr Journey to Aquila Province Arr Sulmona 1.15 pm Detrained & marched to Camp approx 3 mile. Just about all in when we arrived. Now in our Perm Camp. Conditions here best yet. Eng & other prisoners here some 12 mths. [Font di Amore] meaning Valley of Love. Camp sits [indecipherable] picturesque country. Hills & Mountains some 1000 to [indecipherable]000 ft high. All [indecipherable] snowcapped very pretty with sun shining on them. We overlook a very pretty flat valley. Green fields & Houses really a pretty Sight. Penententiary here for terms of 7 years & over. On one of the Mountains is a House built in the Rock about 2/3rds of the way up. Built during last war & occupied by a hermit. trees also planted by Austrian prisoners during last war. A very nice place all round only trouble to us are the walls around us.
Just below the camp a creek runs & the womenfolk do their washing there. I saw them go to the washtub as we call it at 7.30 & still there at 5.30 at night. Just scrubbing away all the time. We are about 2000 ft above sea level. Highest mountain 17,000 ft.
17/6/41
Englishman dies of Typhoid. Had a big surprize about a week ago. Ven Rayner one of our Lads reported dead & buried on desert put in Compound next to us officers have something to answer for the ------- trying to get him [indecipherable]. Rus Kelly at Dapua in Hospital

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Our departure from Sulmona on 17/7/41. What a day. We were called on parade about 8 AM & checked & counted then told that we would be leaving in 1 hr it then being 8.45 so off to pack up then return Blankets & pillow the time arrives for us to leave & we are marched out of compound to front of Camp & then counted & Recounted & found to be 1 man short. Well it took 1 hr to check us over in the Boiling Sun & standing there the sweat Just run off us . Finally they discovered that there was not a man short & so on our way. We marched out of Grounds at 11.5 AM & wound our way around through the valley & then the village then on to Sulmona Township of course the longest way round for us to be looked at. We duly arrived at Sulmona Stn at 12.15 & were entrained & pulled out at 1.15. So to it we go. After leaving Sulmona we passed quite a lot of picturesque country all under cultivation every available patch of soil is used even right to the Railway line. Waterways are plentiful Just one continuous river of good clean water. As we travelled further North the people seemed to be more friendly & also the dwellings were more of a class style. At Pettoso the water of the Adriatic Sea by the way we travelled for miles right along the edge of the sea the Rly line not being 30ft away & in between the line & water vegetables & fruit & corn growing a thing you would hardly believe unless seeing it. Then at another part the people were at a sort of a seaside resort & one of them handed up some milk & fruit to some of the Boys but they were soon chased away by the Guards they being right along the line as well as in with us. Well that scenery went on the whole way until we arrived at Verona next day & then we were reversed & went off on a Branch line seeing some more of the beautiful hills valleys & H Elect Works goods yds & quite a variety of cultivation until finally we arrived at our destination of detraining a place called Belzano, a very big township [Indus] we arrived there at 1.45, detrained again in the boiling sun & were met with 2 lorries to put our gear on so we naturally thought this is ok but there sure was a catch in it. After counting again we started on our trek to where we did not know but we found out later on as we marched about 4 ½ mile with the Sun giving us little

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hell & sweating like a man Just out of the shower well on we kept going with 2 spells in between & arrived at camp a place called Prato All Isarco at 5.45. Then a scramble to find our gear which had been unloaded out on the roadway. After we recovered same we were checked off the lists & sent to what we thought was our new quarters. Well we struggled on & just about all in & we find that we have to scratch up a bed for ourselves & after trudging up & down stairs of a 3 storie building such as it is I beleive it was used as an old Brewery & musty as hell we could not find a bed so gave it up until one of the Itis Sgts found us one it then being about 7.15 & tired not a bit of it. There were about 500 already here & at 7pm was the Hot Water issue so as you can make a cup of Tea for yourself but we were told none for us so into our bunks disgusted & Tired & remember nothing until next morning at Revellie 6.30. Thus ended the first session of our new quarters. Well next morning we were put on parade for a issue of coffee that is at 7 AM. then there is a muster parade at 8 AM. then you cannot go into the barrack room as they call it until 10.30 which is dinner time. So up you belt grab your dixie & get on the rank for dinner which consisted of stewed rice with olive oil & tomato puree added. Well I can tell you that I being a little hungry I had what we call a back up it then being about 11.15 AM. We are then allowed to go into our rooms [oh yeah] & have a sleep or rest that being allowed until 2 pm when we are on parade again for another count & then again not allowed into the Barrack rooms until 4.30 Tea hr which we have to eat in the yard where it is served to us. We are sitting or standing around the yard & in among us is the pig Stye & all they do is squeal like hell every time the meal comes on which by the way was stewed rice again. In the night after the evening meal we are allowed to roam around until 8 pm then we have another count & then are allowed until 9.15 to walk about which is usually about ¾ hr before we are sent into bed. We have to be in bed by 9.30, strict silence by 10 pm lights out 11 pm & so ends our first full day in our new surroundings. On the parade the [indecipherable]

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Major demands 100 per cent disiplne & the inspection is taken in squads & the whole business spring to attention a sight worth seeing especially under our conditions.
On Sat night 10/7/41 we had a visit from the padre RC a very jovial chap telling us how lots of the wealthy people pay lots of money to come to this part of the country for their health’s sake & also for the scenery.
It was at one time I believe Austrian country & is about 30m from Ger & it is also the beginning of the famous Brenner pass. We have one thing in our favor here we can see some of the civilian population moving around & the trains passing through. But up to date I do not think that it will be a patch on Sulmona. We have plenty of home comforts here. Which we did not have at Sul.
On our second night in some of the lads were playing cards on their Beds after 10 pm when the orderly officer came around & snatched the cards away from then & Roared like a town Bull & then into them with a stick he was carrying belting them around their Ass & what a scramble for bed then. I had Just come back from the Latrine & saw what was going on so I Jumped into bed in full dress Boots & all & was fast asleep [Like Hell]. Next morning they were Charged & sentenced to 3 & 5 days in the cells & a woeful looking dump it is searched & had their smokes taken from them – allowed to take 1 Blanket in with them & they will need it as it gets very cold here at night.
23/7/41
Another stage of the game took place when one of the Boys were supposed to have given some lingo to one of the Guards & was asked to step forward which was not done until night parade in the meantime we had new camp standing orders issued that we were to be in Bed at 8.30 silence at 9.0. Well that was being carried out when the next think we knew is the Mjr called another parade & still wanted the chap to come forward but in the meantime he had two Machine Guns Brought to the compound & mounted & also about 20 Guards then one of the Boys laughed at the mate & the Mjr asked him what he was laughing at & was told his mate with that he smashed him across the face with his hand, then the fun began - he was a little [indecipherable] I would say & he gave orders for the men that clapped & whistled

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Herewith a Brit destroyer of 1400 Tons while assisting to evacuate troops from Crete was sunk about 15 miles from shore by Ger dive bombers with about 500 men aboard including part of a Bty of the 3rd A/A Regt from Vic. Approx 220 were picked up by Iti M.T.B. after being in the water from five to eight hours.
Menu P.O.W.
MON. 7.15 AM HOT WATER;" 11 AM MACARONI [1 Loaf 1 Biscuit]
" 12.30 HOT WATER;" 4.30 M&V Stew;" 6.0 HOT WATER
Tues. 7.15 HOT WATER;" 11 AM Pasta [1 Loaf 1 Bis]
" 12.30 HOT WATER;" 4.30 M&V Stew;" 6.0 HOT WATER
WED. 7.15 ";" 11 AM Mac [2 Loaves]
" 12.30 HW. 1 Apple Din;" 4.30 Veg Stew Vino for Tea;" 6.0 HW.
THURS 7.15 HW.;" 11 AM Plain Rice;" 12.30 HW. 2 Loaves;" 4.30 Veg Stew 1 Apple;" 6.0 HW.
FRI. 7.15 HW.;" 11 AM Pasta [1 Loaves 1 Bis]
" 12.30 HW.;" 4.30 M&V Stew;" 6.0 HW
SAT. 7.15 HW;" 11 AM PastaMAC [1 Loaf 1 Bis]
" 12.30 HW;" 4.30 M&V Stew;" 6.0 HW.
SUN. 7.15 HW.;" 11 AM PASTA;" 12.30 HW.;VINO 4.30 M&V Stew;" 6.0 HW. [2 Loaves]
It would be hell to us if no Red X Pcls oh yes I’ll say]

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1/10/41
Morning opened up wet. Real dreary outlook it puts on life here. Pcls [parcels] issued today make things a little better most men out of smokes. Red lead rice for morn meal made mine into curry. Received some news of B [indecipherable] bombings of 10 Iti towns lasts night also that the civilian rations are being cut down still further down to 200 grammes of bread which is about ½ lb. One of the men working on rebuilding was given a tin of salmon & he said he would take it home for his bambinos was held up at the gate & searched & they wanted to sack him immediately & shove the chap into Jug who gave it to him. Result we are forbidden to give them anything whatsoever. I feel very sorry for the people here they are definitely feeling the hunger pinch.
2/10/41
Again wet & miserable same old routine we were issued with Iti jackets at 3 pm not before needed a wonderful fit just like a Bruce suit-o-coats the same you can use them for a Jacket they are that short. Final of bridge tournament played 1st day won by Gossner Holder prize of 100 Cigs donated by Winners to indoor entertainment committee. They had already backed themselves with the bookie at odds of 400 to 20.
New camp order that all ground sheets & capes & Leather Vests to be handed in by 10 AM 3/10/41 otherwise will be confiscated, it is to try & prevent you escaping in winter who wants to. Mine stops with me. Letters arrived none for me.
3/10/41
Still overcast but not raining news bulletin tell us more boloney but mentions that Brit & Ger are going to exchange sick & seriously wounded prisoners claims to have 12 times as many as Britain. Our fleet sunk again all our planes are gone by now. Great joy in camp a big batch of pcls from home arrive dispatched 14-21/7/41 all good pcls everything we need most. The major is at the opening up process to say what you can keep & what they take mostly pyjama coats & pullovers are being taken but they will be returned we are told after an arm band is sewn in them. Quite a few of the pcls have been got at & things pinched. Les Morel has

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lost socks & Jumper & chocolate Bryce Jones Razor & other small items by the main things arrived. I am still waiting on one to come for me. It has made a big difference in the atmosphere getting things from good old Aussie.
4/10/41
A pcl arrived for Jack none for me [oh boy]. Fine day Same old routine only we have our weekly hot bath today. Impromptu community concert put on in Maggazino owing to our Concert Hall being used by us as sleeping Quarters. Grapes issued at lunch Padre back today after 4 days at Verona Museum. One of the Tommy prisoners died tonight from ptomaine poisoning ate salmon left in tin for 3 days opened. Padre for 3 hrs with him not an RC but repeated prayers after him & died in peace a sad end after being spared shot & shell & water. Had a little Choir practise after community then to bed. Still being driven mad with itch at night.
5/10/41
18th Letter home Card Mum.
Another fine morning Mass at 9.45 Padre very pleased with chapel wh we had some sign writing done during his absence in Verona. Told us how Tommy passed away saying mass on Monday for all departed souls. Tis said that 92 or more of the soldats here are moving up today it must be a big drain on them by now.
A German Red X Train has Just passed loaded with wounded arms off heads bandaged & plenty of Stretcher cases all going home. We have Just been called on a wood muster carried none. Fisher sitting opposite doing a bit of darning to his Jumper. Charlie & Jack asleep. Fred Luck hit on head unloading wood he gets his chop of everything thats going. Another all day walk announced for tomorrow. 3 men from each squad I did not draw. Orders out again no trading. Nth West boys get more letters today the best mail getters in camp so far.

Going to Rosary now. Padre tells us permission has obtained for 6 men [Eng] to be present at funeral of Tommy who died. Permission not granted at first but padre went to Bolzana & saw Minister for Army. Vino for tea tonight.

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6/10/41
Fine again usual routine did my washing & then watched training for sports. The men chosen for funeral turned out looking Just like new soldiers must have went right through the camp & picked best battle dress then borrowed an Iron from the Iti tailor & pressed Clothes. Looked that well the Major of the camp was surprised & also pleased. Left at 4 o’clock. Under honor. Air Raid alarm on tonight for ½ hr never saw or heard a thing I believe It is were blowing bugles & running everywhere. Slept through the lot. Have not had a decent nights sleep for a long while now with Itch.
7/10/41
Fine again had a chat with Jeff after he went on all day walk people very friendly. We have a cart here which we take our old tins & Rubbish away in & 4 or so men go out with it to a dump & as soon as you tip the cart the women girls & children Jump straight in among the lot & grab any bread or anything eatable out of it. It is B cruel to see them you would not give it to pigs let alone a human being. Have taken on spud barbering it fills in the time.
More letters arrive. None for me. R.S.M. has written away to Red X to find out position in regard to trading in goods. Played a few tunes in night Benediction & Rosary in afternoon first Benediction service held in chapel held in candle light very impressive choir sounded nice.
8/10/41
FM again. Six months POW today. it seems years Red X Pcls issued today Canadian. Told that we will be paid a visit by a commissioner from Rome tomorrow. Be clean & tidy [oh yeah.] More mail today none for me. Fitzie 2 Tolle 2 had a bit of a tune with P.A. in night no lights until nine o’clock [- lights here always breaking down why? What will next 6 mths bring?

[Page 18]
9/10/41
Fine M. On first pde told to expect another pde in approx 1 hr. for the visitors turned up at 3.15. We were led to believe it was an Aussie as they were only interviewing Australians but it was Itis. Some knut with a artificial arm & a string of ribbons & medals. All were inspected & then all men who were captured at Bengashi or close handy to fall out separate then we were inspected again & individual names taken from each squad. What for we wonder. Previous to pde we were told to put any Aussie Hats or tunics on that we had. Herb Charlie & Ray & Ron Bell picked from our squad. Kelly & Fitzie also picked. Grapes on for tea. Iti [indescipherable] engr says was will last 3 more years [oh yeah]

10/10/41
19 Letter home Card.
Dull morning & a bit nippy. Men picked out of Squads yesterday were fallen in at 9 AM & taken outside of compound then asked to pose for a photo all refused but after being told that it was not to be used for propaganda but personal studies all but 11 had them taken. They were told that they will each receive a photo. Sports meeting today Champion ships of Eng & Aussie. Aussies S in a good afternoons sport. Benediction & Rosary more mail none for me. RSM read a letter that he is sending to Col Fisk American ambassador in Rome in regard photos’ taken. He did not have his taken amp; told It is that he was in sympathy with men. It is also demanded from him a full Aussie Uniform Badges etc & as that is an order he has written to find out the actual position.
11/10.41
F.M. getting fresher. usual routine throughout day. An apple issued for tea meal usual Sat Bath amp; shave community in night. We were issued with a Housewife today & stone the crows the best thing I thought in it was a fine tooth comb. All the chats are mostly on the body so I do not know how we will get on combing ourselves there. I still have my Itch still nothing for it.

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12/10/41
Fine morning but oh boy is it cold ask me.
Wished May many Happy returns could not see her so wished it to her photo. Had a rotten night last night what with dreams which I hope do not come true. One of the Sgts here was pushing my wisdom tooth out with his fingers & spitting blood like one thing. I found the tooth in my bed. Then I dream about Elsie what a hell of a dream I could see as plain as daylight in her coffin & looking her usual paleness I said that I would put a bit of rouge on her face I did & she looked very peaceful what a dream. I am then awakened by the peal of church bells it being 5.15 am they rang for a ¼ hr so that part was not a dream I hope nothing is wrong.
It is blowing a gale now & cold. We have never had anything like it most of the men are in bed. Frank Fisher not too good today. Still no word from Jack.
13/10/41
Very cold morning feet nearly frozen & it is not winter yet. Another hell of a night last night. 2 of the Aussies had a crack at escape but they must have packed S as one squealed for help & then on his mate who had got back into bed. Bugles blowing & a hell of a noise at 12.45 when I was wakened they blew for an air Raid & also I think the escape. Next thing we have Sgts up through the Barracks calling for No 10 squad to go down on parade that was at 2.10 AM after the mugs had been caught they returned about ¼ to 3 & of course the usual discussion took place as it it was daytime therefore no sleep. One of the bravadoes climbed on to the roof of the Carabeneiris sleeping Qtrs & sure enough woke the one sleeping underneath up who could have shot him there & then but he left it to the one on duty outside. He cried that much that he took pity on him & let him come down. He was given 10 days for not shooting him. How in the hell they ever

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thought they were going to get away has us all beaten as the cold would kill anyone at present & it was a lovely moonlight night. So as per usual the result is that we get our pcls & Cigs stopped for a fortnight we are told. At night pde we are then told that we will be given our cigs Doumani but it has not come yet.
14/10/41
Very cold again orders given that silence must be adhered to after 9.30. Went to [indescipherable] saw people at dodger again only wish I had a camera you would sure get the shock of your life.
15/10/41
Cold morning rumors now that we will not be here for winter I hope not. A lot of talk about us being split up & sent to 3 different camps. Some Genoa some Florence some on Riviera. Which one? A real turn up today I received my second letter from home dated 15/7/41. But it tells me that same news as the first why? Anyhow was very pleased to get it. Had a few plonks today Rus & Fitsie turned it on & it is not bad only you are allowed 1 bottle to four & discussed mail in night & then into the ice box.
16/10/41
Cold morning the sun is slipping further away each day. Rumors flying everywhere ½ mill It is supposed killed in big battle? Another turn up they have let there heads go & issued us & cigarettes & cleaned out the pcls & between 3 that leaves nil. So it looks as if the new camp rumor is OK. Four more POW come in tonight. 1 Victorian 3 Pals. Vic says that the battle with Russia is in our favour & that Jerry Lost ½ mill in a river near Odessa & Hitler has offered a peace term to Churchill 3 times & has been rejected. I wonder? Also says Libyian bout finito.

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17/10/41
Cold oh yes. rubbish again this morning people still hungry. Workmen Just about finished Job here & do they hang out at tea water time I’ll say they do why? Padre asked me to pack statues for transit to Verona. He is leaving us on Sunday & going to the new camp whether we follow him or not lies to be seen he hopes so anyway. Delousing machine back in operation do today. Some of the boys a bit chatty & they are going through.
18/10/41
20th Letter Home Card to Mum.
Cold morning. Usual routine. Baths on again but you must put all your clothes through the chat machine. Quite a lot going through. Rumors all over the place now that we will be moving in about 1 week. Eng big issue cleaned out magazine 90 per man & 1 Pcl between eight. I got tin milk. Packed statues for Padre in afternoon & very pleased. Cold night.
19/10/41
Last Mass at Prato Isarco. Padre leaves on 1 pm train for his new camp. Very downhearted at leaving us had communion. Took Jack Mc to Com has not been for 20 yrs. feels a lot better. Packed balance of altar fittings for transit. Padre gave me a bottle of wine Oh Boy was it any good. Ask me. We have all signed a petition & sent it to Rome asking that he be allowed to transfer to us at our new camp which we believe to be Gruppiano. Vino for tea to night. had a few.
20/10/41
Cool morning. Spuds after pde. good issue getting one day up. Went for bath today & Iti went raving only put shirt Trousers – u/sts in chatter told to go & get all clothing I did like hell got a Jacket & went back. You come away with more than you put in. Mail again today arriving regular now. Apple for tea veg stew. Have got beautiful chilblains on left foot oh boy are they giving me curry.

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21/10/41
C.M. Usual routine. Went with Fitzie in afternoon & had a few Vermuths & plonks. More Mail & Parcels in today. It is certain that we are leaving here now. Orders are that we move on Sat & all chits & Lire to be handed in at ordley room for transfer. That we are all going together except the Tommies.
22/10.41
C.M. More mail again this morning. told on pde that we would get our receipt for money handed in at Solmona. Not long only 6 months later a pretty fair effort. Washing today getting things ready for our move. Mail again. Made myself a feed of Toast & Chips today the first chips I have had since leaving America. More mail this afternoon – very good news. Some of the letters tell us that we have had a 2/- rise in pay. Others that our lads are back at Derna & Barce & have recovered some of their trucks. All sounds good to us. Great Joy in camp.
23/10/41
C.M. Told on pde this morning that we would not be issued w/- any bread on Sat morning for trip We will have the old biscuits again & Bully. Rumors that it will be compounds again not the best news still if it is comfy why worry. Frank Fisher had first word from home today. Very pleased to hear says in letter that my wife has received my first letter. Rumoured that Major say that we will be home sooner than we think. I wonder? Trains not moving so frequently up or down now. R X trains going each way. Packed balance of chapel today.
24/10/41
C.M. Usual routine. Orders given to move out Sat at 3.30pm. All hustle & bustle today. double issue of spuds & meat. Jack arrived back from hospital today after 6 weeks. OK now. had quite a lot of mail from home also 1 from London. Told him his personal pcl should have been sent to him collected same today. Another pcl Red X split up between 8 men I got a tin of cond milk & pkt Sago pudding. Early to bed tonight. Rev at 6 in morning. What was Jack’s Tin Whistle for?

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25/10/41
21st Letter home Card –
C.M. Up at 6 AM. tea water 6.30. Muster 7.20. Then fun began. [indecipherable] were emptied in Tommy 19 compound then pick up blankets & return same to Rec room. Issued then with 1 Tin BB & Bis [2] for next days ration also piece of cheese & 5 figs. 1 Meal today that at 10 AM. A good stew also 1 apple that did us for the day so they said. It being very cold snow all round the mountains I boiled a billy of tea for J & I & had a feed. We were mustered again at 1.30 pm & not allowed back in the barrack rooms again.
The usual stunt was on a search by the It is & Carabenari & what a search oh boy. It was taking that long that we would have been still there at the same time next day but the Major hopped in & speeded it up. They took all the blankets that they thought were theirs also a lot of [indecipherable] ones. I still have mine. The search lasted until 3.20. then we were put on pde again & eventually marched out the gate for a further search for blankets of which they got quite a few so much for the perfect search at first. Then to the train & of course get in where possible. Jack was already aboard & I got in with him. We left P.I. at 6 pm instead of 3.30. not bad. Arr. Bolzano 6.15 & Left at 6.50. it then being dark. & so on into the night on our way to Gruppigano. our new home.
26/10.41
Arrived at Udine at 7 AM/ very cold also. all last night in Ger Carriages. Dep Undine 9.15. Arrived at Moimacco Stn at approx 9.45 then you should have saw the guards that we had out on the roadway to escort us to us new damp oh hell a little army. as well as our own from the train. About 1 kilo from train we arrived & then a count again. I never mentioned of course we were counted all through the night on arrival & then as said again then detailed off into weatherboard huts with 2 tier beds. had tea water at 2 pm & 5pm not supplied with any grub they got one home on us. Paraded & told the usual give us a go & they will give us one.
Snow all round here. Very flat country where we are a big number of huts must expect a lot of Prisoners. Also used as a training camp for Itis I think. Issued 2 Blankets whats thats.

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Where we are now in front of us we have mountains which was the border in last war. 19000 Itis were knocked. The Mtns border Yugoslavia & Germany. It is said that we had to rush troops up to stem the advance. Itis could not hold them. I don’t doubt it. What we have seen of them.

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27/10/41
CM & Night. Tea water at 7.30 AM. Muster 8.30 First meal at 11 AM. Macaroni but it did not taste bad as we were a little peckish. Given Orders on pde as to what will be done usual Bit
Another batch of Aussies arrive this morning from Capua Weirs & Trelfo from our lot among them also some of them that enlisted in April were captured in August a short run. Tea water at 2.30. 2nd meal at 4.30 a very watery stew. I think our cooks took ½ & added water all round & made a supply for the other lot as they had nothing. Gave them Bread Tea & Cigs A bleak cold day. Spent a woeful cold night the 2 Blankets that we were given would not cover Tom Thumb let alone one of us. B. Glad when morning came. The mountains all around are covered in snow. Our camp is on a level area & fair Sized compounds plenty of room for exercise. San Conditions not best.
29/10/41
There is no doubt about the mountain air being fresh I’ll say & it is not winter yet. The lads are Just shivering themselves stiff. I think I have every ache that is imaginable. Told on pde this morning that we must come to attention when Flag is raised & Lowered. Col said he observed some of the men not doing same. Told that we must otherwise in boob & it is very severe. They brought bugler in to blow the calls so as we would know them. What a Joke. One of the Officers Started by giving us the Iti Attente & Repose [oh hell] You should imagine the mob. then he paraded around past us & each one of us to Attente. We can only avoid not observing the rules if we are in our huts which I think most of us will be. Flag 8 & 5.30.
First meal today Fechn rice. Some rumor already that we will not be here long. Orders also say that all beards shall be removed & Hair cut short & there are some good Ziffs among the lads. We were also told that a canteen will be opened in a few days? Also we may get a Red X pcl later in the week perhaps.
Lousy dream last night May scramed from home room empty. me with six shooter? Nan quite plain said she could not wait. Oh hell lets hope its not true. I would like to go back to something that I left behind me. Mail is very slow.

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29/10/41
V.C.M. The wind here would cut through a steel girder. Told on pde that we must observe the flag. Also that about 4 Squads must be shaven & have haircuts by night parade. New hrs as from 30 for pdes 7.50 first & 6 pm 2nd. this is a catch re flag.
Grapes for morning meal Batch of Clipper Mail today none for me or Jack. A beautiful sunset tonight although very cold the sun’s reflection on the snow covered mountains around us a very pretty sight. Had community singing tonight Jack sang When I leave the world behind & Let me call you sweetheart.
30/10/41
As cold as - & raining up ½ hr earlier this morning. parade held in huts this morning on A/c of cold & rain. it has been snowing all the day so far. All flakes & this is only Autumn oh hell for winter I hope my pcl arrives soon with something warm in it. One chap near me told during muster to have his hair cut by night pde. Later in day received news of his Mothers death. Jack lying in bed alongside me reading We cannot get our feet warm. It Just look like the morgue with most of them asleep & that rest that miserable & cold. Snow still Falling & Raining.
Guards outside in sentry boxes have a beautiful gale blowing straight in & they are wet from head to foot. Who would not be a prigionieri? Jack wants to pea but I will not have it for him. The boys are selling them but nobody wants one. We took the risk & lit our heater with Red X Boxes tonight it made the hut a little warmer.
31/10/41
The mountains all around are covered in snow it is a beautiful sight but cold oh hell is it cold. We had a nice thing happen last night. Three of the men were walking in the grounds just before going to bed & one of them Will Bickerstaff was shot by the guard & copped it on the nose. From what we can gather he called on them to halt & they did so & then bang. he was lucky that it was not a little higher he would not be alive.
New orders

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the came out that we are not to walk in this area after dark. It is Just like closing the Stable door when the horse is gone. Told on parade that haircuts must go on & it a cold a Buggery. Issued with Red Cross pcls today no Cigarettes. Reg Richards gets 3 day in Jug for not saluting Colonel was reading a letter from home & did not see them old B is very strict. Let fore again tonight pulled on pde for the Flag but they slipped. Jack received cable from home.
1/11/41
22nd Letter home Card Mum.
First Mass New Camp CM again Still snow all round. parade held again for flag slipped again. notified Mass at 9.30 at cookhouse raining so held in one of huts. put all Indians & Cyps in another compound. All Saints day received Medal from padre. Cannot speak English. Told on pde yesterday that as from Monday we would be paid what for I wonder.
The boys are baking there [indecipherable] & Boiling [indecipherable] too cold to go outside.
We are certainly behind barb wire here. I do not think it will be anything like Prato. Our other blanket is still coming Doumani it reminds me of the old sign at home free petrol tomorrow.
Rumoured that the guard that fired the shot was given 28 days Jug others say that he was pat on back & given leave. Had a good dinner today Jack & I. Tin Salmon with onion issue of rice then a tin of M & V heated up & a loaf of bread with Marmalade. Orders given this morning that all Red X Boxes must be returned it looks as if our heater is not going to work tonight but we shall see. Yes she works again more boxes.
2/11/41
C.M.

Snow not falling today but still cold. Usual routine today only we hyave another muster called for Haircuts. Vino forte a. Wet day. Nothing out of ordinary.
3/11/41
V.C.M.
Have a good cold in head & chest. not feeling the best today. Barber working in our hut today cutting hair. Told that a good impression on the General’s visit may mean a little more latitude I dont know how. Raining again. Called out on a muster. Some wise guy pinched a dictionary from the library book told no issue of books until returned.

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Had the boys from next compound over tonight & had a singsong. Cup Ball tomorrow night. Issued with 4/11/41 extra blanket tonight & it was needed the 3 of them would not make one.
4/11/41
Mild morning but wind soon sprung up & is as cold as ever. Had a B of a night last night coughing. Some talk of Hot Showers Doumani we have not had one for a fortnight have Just received a soap issue. No Iti cigs to hand yet no one knows when. Rumoured that 70 odd pcls are kicking about for us. Will I be lucky I wonder?
Had our cup ball & dance what a night All the lads from No 2 compound were in. 6 of our lads were dressed in there concert costumes. The announcement was made that we had met the Iti authorities & they approved of 6 girls coming what a scream went up when it was announced but when they arrived oh hell. Len Wilcocks gave a radio description of the cup a running commentary Yarrala first Luc 2 Pandect 3. a good night had by all including a few Items by the artists.
5/11/41
C.M. as per usual.
Usual routine today. another Hair inspection. Hot baths started they say. Raining all day.
6/11/41
C.M.
What a day this turned out to be. First we are put on pde & of course the old Haircut inspection by Il Capitano took place. Next fall out the men still to have haircuts a few fell out & the next call for the barbers. Off they went & the next thing we know that 2 squads are held on pde & the rest of us dismissed. About 20 men later into the Rec room arrive 6 Iti Barbers. It appears that the Col had given orders that all hair was to be taken off to the Scalp but we did not know this. The Two squads that were held on pde were marched to Rec hut straight in & Just clipped clean our barbers refusing to do same were put under armed guard & forced to cut it. Then the whistle blew for us to pde again & we saw a wonderful sight we were soon looking on guards galore as one of the lads propped about his hair & the mob were behind him.

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Not satisfied with that he then had him removed to the clink. He has been separated from the rest of which there are about 60. He has to do the 4 hrs a day standing alone chained to a post. The others all lie on the floor on their pallaises handcuffed & chained together to sleep as well as 8 guards inside there are 8 outside oh hell These criminals of Aussies.
After the exhibition with the Col we were marched under armed guard to rec room & Just had no option of refusing they cut it & that was all to it. The main objection to the cutting was on a/c of the cold & snow & we not being used to it & many of us already had woeful colds as a matter of fact we were told not to cough. What next. I myself have had a beaut for a fortnight & look like having it for winter. if you go to the quack all he dose is ask you your private occupation & then want to know all about it – how to speak English what treatment. But they will not always be on top. Then to top the lot we had Vino for tea. What a day.
7/11/41
CM. Usual haircut situation again this morning fall out all men still to be done. They were taken under guard & done. Hot showers for a few squads today. Jack sent to hospital again examined with his squad by Dr this morning. Red X pcls issued today. JC did not receive his although entitled to it. Col said anyone in clink or Infirmary & going to hospital not to receive one. Debate tonight, should Cap punishment be abolished win for Opp. A bit of choir practise tonight.
8/11/41
CM. [23rd Letter home].
Snow has receded quite a lot Sun is shining today but the winds are cold. Rumored that there are 90 personal pcls outside the compound somewhere. Here’s hoping. no mail for last 2 days. 25 more POW brought in last night. Rumored that Russo Ger Campaign is on balance & should be over by Xmas lets hope so. Told that 24 of the boys in clink go to Trieste for court martial. What next?

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We all told him they we would refuse too. Our Squad Commdrs asked what we were going to do & we said Stick. Right they told the captain & then more guards were called in also they sent for bundles of handcuffs for us. They put a pair on the first Joker to [indecipherable] & took him over into another compound to clink & then started off with squad 1. All who had not been done were asked & still refused result handcuffed & taken away. After about four or five had gone over the barbers were taken over & their hair was cut while they were handcuffed & chained to a pole. Just like dogs. Some were brought back some left there. So it went on until they woke up that it would be next Xmas before we were done that way so they put us into a square & the Col through the interpreter told us that it was his order to have haircuts & it would be carried out. Any one who refused would be punished. The punishment ranging from 4 Hours a day chained to a post as well as handcuffs & 30 days in clink. The first man receives this & all others get worse including shooting.
Then he asked if any of us had civilian clothes told no he then asked the RSM. A. Cotman if he knew of anyone with same & he said no. He was then asked if he was going to have his haircut & as we said no he said the same. The Col immediately called the Caraberneiris & they slammed a pair of handcuffs on him then a stool was put in the centre of the mob & the barber called. He was as white as death the barber when he started to clip all the hair off. The RSM never flinched but a filthy insult it was up to then was beaten when he was finished. During the whole process the Col kept laughing at him & gloating over it to his other Iti officers. One of them absolutely turned away from it he could stand it no longer. Then when finished he walked straight to the RSMs face & said as he looked into his head you wash your face but not your head now you will & laughed again. How a man could sit there as Cotman did is a miracle.

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9/11/41
CM. Usual routine Mass 9.30. Started choir going again. Padre cannot speak english. Inspection of huts made to-day by Capitano. Vino for Tea.
10/11/41
CM.
Marched off parade to rec hut for medical inspection [oh boy] the quack I beleive is a dentist by proffession & reminds one of Harpo marx. Strip to waist & walk past. Some he asked what religion tell him & about every three or four he says wash it. He is trying to learn english. When you go to infirmary he asks what occupation & then you give him a lesson in English that is your treatment. One of the boys had to teach him singing. Had a beautiful hot bath later on. On returning from bath got a big surprize my name called out for a parcel & oh boy was I pleased to get it. Just ask me. We were kept waiting over 1 ½ hrs. for them. It is a great pleasure to cast your eyes on some real clothing again. First since 8/4/40. Despatched 24/7/41 it arrived here 10/11/41. So it took 3 mths 17 days. I think that it has been at Sulmona for sometime as it is No 176. and the pcls that are with it are all up in the 300’s. Tolley Fitzie Reddan CHC & quite a good mob of A/TKs got them. What Joy.
11/11/41
Wet morning. We have Just been told on parade that we are going to be paid commencing at 9.30 this morning 1 Lire a day I beleive. We are also going to hold a service for Armistice day having got permission from Col after explaining what it is all about. Herb Tolley now made camp Commandant ordered by Col. Still waiting for mail. We have Just been paid 10 Lire in coupons they say that it is 70 contissimo per day & that is since we arrived in camp.
The service that we held for the day was very impressive all men standing in light rain in prayer & thought. A very good sermon delivered by one of the lay preachers. Bert Ferrall sang there is no death. Quite a few of the boys were touched by the scene including myself.
plenty of pisspots about tonight. I have shook my cold off a bit but the gold flake cough is sticking

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12/11/41

Wet & cold all day. No muster in morning but one held at night. Quite a few of the alicks full on plonk & a few donnies took place during the night.
13/11/41
Raining like hell all night & still raining roofs of huts leaking. I woke up with a wet head. The wind certainly blows here some say that it hits 90 mile per hr I quite beleive it.
Charlie Clark & Les Holloway had a pcl of weed & Books yesterday today but all that arrived was the book for Charlie a pkt of dominoes for Les the weed & papers were lifted. Nice work after waiting so long for it.
We are now into our 2nd 12 mths from home I wonder will we complete it Canteena has only plonk matches & s/house paper & nibs in it. What a stock. I beleive they also have onions. everything you ask for is Doumani or Dopo. Vino for tea tonight. Debate tonight I am adjudicating the subject should polygamy be Legalised win for opp. But our findings were for the Govt.
14/11/41
B.C.M. as a matter of fact it blew all night long & is still blowing gale force. I quite believe the 90 mph story as it must be blowing that now. All the Huts are being stripped of the covering on the roofs & walls & they are leaking like sieves the water outside is Just like a lake all round & cold oh boy. pde held in Huts today. No pcl issue as per usual Doumani. played a few tunes in night & then bed. Some of the boys lit Heater with stuff from roofs & battens it made a bit of a difference as the whole show was rattling like hell.
15/11/41
[24th Letter Home Card Mum]
Oh hell I do not know how to describe this morning I had to get up through night & thought I was being sprayed with sand but when daylight showed up I found out it was snow. The water that was all over the ground yesterday is absolutely Ice today. the wash bench had clothes left in it and they were frozen hard & could not be broken with a brick, it is still snowing but very fine. I have been skating
A miracle happened today. Jack Reddan vol for woodchopping

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What next will happen I do not know.
on the ice outside so you can imagine how much of it there is & how hard when you can skate on it. Everyone is as cold as buggery & miserable to think this is only a start. Oh hell what next. The Iti guards in there sentry boxes outside could be heard all night stamping & kicking. Just like a horse in its stall they were doing there best to keep circulation going as the wind blows straight in on them to see them is a sight. They are that miserable you can almost read their thoughts about war. They are our enemy but by God you have got to feel sorry for them as they are human beings the same as we are. It is a wonder to me that they do not take them off at night when it is like last night as I do not think any one of us would even dream of leaving our beds let along escaping into snowcovered hills [oh no.]

Red X pcls are being issued to-day. [Bravo] Wanted by some 800 men how to get your feet warm. I went on pde this morning with everything warm on I could find scarf cap Balaclava Iti cap o/c & mittens & still shivered. we had no water until about 11 oclock all frozen in pipes. It is real pleasant I Just look out the window at my bed & all you see is snow covered mtns & wind blowing like hell.
Concert held tonight impromtu most Items supplied by boys from NZ compound & all good items one in particular. The Tinkle bell pioneers [6] were very good & so to bed.
16/11/41
Wind a bit easier this morning but still very cold. Mass 9.30. Il Capitano does the round up act & wants the P.A. Choir seems rather pleased about it. We asked re Cons & they tell us that we should have an Eng speaking pardre in a fortnight we hope so. nothing much today Just hang around miserable & then the usual Vino for Tea. Wrote my letter home held on until last minute & what a batch of mail came in but none for me. Jack McMahon received his first from Home & is he a changed man I’ll say. he had his letter written for home but rewrote another one.

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17/11/41
M.M.
Wind has practically dropped altogether but there still is a nip in the air. snow has gone from must of mountains. looks like a real fine day. Yes it has turned out good. Our sports meeting will be continued. We are competing against Hut 18 & believe it or not I won the Veterans race. But I think on all the events of the afternoon Hut 18 should Just about win. Having a chat with worker today & says another 3 years [oh yeah] he knows that the grub position is crook here also says that Jerry cannot get too many more of them up there. It seems strange that they are repairing our hut & a guard even stands over them to see that they say or do nothing. Some talk that the builder will go to clink for the Huts not standing up to the weather. One could hardly expect them to if you only saw what they were build of.
The result of the sports won by Hut 24 easy. My win was the only one registered for our Hut so you see there is still life in the old dogs. I think that rain is on before morning V so to Bed.
18/11/41
CM.
Snow seems to appear overnight mtns are covered again this morning. Same old routine today. Bought Iti shaving brush 6.50 not worth a bumper. Lecture tonight in No2 Cpd but too cold for night walking. So had a chat w/- Herb.
19/11/41
VCM.
Very Heavy Fog this morning held on right through the day. Some more sports held by other Huts. Herb Tolley to Hospital for glasses. one a two a Carrol put in charge oh hell. Apple for dinner today no hot water tonight for Tea Wood run out. Had a tin of Pork Rabbit & veg heated up oh my what a grouse feed. Told that we have to be on pde in 2 minutes by Il Capitano Nursie the [indecipherable] will keep putting her bit in someone will go to clink over her yet.
20/11/41
CM
Rain Last night but fine & damp now one of those real damp miserable winter days ground all mud & everyone coughing like hell. I went on sick pde myself today touch of Flu again 6 pills same old

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thing Iti guard says to pitch them out the window as they are no good I quite beleive him. It is as good as a circus for them to get a sick pde everything has to be interpreted by one of our chaps & you can tell them anything. 1 palestinian saw the quak about the itch he had a look at him & Just said Lousy that’s all. great treatment he said have a bath where god only knows. Twenty nine of the boys that were in clink were let out today on A/c of the Queen’s birthday which Queen we do not know. They told us that the first day in they had the handcuffs on for 8 hrs & then slept 2 Hooked together everyday after that they were on them for 6 hrs a day. They did 14 days of their 30 thanks to the Queen. The others are still being held for C Martial. The Soldiers here are just about sick of everything Iti of course one threw all his gear down in the S House & kicked it all over the place & said ---- the war. It seems the general spirit among them. It seems that they cannot even trust the guards outside the clink or they have them inside as well of a night. Did a bit of choir practise this afternoon. Debate tonight Should Australasia be incorporated in an American Empire. I wonder?
21/11/41
CM.
Today has been a day of days. There is sure something in the wind as we are getting 2 sheets each & on top of that our Red X pcls & Cigs oh hell it is too much for us to take. Yes it was right we are having a visit by a General Doumani More mail in I am still out of it. Vic caught 3 & is he pleased. Fisher 1.
22/11/41
CM.
25th
Letter Home. Card – Addie.
Fine this morning but still nippy. Told on pde that we will be having another pde at 9.30. so we must all shave & clean out boots oh yes this is for the Gen. There were only 13 of the Iti officers following the Gen around where the hell they got them all beats me. Just screwed us all over & said the usual nothing. Pasta & 1 apple for Dinner today. We are continuing the sports today against Hut 20. The Bookie has me favourite [2nd] a chap Sgt Ogilvie at 1-1. Viv put 10 on me & the rest of the mob could not get a bet he said Hewitt laid – what a bookie.

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Anyway we line up for the start from 35 on. I on the usual 2 yds. Starter blows whistle & I jump & take it out but after we had gone he blew 2 for a false start. I put all into first issue & of course was blown for the run straight after. Tossed. Starter admitted he blew for start & because all never left decided to recall us. What a starter. It looks as if we will get a change before morning.
23/11/41
W.C.M.
Mass at 9.30. this morning & Il Capt wants all the RC’s present. Ground outside now usual mud & water everything points to a miserable day. We are still waiting for our wood supply for the heaters. Should have had it on 15th. Works out about 2 hrs burning 12 lbs per Hut. About 4 pieces. so you can imagine how it will warm us. There is rumor about that we will be out of this camp in a fortnight. Something must have gone wrong no mass the day itself would put anyone off. one of those real miserable damp days. Played Bridge in afternoon. Just game.
24/11/41
CM.
It looks as though we will have a fine day today. Yes it has turned out real sunny & all the boys are out in it I am going to try for some water today if successful will do some washing. They are repairing the Hut roof today & the guards I think are as frightened as the workmen. As soon as you go near them they seem to want to go away. Some of the boys give them a few Cigs & Bis. Got some water so did washing everyone had theirs hanging in the Sun & the Col sent the Capt in with an order to remove all washing out of the sun. We could put it in the shade if we liked he did not like the look of it. Oh hell what next.
We had a blanket pde this morning & were told on night pde that there were 6 short & if not returned we would be charged with them collecting out of our pay 195 Lire each. Well for mine they can take all the Lire it is only their own paper that they take back.
Sam to Hospital today Eyes & crook back. Well now 1 mth for Xmas Eve would it?

25/11/41
F.C.M.
A little snow fell last night but another fine but cold windy sort of day. Usual routine inter compound basefall game today Won by us. While viewing the game two of the Iti planes that are always flying overhead were doing there usual dog fighting when as usual from us crash you –s. Well this time we got our wish one of them failed to come out of a dive & he bailed out with him going one way & the plane to Earth another you should have heard the cheers you would have sworn it was Armistace day. One of the guards on us run up & down shouting like mad. I dont know whether he thought that would help the pilot or not.
26/11/41
F.C.M.
Cold again this morning we received word that the plane crash resulted in one killed & the other Joker badly injured not bad going. More mail today none for me. Gen Knowledge quest tonight. To cold to go so am going to bed.

27/11/41
F.C.M.
Cold winds this morning. Very loud reports heard by all here today seems like a few eggs being dropped. Jack back from hospital today. Played cards tonight then bed.
28/11/41
F.C.M. Bitterly cold wind today. J.C could not wipe his Arse his hands were that cold. All men issued with a tin of British delousing powder this morning. We need it. Also 1 Tin of Cond milk between 7 men. We in our Squad raffled it the first 6 out get it I missed. Jack in his squad clicked so we will have milk.
Mail has arrived Jack received [2] I dont know what I have done. More mail after dinner Hooray I have at last got one dated 29/8/41. News scarce but real pleased to receive it. Oh what a day Red X Pcls issue today & we are waiting on our cigs there are also a number of Private Pcls of course I do not expect any. Jack has already been in & had a look. I thought I would have a sticky & when I looked through them Whacko I bloody near

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fainted I came across one for me from D.J.s oh boy 150 of cork tipped State Express. It would have been greater if it had of been Log Cabin but we cant pick & choose here Jack & I will certainly clean them up. What a Glorius day. Most of Our boys received some 2 or 3 Pcls.
29/11/41
B.C.M. 26th Letter Home.
The cold this morning would stiffen a deadun. Oh hell are chilblains going about I say & I have my whack of them. We have received news that our old padre will arrive today good work. Also rumoured here that Libya finite & 1500 planes were over Ger on Armistice night lets hope it is right. They have brought another 70 prisoners in mostly from Greece. No new Griff. mostly Cyps only 1 Aussie & a few NZs. Padre arrives & tells us that it is colder where he has been. Concert tonight Bloody woeful. [Virol turns.]
30/11/41
B.C.M.
This morning the water laying about outside is frozen & by hell it is cold. They have brought in a few officers Russ Yugo & a couple of Aussie Drs our Dr is among them having been brought from another camp. I beleive they are going to our Infirmary good work.
Mass this morning & Rosary this afternoon. Geovanni could not tell us how pleased he was to be back with us. We will get more later. One of the boys was sent a football in his pcl, they have dug up a couple of teams [Aussie Rules] The main game here up to date is Baseball. It is now 3 weeks since we have had a hot bath. We are told that the boiler is broken it is bloody near time it was fixed. Vino for tea.
1/12/41
C.M.
The winds seem never to blow themselves out Just as it drops up springs another same thing this morning. no water all frozen in pipes. By hell it cold. I did not go on pde this morning [chilblains] lying in bed reading a book when mail arrives of course do not expect one but am surprised when one of the boys bring me one dated 20/8/41. Oh hell what is this about Par & his scooter I cannot beleive it.
At the meeting of the Debating Scty I have been asked to act as adjudicator at

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inter hut debates taking in all about [6wks] played a few tunes on the organ tonight.
2/12/41
C.M.
Same old Tune water frozen. Off Pde Still the chilli win. A search was made yesterday throughout the compound the canteen being broken into. I beleive it has turned out to be the It is themselves a little short so thought the best way out. Jack received another letter this morning dated 1/8/41. We seem to have a change in luck as there is quite a lot owing to us. The sun has come out beautiful through the day & most of the boys are taking advantage of it. Some washing some having a bath but not me oh hell it would freeze the --- off a Brass one let alone me. 30 more Prisoners brought in today. Debate tonight. Has the spoken word more influence than the written. Brian Carter of Radio fame adjudicator. What a go.
3/12/41
CM. x
Still no water of a morning. The Temperature last night was 25 below zero. so you can see it it is not so cold. I received a cable from home today dated 29/Sept. Glad to hear all well. Herb T. back from hospital. Am still buggered with chilblains.

4/12/41
CM. x Bardia recaptured today.
There is to be a bath today & by hell it is not before it is wanted. The hut commdrs have taken names for those who want singlets V Gloves they have a small quantity to distribute from Brit Red X. Sent reply to cable home today. Rumoured that Iti papers say Sydney sunk off Aust coast & all men lost all Jerries saved. I wonder. Riots have broken out in Trieste. so are not taking [indecipherable] & boys for trial yet. They are now receiving their Red X Pcls.
5/12/41
B.C.M. [27th Letter Home]
Am Reporting on Sick pde so as to get something for my Chillis. Rumoured that we will be paid today Oh yes. Saw Dr & has told me to stay off Pdes for 5 days. Yes pay is on 24/ 50 each. 50 cents being held for broken windows Christ know who broke them we didn’t. Also issued with Red X Pcls & Cigs – quite a number of private pcls & a little mail so it has been quite a big day & of course a continuation of Hot baths 100 at a time.

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6/12/41

C.M.
Morning opened up fine & today turns out with sunshine but it is cold Just the same. These Sats here are quite different to home oh yes. Suds Nix. Must buy some onions today Jack on sick pde this morning. Rumoured that the Aust Govt has recalled all troops home [oh yeah] that will be the day. There will not be any need to recall. Dance tonight. Griff session given by Len Woolcocks very good. A lot of YMCA sporting gear arrived today Cornet Violin Banjo & Mandolin MOS & games. So will restart M.O. band.
7/12/41
MM.
Fine again. Mass this morning. We are getting another chapel set I think. Chillis improving still off Pde. A quantity of Bnt Red X clothing in today not enough for all so will have to issue to most deserving cases. Which is nearly all Shirts Hankys singlets pyjamas u/ants socks gloves. Vino for Tea. Cards & reading them Bye Bye.
8/12/41
MM.
Raining all night last night & still on mustever Rec why not in huts beat me. Grounds Just a mud pool again so it will be miserable today. Yes slight rain all day. So more mail arrives no for me. Cards then rest. Rumor has it that Japan is in the war Declared on Brit & America supposedly in Iti papers & put over radio. I wonder?
9/12/41
CM.
A very heavy fall of snow on the mtns last night. The grounds outside have been frozen over on surface & the boys are skating on frozen mud. The mtns look wonderful although the breeze from them is none too pleasant. Debate tonight. TP should be abolished. We had 2 Reps of Red X here today & they seem to confirm about Jap by telling us that our mail may be delayed a bit more as we asked them to try & speed it up for us. M.O. practise this morning. Band reforming again about 20 players now. Also rumoured that Brit has declared on Finland Hungary & Rumania. Oh well.
10/12/41
CM.
Fine but cold morning. mud outside now. Told on pde that we will get 3 kilos of straw per man today & also our long lost heater wood. Yes it was right. Our wood

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was issued this morning 3 Kilos per day enough for 2 hrs burning. Still cold & gloomy but we have a rumor that there is a batch of mail outside. It’s right. Oh boy the camp has damn near gone mad I don’t think anyone missed out. I received [4] Two from May 1 Mum & 1 Rosie W. Oh what a pleasant finito. Jack received [2] by hell did they buck us up I’ll say they did. But whacko Herb Tolley [18] a camp record which I don’t think will be broken. he received 3 from his boy & what letters.
11/12/41
CM.
Very bleak this morning no sun mtns covered by mist M.O. practise this morning. Reported in Iti paper that the Lexington A/craft carrier sunk with 90 planes & over 200 men at Singapore also that Singapore has been bombed & 200 Brit & Amer ships taken in China waters. Hawai bombed Naurua occupied & Borneo. I wonder. Also that a transport ship of the It is with 2000 of Aust prisoners from Libya was sunk by a brit sub in the Med. Have received word from Red X Reps that there will not be any further issue of Battle dress as it has been found out that the issues sent to Ger has not been given out but used by Jerries also Red X Pcls. In 500 tourney must play to-day first Round. [Won] 2 games to 1] Vino for Tea. Dress rehearsal for Concert tonight.
12/12/41
C.M.
Fine again Just a little misty but plenty of snow on mtns. Another good day today I received another letter This one from Cot & was I pleased I say the old well filled up. More mail this afternoon but I slipped. why. Red X Pcls issue today & Cigs. 2nd round of 500 tourney played by us today another win. Rehearsal again tonight.
13/12/41
C.M. [28th Letter Home]
Fine & Misty. Usual routine rumors that Japs have lost a 35000 tonner which we hope is correct. Capitano still after his salutes he’ll get them. Concert tonight & should be a good show. Was trapped today while walking across grounds. Shouted for 7 men to go into town in truck for Pcls I was in it. We were marched out the gate & put in the Motor Truck with guards & then a surprise for us they threw in 7 shovels & oh Hell you should have heard us. We were taken

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into Moimacco & taken to the river bed & out & dig in on to stones all like lucky stones. We loaded about 4 tons & was my back cracking Just ask me. Up to camp, then unload & we had the – that we would go back for more as they made us put 4 shovels back on truck but luckily they got 4 others. What a releif.
14/12/41
CM.
Fine sun shine today but still cold on feet. We had a visit from a General this morning he said he was pleased with the pde & that the Aust Physicque was good. He left us with Xmas & New Year greeting cables to be sent home Buono. Ten words only. Had a chat with padre this morning he has hired a small organ for the chapel that we are getting ready & we will have a Choir for Xmas Mass. I beleive we will be allowed by the Colonel to hold Midnight Mass. Just think of it Midnight Mass in Italy. We are also going to get a piece of cake from the Colonel well we will have to wait & See. Also we are having a Visit by Apostolic Delegation on Tuesday.
15/12/41
MM.
Fine & misty again today. Search made this morning. Some alick sent off 16 Towels that were to be issued to us. There is a racket going on somewhere but where we cannot discover but have a fair Idea. Usual routine quiet day. It was livened up at night I received a letter dated 13/8/41 at 7pm. Jack received 2. 1 Dot 1 Mum. good work. cheered us up a bit for night. Old throat complaint coming on again can Just squeak.
16/12/41
MM.
Fine & misty it is like light rain. told on pde this morning to be shaven & clean boots also wear puttees for the visit of Pope’s reps. There is no doubt about this mob they love glamour. He will be here sometime today so here’s waiting. Yes he has come. The It is built a Pulpit & put it in the middle of the pde. Gave us the usual blessing & said we would each be given a card & watches. Later on he called for the RCs to fall out & you should have seen the Tykes that had been converted straight away

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thinking of course that they were to be given a watch. Even the padre’s eyes looked wide at them. But again we were given the Pope’s blessing with indulgence to be operative with Comm in 4 days. The Padre hired a small organ for the chapel & it arrived today. so that means Choir practise will start Doumani.
Debate tonight. Should the sterilization of the mentally & Physically unfit be compulsory.
17/12/41
C.M.
Very misty this morning. Should have rain before day is out. Asked on pde have empty bottles been returned to Canteen. Told that we would be paid today. We were 14 Lire. The boys are getting a supply of Vino & Champagne in for Xmas with it.
It is raining now 11AM. Dental pde at 2 pm. for extractions false plates etc. Choir practise at 1 pm. sounded very good with organ. pde at Verona today getting all his material that I packed at Prato Isarco. Has not returned as yet. Rained all day. Cold night. Debate win for Govt Hut 20.
18/12/41
C.M.
Fine & cold Usual routine. Debating scty meeting this morning & adj reports given. A Donny took place in No 2 Cpd between Cyps & Indians some in boob some in Jug. All vino & Beer withdrawn from sale at canteen. Most of the boys have a stock in. Will be on sale again a couple of days before Xmas. Someone will finish up getting killed in these donnys. Jack & I had a session this afternoon Vino & Champs. Vino issue for Tea. Ted kept the supply going where he got it no one knows or cares.
[indecipherable] sing song at night.
19/12/41
F.M. Card to Mum.
Fine but nippy underfoot cannot get feet warm. Am on working Party pick & Shovel. Red X Pcls issue today. Some talk of 50 private pcls outside maybe lucky maybe not. A few letters in this morning not lucky. Baths started today I will get my turn Xmas eve. Wouldn it. A Little thick in head today after Vino.
20/12/41
M.M.
Fine & Cold Private Pcls issued today Jack received one with pipe & 1 Tin weed. Choir practise today. Nearly right for Xmas gave a hand papering with chapel [on tonight for Popes Indulgence]
23 Palestinians brought into our compound on A/c of fights with Cyps. Some talk of barriers being used again between No 1 & 2 Cpds.

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21/12/41
CM.
Fine & Cold. Parade altered to 8.30 this morning. Mass at 7 to 9. Choir opened w/- Kyrie then Immaculate also Laudate at finito sounded very good with organ. Pde very pleased. Tis rumoured that Col is going away for Xmas & all hope to be able to have a little more freedom. Chapel taking shape walls papered frieze & bordered in wallpaper. Vino for Tea.
22/12/41
CM.
Fine but cold again. The sgts have to put a picket on barrier between compounds to stop Cyps coming in to our compd & the Palestinians going to No2. Are they hostile. Choir practise today. played Volleyball filled in some of the time. No writing paper to hand for week ending 20/12/41 as yet.
Told that fruit is not procurable in Italy but it can be got for officers oh yes. Rumored that Jerry has sent the Greeks poles French & Yugos into action on Russian front things must be desperate for him.
Mail & Cables in today. I slipped again. Had a 2 hr chat with Herb last night. Strange that wives have met & do not know it.
23/12/41
CM.
Fine again still cold. We had a raffle yesterday of 2 watches & sports gear sent by Vatican from Pope. The travelling clocks are a beautiful job. I was not lucky enough to win one. The Iti captain supervised the drawing every mans name was written out seperate & rolled into a ferrule & sealed. drawn by Iti Soldats out our [indecipherable]. A good souvenier of Italy. Private pcls are coming in today here’s hoping. Red X will be issued Doumani on a/c Xmas Day. Told that we can only by Vermouth by Glass at Canteen window What a --- and we thought we were going to have a bit of sherbert for Xmas. We received 4 Lire yesterday believed to be sent up from Officers at Sulmona. Men drawing on a/cs will be paid today I draw 10.
Debate tonight against Sgts Should State Parliments be abolished. Sgts would not put team up. Our Team from Hut 24 was JC. EL. LM. so we win or forfeit.
24/12/41
Xmas Eve woudnt it. In Italia
Fine but cold morning ground outside hard with frost. Told on pde which was put on early that we would receive a visit from a Gen at 9 AM. So Pde again about 15 of them altogether. He wished us Bon Natalie & that we were not to be considered as not doing our part as we had done what we were sent to do & Just bad luck that we were prisoners. Also told us that if we kept the dicipline up things would be OK. Choir practice in afternoon & we by the way missed our Xmas Bath it being given to the Jokers in boob. A.E. Vivian had a little Celebration tonight. Oh yes.

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24/12/41
The captain told us on night pde that he wished us all the best. Not a bad Alick & that we would get a present Doumani & that lights out would be at 10.30 Xmas day. I roared out & asked him about the Colonels cake & we were told Doumani. We had a rosary & unveiling of crib at 6.30. The Choir singing Silent night. Immaculate Adeste & Laudate. The pdre being very pleased with the attendance which I might say was good. Later on he had Con Herb come to hut in night & we presented him with a card signed by all A/Tk. The card was given to Herb to give to us to rafle or dispose of as best we liked it came from the Rhodesians & Sth Africans as a token of goodwill & Xmas wishes. So we in return Autoed it & presented it to Herb.
25/10/41 Xmas Day
Fine but cold morning & very cloudy maybe rain or snow clouds who cares anyway. Mass this morning at 8.45. Con as from 8A.M. We were given carols by some of the boys at 7A.M. not bad. Jack & I went to Con & then Comm. The Padre got 6 of the RCs in boob brought across for Mass. The Choir boys again doing Silent Night Adeste Laudate & B. Farral sang Benedictus solo. The chapel being full & at the finish the Padre had his work cut out to save himself from breaking up as a matter of fact he was crying with Joy & the wonderful turn out. He is a saint. He want another Service at 6.30 tonight. Pde. on after Mass & told again to observe dicipline & things would be OK. Next on Menu was our dinner. Sent an apple pudding & Sultana pdg to cookhouse to be heated. We started off Just J C & myself with Rex Camp pie cold then we had our Apple pdg the a tin of preserved plums in syrup & 4 Bottles of Italia Pilsener. Oh I forgot we also received from Itis a mandarin/apple & a [indecipherable] of a bulgarian rock I think this is the Colonels cake. But after getting through that we said now the best to capp it would be a letter as a Xmas box. Next we hear the Sgt calling out mail & we again being unlucky & a big batch but none for us. Oh well maybe a New Year lift. Some of the boys received 2.4-1 -] all dates but still a good Xmas box. About four of the Coy, that are here are having reunion having made Xmas pudding out of ground up biscuits & made Jelly from their Red X Pcls & of course a little sherbert which was purchased by a Kentucky.

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26/12/41 CM
Fine & cold BC as a matter of fact the ground again freezing Well most of the boys are over their Xmas dinner now & are going on as per usual. The whole show went off OK there were no donnys in our compound. The Iti Capt was very pleased about it all & told us that he may let us have a bit more Sherb at New Year. Choir practice again & Benediction in afternoon 3PM. The old chap is very pleased. The Palestinian that gave the boys away in Greece is going to be moved. Rumor has it that Turkey is in the war again. We hope it is right that will be the whole Bloody lot then. Griff has it that a round Table in 8 weeks oh yeah Quiet night relating to boys my past experiences. Got a few good laughs.
Letter Card Home
27/12/41 CM Fine & cold cannot feel feet at all they are dead. Concert rehearsal this morning should be a good show we are inviting 3 Aussie Officers over tonight Usual routine quiet day.
28/1241 CM
Cold is not in it the temperature last night dropped to 8 deg below so is it or isnt it. The Concert last night turned out a winner Officers very pleased. repeat performance again on Mon night as only half were able to get in last night. Choir pting Rosary & Benediction The wood supply for out hut has been cut out by order of Ita officials no wood can be obtained all coal coming from Germany used in factories. Private home & all civilians are forbidden to burn any wood. We complained about our potatoes not being kept up to us & was told that Ger is taking them all also all other vegetables. We have to requisition daily for our food supply. Oil is mafish. One of our boys Fred Luck was hoisted into Jug to day 10 days in Irons & 20 Days ordinary. He was on a shift in Cookhouse & some macaroni had spilled out of a bag about a handful onto the floor by another Joker earlier in the morning & he swept it up with other dirt & threw it in the fire. The Carabeniere saw him & slammed him in for wasting food & told him had he been a Iti he would have been

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given 5 years – very nice So the food ? as we see it is pretty Crook. One of the Ites went on leave to Milan & h returned after 2 days on A/c no food to be purchased. I don’t know how we will get without any wood Jesus its cold.
29/12/41 JCM
Cold is no word for it everyone is just stamping & throwing themselves about to get warm. The water freezes in pipes. The Hot breath in our hut overnight is frozen on the window panes. Just Ice. so its not cold after all. My feet I would gladly cut off if I could get something to walk about on. The Chillis are driving me mad. A Turn up has happened today they have taken our sheets away to be changed. Oh hell [6 weeks] Repeat of concert tonight another good show & so to bed less our sheets. Cold oh no. The whole night through I just ached all over even in bed you could not get warm & to think we will not be getting any wood. A funny thing too it has come through in one of the boys letters that the SM Herald published that we had been removed to a climate suitable to our nationality Oh yes. Well thank Christ we are not Esquimo’s or they would put us in hell. A search being made in No 2 compound some say that it is for sheets but no one knows what it is [46 short] we may have a visit Doumani
30/12/41
As I said last night was a trifle cold [9 below] This morning up till 10AM no water the Itis have been pouring hot water on the pipes to thaw them out. I might add that I have not shifted from bed yet but I think it will be shortly as I have a hell of a pain [Tinkle peas you know]. The Hut is just full of bed worms shivering & jumping to get circulation going & to think there are still Due mazzo to go. I don’t think choir practise will see me today. Debate tonight I may be there. Rumor has it that Jerry is bombing Tripoli. It may be right also that Churchill has said that he will start his offensive in 42 & finito war in 43 [Oh hell] We hope long before that. Some say that [indecipherable] would not start offensive until 43. Jesus that would be 44 or 45 before finito. Lets hope it is all wrong. Bengshai has fallen again. Jack received a letter today. none for me.

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do not know if I recorded JC having received a pcl a few days ago pipe & 1 Tin Tobacco. Biganettes Missing. Had a Tin of what they call farm dinner from Red X pcl today & I could have been knocked down it was fowl with vegs boiled. Oh hell poultry in minute form but still an all in a prison camp. Herb is crook again with Lumbago. last attack at Julis here’s hoping I do not get mine again. Jack crook tonight with Flu. Played Deck quoits I caught a chill. Debate off.
31/12/41. [New Years Eve in Italy]Where will be next?BCAM. By hell cold is not in it. everything frozen yet no snow falling. Lights out at 10.30 tonight. Told by Pdre that Iti Gen has granted us wood again. We need it. Clean Sheets issued again last night. Ben Ros this afternoon. Red X pcls & Cigs also Pay £ 17 today told that we can purchase beer at orderly room but only those that had orders in got any 500 bottles for the Compound with 534 men in. Jack still in bed not so hot. I went over the wish Herb Compliments at night he is still in Bed with his back. Had a few Jugs with Herb & Johnny Booth. Had a bit of a singsong left 12.15 but very quiet otherwise. Herb did his bit on floor cant take it here. Had a cup of coffee & toast with cheese at Cookhouse with Ken Walsh & a few sgts. Iti Lt came in & Vino on. Which reminds me I missed out on Vino Issue tonight for Tea. Wished Fitzie & Ros best then to Roses. I wonder what next one will bring forth. Rumor has it that Turkey has closed Black sea to shipping Why? We expect about 200 more Prisoners Doumani.
1/1/42 New Years Day. This is the year we hope? BCM Mass at 8.45. parade 9.30. Very quiet day so far had tin Bacon for Dinner today. They say that they will get another 500 grog but I doubt it. Jack sleeping. Some of the boys playing Volley Ball. Mail arrived last night. None for us. Rumored that Italy had its biggest air raid since war began last night. We hope it is right it was a beautiful moonlight night. In Iti paper that Russians have control of Roumania heres hoping its right. That means oil. also Bengashi fell Sunday & Tripoli Monday. Quick work. Self supporting P.O.W. it is.Ger how.

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2/1/42 CM. Same old thing. Not too may sick boys. After a New Year in a place like this plenty of griff flying about mostly BS though. Very quiet day.
3/1/42 BCM
Bitterly cold this morning but sun came out later in day. More griff Libya finito all Aussie troops withdrawn only NZ & Sth Africans left there. Some seem to think this place finito in April & Jerry at the end of 42. Here’s hoping; A turn up today received 2 letters from M. 1 from Harry. first since 2/12/41. B. pleased to get them. JC still in bed may have Malaria but is OK I have another Iti cold there B-ds. played in Band tonight for Dance No. 2 Compound. then Roses. One of the worst nights I have put in I could not go to sleep smoked until 2AM nose running & coughing & sweating it’s a B—JC received Letter.
4/1/42 CM. Card Home #30. Card Mum. Mass this morning a real good turn up chapel full. very dull & foggy sort of day. Trying hard to rain I think heard a few explosions yesterday afternoon hope to C that they are after us. Only no such luck. Rumored that another 200 are coming from Brindisi. Chillis a bit better now. Since missing mornings pdes. Herb still crook. We would all get well at home lively but here – Oh well – it will come.
5/1/42 CM. Usual Routine quiet day. more talk of new arrivals have taken our Rec hut for them. That’s the end of our concerts for a while. It also looks as though we will lose our chapel but the old man will hold on as long as he can Reading.
5/12/42 CM Usual routine have been reading again today Griff that new comers will arrive Friday 320 now instead of 200. More griff about Japs & Yanks Japs have sunk Amor [indecipherable] . Christ help us when they could not toss the pats.
7/12/41 CM Rec letter from Nan today. Wet morning very cold snow has been falling heavily on mts & a good wind is giving us the lot of it. Ros Ben this afternoon Padre still has hopes that we will keep our chapel singing at Mass every morning now as well as afternoon. Jack rec Cable from Dot dated 14/11/41 all well.

[Page 50]
8/1/42 Snow still falling the wind would cut you to pieces. One of the boys Chris K received a cable yesterday that has put a bit more hope in the hearts. it says Tito termination in March.. here’s hoping. JC replied to calbe today. Has been in bed & week with Malaria or Dengue so Doctor thinks Lads were out on work party last night unloading wood & they gave it a bit of curry. We will have a fire for a while at anyrate. Jack Duggan Sam Chandler also had cables. Have been reading a fair bit during last 4 days. anxiously waiting on mail & pcls. I believe there is some outside . Griff has it that all Aussies over 5’8" are being sent to Germany to work in Salt mines [Oh Yeah.] Now the fun begins. the Itis want our 2 Blankets back. Told to parade with them & we would get 1 Back. Dopo. but Jack & I got into bed & told them that they could come & get them well the Hut Sgt came & got them it was then 6 o’clock not so bad taking them out telling us that we would get one tonight we know different knowing the Itis. Well about 7.30 pitch dark & as cold as buggery they returned us 2 that had been handed in [we knew it] as they could not get others for us tonight. You should have heard JC class them when they took his Oh boy I run second.
9/1/42 BCM
Snow through night & B. Cold also. This morning blanket pde as per usual They gave us 1 DB size in place of 2 taken. New prisoners arrive today 320 all NZs only 3 Aussies. Have had a very rough spin. Some as late as Dec.21. We gave them all kinds of grub we could gather it being pcl issue day & on A/c of them coming in we were not issued with RC pcls & we are all out of grub & smokes. There are private pcls outside but cannot get them as Officer is away. In Iti paper today Canberra bombed. 12000 prisoners taken. Yankee Navy sunk Oh hell what next when they could not stuff a pat. The griff is flying now say Libya another balls up [indecipherable] Indians going good work.

[Page 51]
Had a chat with Herb today still in bed but mending up. Some of the NZs rushed out of Bardia in Hospital Ships Destroyers & subs They will sleep well tonight after 2 days & nights in train from Brindisi gave the NZs a little singsong in night.
10/1/42 BCM
Snow falling very heavy now but has not reached into camp as yet but we sure have it all around us. We were not issued with our RX pcls yesterday. Some talk we get them today with no smokes Yes we got them at 4pm today but no smokes. You should see the new comers god they are just like little children not men, singing out oh look what Ive got. I know it & know how they felt. they class us as oldtimers being captured 9mths. They have not sent any word home as yet this week we be their firsts since capture. Most of them caught in Dec 41 so are quite young to prison life. They are a decent lot though Ros Benediction Jack up?
11/1/42BCM. 31st Letter home. Card Mum. Bitterly cold again this morning. Told that we might have a visit by Iti gen today. still no smokes nobody has any. The Canteen has none & we heard today that Cigs & Tob purchased outside by Civilians must be by the ticket system same as food. They tell us we are getting our Quota. Christ help the Itis if this keeps going. The Gen came I stayed in bed so did C. Had the boys standing out in the bitter cold for over ½ hr the mugs. Our smokes have still not arrived but heres hoping. Am told that 4 Bags of private pcls are outside waiting for Alpino Cpt to return from leave. May be lucky. Had chat with Herb last night. He got up today & took over pde again. Night arrives & so do our smokes the hut has gone all smoky again. We will sleep contented tonight. Ros &Ben 6.15

[Page 52]
12/1/42 CM. It is getting colder oh yes & I do not think that we ever thought it could. Morning Pdes are now on at 9.45. The Itis say the ground is a little warmer then. We had another bit of bad news today one of the boys from 24 Batt died in hospital Rhuematic heart. They allowed 2 men to go to the funeral. We also had 90 more NZs in today 9 of them went straight to hospital absolutely beat with cold & hunger. Some of them report being brought away from Bengahsi in Hospital ships & subs. Two of the ships we recaptured by Brit Navy with Prisoners on & taken to Alex lucky Bs. We are digging up what spare clothing we have which is not much to give to the new arrivals.
13/1/42.BBCM
This morning is the coldest to date it is absolutely freezing the Mtns all round are covered in snow & it has been blowing a gale all night & day the wind itself would cut you to bits everybody is proclaiming Italy as a nice place [oh yeah] We have even been taken back today by not getting any hot water for dinner the pipes are frozen. But there is still some running for us to wash with. I can tell you it is nice & fresh getting out of bed & splashing Ice water over yourself. Yes very nice. Jack rec letter from Joyce today. Some private pcls have been released not in this lot. More mail coming in now may be lucky. No Luck.
14/1/42 Usual Routine. Still BCold.
15/1/42 " " Too cold to write up
16/1/42 " Red X Pcls issued In Bed
17/1/42 Still B.Cold & Blowing like hell. JC received air mail today. Some rumor that Bucharest has fallen. Also that the Royalists have taken over Banks. The Govt have taken over all trains & trams for 4 days what for we wonder. Had a Poko party this afternoon it being the padre’s birthday [59] & we gave him a bit of the Aussie style of entertaining. Bert sang for him. We are putting on a Mass tomorrow sung by the Choir as a surprise for him. We are getting as many as possible to go to Con tonight Comm in morning he will get quite a surprise. I said to him well we may not be with you on your next & received a pat on back with Who Knows.

[Page 53]
18/1/42 BCM #32 Letter Card home.
A bitterly cold morning. We are now in the middle of Winter & the winds are woeful. Mass this morning. We sang a Mass & gave the Padre a bit of a surprise that also being part of the boys birthday gift to him he was very pleased Also had a big batch at Comm. Roo & Ben at night
19/1/42 BCM
Wind just howled all night most of us in bed as soon as parade finished & stay in The only thing that gets us out is nature. Dick Gill to hospital with meningitis Bath today first
since beginning of Oct. 41
20/1/42 BCM
wind still on blowing like hell thank God that this is the middle of it. you can do nothing at all. Water frozen everywhere Clothing that we req for arrived & Iti are taking control of it to issue which means we will get almost nothing. Saving their own issue. We sent for 800 of everything when we arrived that was our quota but since then we have had additions which bring us up to 1550. There are scarves Balac gloves singlets Braces upants & Towels& Batt dress. Were told that if no parcels arrive between now & Friday we will have to split up 1 between two & that finishes them. Cable sent to Geneva. Had a visit by the Gen – is pleased with control of No.1 Cmpd. He is looking into quite a number of matters for us. Re [indecipherable] money Cigs & Prisoners. Ros & Ben Now learning a magnificat. Geo Beale Geo Beaver hospital appendicities.
21/1/42.BCM.
Wind still on I left some water in my dixie hanging on the wall of hut through the night & woke to find in it a block of Ice so it is not so cold after all & that’s what the temperature is we sleep in. It is simply wonderful. Had some guff last night about Ger Iti to keep up the offensive or else the Reich will be in grave peril – Also 8 Div again wiped out. Most of the boys in bed today the only place to get even a little warm. You shiver even in bed. I shaved my moustache off today, been on 9 mths will have to grow another before going home. Private pcls very slow now also mail. Would certainly like to get a Tobacco pcl. It is not so cold after all Just 12 below zero. Strange thing this is we were getting slammed in for our haircuts & now we cannot get one so What

[Page 54]
22/1/42 BCM
Wind still on today we are told is the coldest day. I quite believe it. The Temperature is only 16o below A few of the boys are skating on the Ice bed outside. I am in mine. All cookhouse pipes busted result no hot water not only that no cold either. Melted Ice in Dixie to have a drink. It looks as though it is 1 pcl between 2 today they say that there is a truck at Udine but who knows. no one. Issue of clothing on today & what a racket. Oh boy. A.O. want Pring
23/1/42 BCM
Wind down a shade but the old Temp is still dropping. We have no water still we were lucky enough to get tea water this morning dinner will be late today on A/c of water. no water no dinner that’s us. Why worry. Still no arrival of Red X Pcls. you have only to put your hands out of bed & they ache & freeze. At night I ache all over from Head to foot Just like Rhuematism twist & turn all night. Got 2 pair of upants from issue a little warmer. Who said Sunny Italy. The B. can have it give me dear old Aussie. I sure will not leave her again. No mail on for a few days must be some about though. Dinner on 2 hrs late Mac half cooked. Decided we would have sardines & onions. Well the Sardines were frozen & the onions well I have eaten them raw fried baked stewed but never before frozen. Just like cutting an ice block. And that is as I said before the place we sleep in. The window panes are just nicely covered with ice from the hot breaths. Quite a mob are making tea water on fat fires one way of using your dripping up. no pcls today
24/1/42.BCM 33rd Letter Card home;Still cold but wind down a bit & temp up a bit. I had a skate on the Ice this morning & as usual finished on my arse nothing new. Red X issue today yes 1 between 2. 1 tin Cigs between 3 & 50 Itis. The Itis are our first issue in this camp. they owe us about 600. Who cares only us. Here’s hoping that the pcls arrive during next week otherwise no Buono. There is a slight fall of snow starting may be heavy throughout night. they started the water running this afternoon after about 1 ½ hrs work on pipes & then turned it off again at 7.30. Mugs that’s all. it will be frozen again in morning.

[Page 55]
This morning is not so cold the fall of snow we had last night seemed to alter the temperature. It was a very pretty sight to see the whole of the grounds & all the huts white covered. The fall did not last long & it soon started to thaw & of course it started to get colder. Mass this morning we sang a mass by Repachei also a magnificat. The old chap very pleased. Not a bad Choir is our POW Choir
Told today that we will hand our sheets in Doumani bloody near time. No mail again What a B this is & to make things worse we get a lousy card with 10 lines on it paper must be Bloody scarce here. starting to get chilis on fingers now feet nearly OK.
26/1/42 CM. [What a holiday]. I hope they enjoy it at home. Another fair morning wind down usual routine. 28 more brought in today from Tripoli. they say that is has Definately fallen I wonder. no mail again. I think a couple of ships must have gone to DJ lakes. Still no pcls. Turned up cold again in afternoon wind up again. Our 2 sheets were taken from us this morning for changing. about time. They are black. Choir practise 1.15 learning Teus Petrus. Some of boys working magazine say enough clothes there for everybody but Itis will not issue.
27/1/42 CM
Still cool & looks like being a good day. Oh yes it is I was sent on a working party unloading wood from truck & trailer not used to that now. Some reports of private pcls being outside but none for me. Jack in same boat. there should be some mail about. J.C. on loading wood. The wind is up again & spoilt what we would call a pretty good day. Muster on now Jack had a dechat this afternoon we all have our turn the ranch is lousy with them. I’ll say it is.
28/1/42 CM
Still cold & wind fairly strong. not feeling so hot today usual routine
29/1/42 CM
Had a crook night last night the flu again & the voice gone – am in bed. Snow is starting to fall now. 5pm looks like a good fall has been o/cast all day. Received letter from home today Dated 14/11/41. am very pleased JC received 1 from his mother

[Page 56]
30/1/42 CM.
The snowfall kept up lightly throughout the night only light about 3-4 in outside the Temp certainly changes when it is on. There are plenty of snowball fights – a very pretty sight everything covered in a bit white patch it glares on the eyes. One clown threw a snowball at one of the windows said he did not think it would break. Oh well thats another 5 Lire we will have to pay. The Itis have a good idea that when payday comes around that there are quite a few damages been done & they stop 1 Lire out of everybodys pay. Am still in bed took 2 aspros last night & will take 2 quinine tonight that should break it. There is sickness all over the place pluerisy meningitis Flu colds galore & nothing to treat them with. This is the place for a newspaper office to be news I’ll guarantee that they would not want to bother about other happenings. they could get enough here pretty near every man has knocked over a few Jerrys. Itis & tanks. brought down planes if it was all correct the bloody war would be over long ago. Snow has stopped & it is a fine day. but you can bet Doumani will be a corker. Red X pcls issued today Canadian. The old 1 lb of butter it good to get but we have not got our Cigs yet.
31/1/42 bcm 34TH letter home.
I thought so. such a good day yesterday. The wind is on & it is B. cold. I am nearly madew ith pains all down the back & I am still in bed alright otherwise Dr down to see on of the boys & says Japs takeing a belting from Yanks & Russ is pushing Ger back on all fronts. It was reported in one of the boys letters some time ago the we had been moved to a camp more suitable to our nationality. That what SMH published I do not know what they think but they must think we are Bloody esquimos.
1/2/42 BCM
Wind still on Mass & Comm this morning still crook with flu Just made grade in choir for mass. sun out later in day but still cold. Still no cigs to hand looks like Doumani again. Oh no Capitano says oggi for smokes we will get them tonight we did 50 Eng 50 Iti. We smoke again. Vino cut out his week an apple issued instead

[Page 57]
2/2/42 SM
Wind not so bad early but up again later on. Pay will be on today. I wonder what we will have to pay for this time. We are taking over control of canteen now from Itis. I wonder how that will turn out. Padre says this month is the month of Fever & we had better watch ourselves if the sun should come out. not to sit in it & think we are getting warm as we are actually getting cold. so you want to keep moving about in it. Reported BBC Churchill says 18000 in Libya K.W.P.O.W. 12 mths. we have suffered setbacks & will suffer more & so will enemy. but outcome will be OK. Still have these bloody pains in back cannot shake them off. No we got off light Paid for nothing Rec. 17Lire.
3/2/41 CM
Today the wind has dropped & it is fine & sunny most men are out of doors today. First parade this morning with blankets what for no one knew. I stayed in bed. Then we soon found out, the Itis & Carobenieri searched all the huts for spare Iti blankets up in roof tossed beds all over the place. The Joker in the roof was having a great time up one end & down the other with a torch & everytime he found blankets he would let out a hell of a yell as though he was catching hold of a live Elect wire. He dropped them all down & they checked over & found 2 but left all Aussie & English. that lasted 2 hrs result dinner late also H.W. Vino & Cigs are rationed in Italy now. must have a card to get same & our dodger is getting smaller. Another batch of Private pcls in today none for me I received 2 letters though & very pleased 1 from May 18/10/41 1 Rosie 25/10/41. Oh where is the tobacco pcl & pipe.
4/2/42 BCM.
Wind howled all night again it seems to be one good & the next bad here. I suppose that 88 of the 89 in the hut have colds or other sickness. It is like the King Edward Dogs home of a night. We had 1 mandarin issued to us today. JC Bath today Saw Busk today not too good has pluerisy He in bed 9 Days now. Altered all lights in hut today. We have to wait until night now to see if they work here’s hoping.

[Page 58]
5/2/42 From now until 3/342 Crook Thus no notes. Crook was not in it. I suffered it for a week in the Barracks Then on 8/2 Jack got the Dr to me `104o & he just said Hospital pneaumonia. I knew very little about it I was that crook. Some of the boys carried me on the bed board Just as I was up to the Infirmary. It was Sunday & no ambulance of a Sunday. So I was to go Monday, still 104o Mon & asked Dr not to send me to Hospital. Tues still 104o & he said you will have to go I kidded to him again & he said Wed. I dropped a bit on Wed 100 then up again Thurs. Well eventually I did not go to hospital but stopped there for 3 ½ weeks. Then returned to Barracks with 6 Day Reposo. The 2nd week I got Dysentry & was passing only blood on fluids for 10 Days. I think I nearly eat them of Bismuths. I told a lie each week writing home telling them I was in the best But was I oh no. But I thought I could pull out of it & did. So to
3/3/42 CM.

Wind still up but snow about gone. returned to camp this morning & a big search on. I think this is a result of the last escape & shooting. A Kiwi was shot on 7/2/42 He had just received a letter that day from his mother saying how pleased she was to know that he was alive & well. That night he died. That is two shootings &. Two deaths. The search on they took all diaries & Books. I received a cable from home while in infirmary on 13/2/42 sent 5/11/41.
Dear Reg have sent 20 Letters 2 Pcls hope you are in best of health love from all at 52 Xmas greetings under Circa love May
Reply 14/2/42 Dear May am well glad to hear all at 52 same received 12 letters 1 pcl spring coming heres hoping Jack & Frank OK Love to all Reg
15/2/42 35 Letter home Card Mum
22/2/42 36 " "
1/3/42 37 " "

[Page 59]
4/3/42. Dull morning. parades on at 9 AM now. Notice out to effect that as from 3/3/42 All P.O.W. rations are reduced to 1/3 what we were getting. 89 We have had no Red X pcls for 3 weeks now &. we are going to feel it. 1 Loaf bread a day now. There have been arrests all over Italy for selling meat on prohibited days & also over amount of food Special squad put on to catch them & they were caught as well. They sure are feeling the pinch now & I’m afraid so will we. The Bull is that the Aussie papers are giving is wonderful about 1 pint Wine or beer per day. perhaps. The civilians are again rationed this is the 5th time since we have been in Italy.
On 1/3/42 They installed Radio amplifiers 1 in each compound but we only get Iti- Jerry music & speeches. so what. I think that I will finish back at infirmary on these rations. Told that our mail to aussie cut out. We have not had any private pcls for 2 mths now. Christ knows where mine are. The rations have started. Bread issue short weight in some loaves & over in others.
5/3/42
Wet morning & all day. well the rations are on & our cocky gets more per day. A report on short weight bread sent to Colonel & he said the weight for the Total is there but to make up for the smaller loaves until a uniform size can be arranged he is sending in a percentage that gives us an extra ½ loaf every 3 days that is if the loaf is not altered in the meantime. Approached on other matters Red X Pcls particularly he sent a wire to Geneva also the Padre & Herb RSM. He was asked if we could buy eggs & he told us that owing to the food restrictions the most we could buy for the whole compound would be 1 Case [50] that is for 707 men. Asked about showers he will see into them. Sanitary a plan by one of our Sgts to be submitted to him & if approved we can go ahead with the work. Pte pcls to be issued as soon as they arrive. Playing Cards Iti or Eng an army order prohibits them in camps. Asked for sewing machine for our Tailor. cost too great. Walks not possible as we would have 2 2/2 kilos before entering an Industrial area & it is forbidden.

[Page 60]
This is the new list of food for POW2.per man per day. Permanent order as from 3/342.
Bread 200 Grammes = 7 ozs.
Macaroni or Rice 66 Gramm = 2 ¼ oz.
Meat One bone 60 " = 2 oz
[Twice per week]
Vegetables 30 " = 1 oz
Sugar 15 " = ½ oz
O.oil or Lard 13 " = ½
Tomato Puree 15 " = ½
Cheese [cooking] 10 " = ¼;" Table 40 " = 1 ½
5 times per week
Surrogated Coffee 7 ‘ = ¼

Improvement on rations to be spent on fruit or veg 1 Lire
This is 1/3 what we used to get. Under 1 lb of food in all per day so what.?
Can leave windows open at night after lights out if globes are taken out of sockets.
A newspaper in camp he will supply 5 personally.
Light in compound [more of] for protection of men going to lavortory say that his men have instructions to keep a good look out for that. Spraying of huts with Diso or other Fumicant will be done 1 per fortnight. A Barber for each hut. he said that he would supply the extra utensils that we require & did. Men working in garden to be paid the gardeners rate daily but not in compound.
Over radio that France & Norway bombed by 700 planes. Libya quiet Japs sinking all Yank Navy. City of Broome & Wyndham bombed. Pt. Darwin & then on to Sdyney.

[Page 61]
31/5/42 Returned to camp from Hospital. Issue of battle trousers no Jackets. Issued on Monday with 6 tins from Red X Pcl my first share of pcl for 3 ½ mths. Private pcls coming through better now – None for JC or myself JC Rec 1 from London in Feb. Mail slow.
13/6/42. Quite a big day. first told a private pcl for me. went out &l collected same received small draught board 2 Pkts cards confiscated rather dissapointed expected it to be 2nd clothing or Tob or Cigs better luck next time. JC received cable from his mother dated 24/3/42. None for RH. Another turn up wakened at ¼ to 3 by fire previous it had been lightning & thunder & rain very heavy & next we know that some of the Huts in another compound to us is ablaze the best Ive seen for some years. not a stick left & lucky for us it was raining I think the whole camp would have been cleaned out. Lucky 13.
14/6/42 parade at 6.30AM – everybody checked properly to make sure nobody escaped in the rush of last night all OK
21/6/42 Received news that Tobruk had been taken English surrendered unconditionally 25000 prisoners taken Men real released from boob.
22/6/42 Tailors slammed in trading
23/6/42. Told on parade that we cannot mention anything about our Iti food in our letters home. If we do the letters will be destroyed.
10/7/42. Call for 1000 volunteers for farm work. No vol will detail expect more any day. Batches of 100 – 2 Sgts 1 Tailor 2 Bootmakers 1 Barber & [indecipherable]
all to one camp

[Page 62]
Sketch – not transcribed

[Page 63]
THE BUMBLES

A SWINGCOPATEL FARCE

SCENE I: A SPRING AFTERNOON. A GARDEN PARTY AT JOAN’S HOME

SCENE II: THE HALL AT BUMBLETON CASTLE. THE SAME EVENING, ABOUT NINE O’CLOCK.

To the lilt of Orchestration by FRED COLEY

The afternoon set will be shown

Joan’s Garden Party with the CHOIR – NOT SO HOLY

Decor’s JOCK FRASER’S and BILL NEWLANDS’ own

MAURICE COWEN, Stage Manager, Has set up the Flag,
PETER MONTSERAT has switched on the lighting.

CHARLES LODISSON’S creations, with wigs ERIC BAGG, make more than the icecream inviting

GEOFF PRETTYMAN’S voices, a Background to Playtime

ANDY ANDERSON’S Building Unique

With props; ROLY HUNTERS, And what a Gaytime
Is enjoyed by the ladies, meant to be meek

The Musical Programme TED PEARSON has mated,

To this, our first musical Blitz

Stage Direction BROMILOW-DOWNING created,
Doctor when Acting permits.

[Page 64]
Bumbleton

THE CAST, IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Compere Speech Brother DAN BOSMAN
Joan Sweet Thing BEN HALLIGAN
Guests God Save Our Larder JIMMY BRILL TOM BAKER-WILLIAMS AINSLEY COOKE JOHN HOBBS SPOT STANFORD
Harry Qualle Passion PIP TURNER
Dulcie Gay Divorcee FRANK YOUNG
The Boys Almost Soprano JACK MORPHET LEN BAMBERGER RAY EPPS SYD WILLIAMS
Mr. Doddles Good Old Grandpa STUMPY HEWITT
Mrs. Doddles The Battleaxe BILL BICKERSTAFF
Cecelia So Cute, So Young LLOYD GEORGE
Frank Fiddle ‘Er RALPH P. GRIFFIN
Ballerina Rat Bait DICK WALDECK
Lawyer Boots, Boots STAN BARNES
Butler 40,000,000 Can’t be wrong DICK BEARMAN

[Page 65]
Sketch – not transcribed

[Page 66]
Tune of Lock my heart:

I’m going to get my Gas mask from the A.R.P.
I’m tired of all the Jerrie’s bombing me
I’m going to dig myself a trench
All around my garden fence
Seal my windows up with tin
So the tear gas can’t get in
I’m going to park a Bren Gun
right-along the kerb
Write a note to Hitler. "Please do not disturb"
And if I never hear from him again
Thats soon enough for me
I’m goin to get my Gas mask from the A.R.P.

[Page 67]
12/11/41

I’m Lonesome I guess – That’s all

It seems like a year since I’ve seen you dear
But I know its been only a day.
And the hours seem long & the world goes wrong.
For it’s empty with you away
And I wake from a dream of your lovliness
To sink once again into loneliness
And I’d give all the world for Just one caress
I’m lonesome I guess that’s all.

The faces I see, don’t appeal to me.
For its your face I long for to-day.
With its sweet little smile
That makes life worthwhile
It drives all my care’s away.
And I dream of your lips & your eyes of blue
And wonder if your heart is dreaming too
As my own heart is saying the long day through
I’m lonesome I guess that’s all.

[Page 68]
Faithful for Ever.

Faithful forever, whatever I do
Remember I’m true, remember that

Faithful forever and thankful for you
Ill keep smiling through rembember dear,

We may be apart now & then, but I’ll hold you in my heart till your’e in my arms again

Faithful forever, whatever may be
So alway’s have faith in me.

[Page 69]
When Day is Done.

When day is done and shadows fall
I dream of you.
When day is done I think of all the Joy’s we knew.
That yearning, returning, to hold you in my arms’s
Won’t go now, I know now without you life has lost its charms.
When day is done, and grass is wet with twilight dew.
My lonely heart keeps thinking with a sigh
And though I miss your tender kiss the whole day through.
I miss you most of all when day is done.

[Page 70]
Somebody’s thinking of you.

Somebody’s thinking of you to-night
Somebody’s thinking things aren’t too bright.
Somebody’s thinking they made a mistake
Oh what a difference a parting can make
Somebody’s longing for you to-night
Longing to hold you tight.
What, would you do sweetheart if you knew
I’m thinking of you to-night.

T’is a very simple prayer dear.
That I never cease to pray.
God keep you in his care dear & shield you night & day.
Love lights the gloom of sorrow
Faith see’s the dawn to be
Hope waits the glad tomorrow
That bring you back to me.

[Page 71]
You never miss the old faces.

Oh you never miss the old faces.
You never miss the old places.
Till your far away from home sweet home.
And you wonder where the old pal are.
You wonder how the old gal’s are.
When your miles away across the foam.
When your’e a lonely stranger in a lonely Town
With only memories when the sun goes down
No your never miss the old face’s you never miss the old place’s till
Your’e far away from Happy home sweet home.

[Page 72]
Cement 1 Sand 2 Gravel 4. All general purposes

Path 36ft x 3ft x 3" Works out in proportion of 1.2.4 as follows
1/4 x 3/1 x 36/1 = 27 Cu ft or Cu yd This Quantity of concrete uses
5 cwt cement 4 ½ cu ft sand 9 Cu ft aggregate.
With these figures it will be possible to make the required calculations for any quantity of concrete.

[Page 73]
The Colonel he did say.

As soldiers you’ll be treated
If you acta as the same.
And be a good prigionieri
Or some such a name.

Saluta D’Official
When he inside your camp.
And nine o’clocka every night
Turna outa electric light

We giva you gooda macaroni
Some day we give you pay.
We also giva you a haircut
The colonel he did say.
You standa to Attente
When the bugle he do blow
And if you nota do these thing’s
To calaboose youa go
You stand stilla two times
In each and every day
Keepa quiet and must not mag

[Page 74]
We not allowa you to smoke.
While we pulla down our flag.

And nota go Closa to the wire
At nighta or by day
Or Carabenieri he will shoot
The Colonel he did say.

Red Crossa parcels once a week
And letters sent from home.
Cigarettes I do not know
So I writa away to Rome
The Doctor he will looka at you
And tella you not to speak
And hope to God it doesn’t happen
Once in every week.

And outa on parade ground
Balla game we let you play
I nota understanda game
The Colonel he did say.

[Page 75]
We letta you make de fireplace
If you beea verra good
We nota know what you will burn
Cause we gotta noa wood
We giva you two blankets
So you sleepa verra nice
Unless you waka at a night
And Chasa da Iti lice.
But our boy’s not lika the colonel
Any more they like the lice
So he can keep his macaroni
And also his mucked up rice.
We did not want a haircut
To which we make protest
And sixty boys went into Jail
While the barber’s did the rest
We putta handcuffs on the boys
So they will nota stray
And chaina them to big strong rope
The colonel he did say.

[Page 76]
They insulted good old [indecipherable]
As a barber cut his hair.
But Cotty took it like a man
To him the colonel was misere
And when w’e’re back in Aussie
Drinking a foaming pot.
W’ell remember all their Dirty tricks
And how they made it hot.
For quite a lot of Itie’s
Keep shops and farms out there
We won’t forget these Dagoe’s
And how they cut our hair.

Well order from them their best
They’ll ask us why nota youa pay
W’ell answer them quite meaningly
Doumani The Colonel he did say.

[Page 77]
Composed by Johnny Dixon & Wal Francis 13th Batt Inf

There are some prigionieri.
They live in Italy.
They never ever worry.
Or ever disagree
They live on Macaroni
And technicolor rice
And when they go to bed at night
They have to fight the lice.

Chorus
When we are free
Then that will be the day wer’e waiting for.
At peace once more
We’ll never want another war.
So come with me
Out on the spree w’ell have to celebrate

That happy day
When we go marching through the gate.

[Page 78]
They have to do delousing
The bug’s are very bad
If we get any more of them
They’ll drive us flaming mad.
They get there Red Cross parcels
Mostly every week
But once the Major stopped them
We like his flaming cheek.

Chorus. ;;They went to Gruppignano.
And there they struck a snag.
The Capitano told them
To salute the Iti flag.
They thought it very nasty
And the boy’s were not so keen.
And when the trumpet sounded
Not a prisoner could be seen.

Chorus.

[Page 79]
They cut their hair like convicts
And whiskers had to go.
The strong men wept like children
When the Captain told them so
In the not so distant future
There will come a day
When we will be the bosse’s
Anthe Dagoes’d have to pay.

Chorus.

The Captain called attente
No answer to his plea
And when he said reposo
The boy’s all howled with glee
But even though we’re prisoners
And w’eve been through the mill
We can still show the Ities
How real men do their drill.

Chorus.

[Page 80]
They put the handcuffs on them
And sent them to the clink
The things we have to stand from them
Would drive a man to drink.

[Page 81]
[blank page]

[Page 82]
[blank page]

[Page 83]
[blank page]

[Page 84]
INSET - TOP OF PAGE 9

ENTER MRS. DODDLES
Doddles : Where have you bin?
Mrs Dod : Seems like the rustling of spring. The saps rising.
Dulcie : Well, where have you been, Lady Bumbleton?
Mrs.Dod : Where have I bin

Song "WHERE HAVE YOU BIN LADY BUMBLETON"

[Page 85]
Opening Chorus
Wear you old smile again
Lets be jolly & hearty
Laugh all the while again
Be a Jovial party.
Life’s too short to worry
Chase your blues away.
Brighten up lets hurry
Shouts Hip Hip hooray.
Wear you old grin again
Meet the world with eyes shining
Stick up that chin again
Greet the silvr’y lining
Just be gay that’s the way & you’ll win through
Wear you old smile again
And we’ll all be smiling too.

[Page 86]
Finale 1st Act

Carry on with a smile
And the clouds will all go fleeting by
You will find its worth while
When you see the bright blue sky
We all know that like the golden sun
Smiling means so much to every one
So keep going that’s the style boys
Nothing will go wrong if you sing a song
And Carry on with a smile.

[Page 87]
Grand Finale That Funny Melody
It goes like this Ta ra ra Ra
It goes like this Ta ra ra Ra
Then it goes Ta ru ra ra Ta ra - - -
Then it goes Ta ru ra ra Ta ra - - -
And right in the middle of the doggone thing
Everybody starts to sing
Ta ra ra ra Ta ra ra ra
Ta ra ra ra Ta ra ra ra
What can the name of it be
It goes like this Ta ra ra ra - - -
Oh what a funny melody.

[Page 88]
Pork Parade Chorus
When my girl & I go out to join the Park parade,
Arm in arm we stroll along, a happy man & maid
Very soon she’ll smile at me, & I will hold her hand
Strolling in the Park parade nothing’s half so grand
When the band is playing, to a waltz we will sway
Then we’ll go & strut along down, swinging the blues
away, And if we should quarrel, we’ll make up &
understand, strolling in the park parade, yippee
aint love grand.

[Page 89]
Happy Home Mr & Mrs Doddles
You’ll be happ happ happy
In our happy home
Where you’ll always get good fare
We’ll have great pleasure in entertaining you
You’ll have good measure & should never
Never ever be blue
You can always make our home your rendezvous
If your coming out our way
So here’s a royal invitation to our happy home
"Repondez S’Il-vous Plait"

[Page 90]
Joan Sings 2nd Chorus after opening
Oh Joan’s just wild about Harry
And he’s in love you can see
The Heavenly blisses of his kisses
Filled her with ecstacy
His voice is like sugar candy
His lips like honey from the bee
Oh Joan’s just wild about Harry
And Harry’s wild about
Cannot do without, He’s in love you can see.

DOODLE-DO-DO

Oh please play for me that sweet melody called doodle-do do doodle-do-do.
I like the rest, but what I like best, is doodle do do - doodle do-do
Simplest thing, there’s nothing much to it, you don’t have
to sing, you just doodle - do do it
I love it so, wherever I go, I just doodle do do – doodle
do do, doodle do do, do it

[Page 91]
- Every Sunday Afternoon - Mr & Mrs Doddles
We have a story to tell you
Of two people old but gay
Two country people, whose dreams all came true
And they met in the Yesterday;Chorus
A pretty maid – sweet sixteen
What a picture, in her crinoline
He first met her on the village green
On a Sunday afternoon
Two young hearts – perfect bliss
But alas’ she was a shy young miss
Not so shy that he stole a kiss
On a Sunday afternoon.
By a little church they used to linger
They both found that certain thing
Very soon upon her finger, she wore a plain little golden ring
The years passed by – their old & gray, If the village green is on
Your way. You’ll see them watching all the children play
On a Sunday afternoon

[Page 92]
Mr & Mrs Doddles - Babying You – Act II

MrsDoddles Every girl more or less likes to be called a baby, treated with tenderness
Matters not who she may be
Mr D. How do I make them fall
You’d like to know the answer
Whether theyr’e short or tall
Here’s what I tell them all
Chorus
I could die babying you [Baby-babying you
Won’t you try babying too [Baby-babying you
Let me watch over your charms [my charms]
And let my arms be your cradle
Cares would be, ever so few [Ever-Ever so few]
How could we, ever be blue Ever-Ever be blue
While the golden, years unfold
I’ll grow old babying you

[Page 93]
Where have you Bin Mr Doddles Mrs & Dulcie;Dulcie
Now Lady Bumble now Lady Bumble
Whats this about
It’s a fine time for you to be out.;Mrs Dodd
Ive been inside the Hothouse dear
It seems Ive been for hours
I felt a sudden urge on me
So watered the pretty flowers;Doddles ;Now Lady Bumble now Lady Bumble
Where have you bin
Your story like your shoes is rather thin
If you wander round the park in the dark
You’ll meet the spark who is out for a lark;Mrs Dodd
That’s how I picked up Mr Doddles

[Page 94]
2.
Doddles - ;Now Lady Bumble now Lady Bumble
Whats this about
It’s a fine time for you to be out
Mrs D. –
S.M.Stirling sent for me, to see the clothes supplies
He pulled down pants & shirts & vests
Until he found my size
Dulcie -
Now Lady Bumble now Lady Bumble
Where have you been
Your story like the local soup is thin
If you wander near the clothing store
You’ll get much more than you bargain for
Mrs D –
That’s where I picked up Mr Doddles.
3. Open 3 Chorus with

Mr D.
Just 3 lines 2 Chorus
- After she blasted all my hopes
Mrs D.
Now Lady Bumble Now Lady Bumble
Why did you tell

[Page 95]
- The Bumbles of Bumbleton –
- Musical farce in 2 Scenes
Scene 1
Joans garden party.
The lawn in front of Joan’s home. A Terrace with balustrades’ occupies back stage. On left can be seen the corner of the house. Trees form the left side of the stage. Left front stage, garden seat, with trellis behind. Right backstage sunshade, w/-ice cream container. Right front & left back garden seat w/- 3 chairs each. On right back, table, decanter & glasses.
Overture. Opening Chorus Wear your old smile again.
Curtain rises. On stage Joan at right flower pot on terrace five members of chorus grouped round table left back. At completion of opening chorus Joan comes down terrace step to front stage singing.;I’m Just Wild about Harry. – ends song seated on table with chorus
Joan[moving across stage to table right] I’m wild about Harry he’s always late.
A. He has probably been delayed
JOAN. Delayed with that horrid Dulcie. Dulcie with 4 sons has been divorced more times than she has been married. And now she seems to be looking for another.

[Page 96]
B Don’t be Jealous Joan, you know he has never looked at anyone else.;C And she is always looking at everyone else.;D Snap out of it, Joan, Pep it up.
Park parade: Dance by Joan & Guest
Enter Dulcie. Harry. & Four sons of Dulcie.
Chorus. Dulcie
Joan. Harry
Harry. Sorry to be late old thing, but - - - - - -
[Dulcie moves over to chorus, male members make a fuss of her – the boys take centre stage ready for their number;JOAN Explanations are not necessary, I think it is fairly obvious. [Sits on chair on Ra of Ra Table]
Harry [leaning over table] But Joan [Joan flonces] [Harry sits on left of table peeved]
Song. The little red school –;Harry. Go away [The boys move over to the sunshade to the ice cream].

[Page 97]
Dulcie . [Moves over to table right] But Harry we have Just come to stay.
Joan .[Standing] I think Harry means you to leave him alone.;Dulcie .But I have just started on him.;Harry .[Getting up & joining boy at Ice cream] You must be a self starter.;JOAN . Wouldn’t you like to take your boys to play in the Rosegarden.
Dulcie . Rosegarden. Oh – yes – boys would you like to play in the R Garden
One . Rose garden.
Two Rose garden
Three Rose garden [This done in arpreggio with the final chord]
Four Rose garden
All Rose garden
Orchestra – Boys move off stage left. To time of music drums & Cymbals.
Chorus. Ah yes the rose garden [Exit Dulcie followed by Chorus]
Harry [To Joan who has moved to follow the others]. JOAN.
JOAN [Halting midstage] Yes?
Harry [Moving over to Joan, who moves to garden seat] Let me explain.
JOAN [sitting on garden seat with back to Harry]. There can be no explanation
Harry [At garden seat]. You must trust me. Dulcie is trying to get a hold on me.

[Page 98]
JOAN Looks as if she would like to get a half nelson on you.
Harry . You must listen - she has only one ambition, to break me up.
Song – Love is my guide by Harry. JOAN becomes reconciled.
ENTER. Frank . Carries out antics – Jitterbug.
Harry .Frank whatever is the matter, looks like St Vitus dance to me.
Frank That is my new number.;Harry You cannot expect an opera singer to go on like that.
Frank . Opera for me is dead. No more [snatch of opera]
now all is, [snatch of swing with actions]
Song All muddled up by Frank.
JOAN Have you sold any number yet.
Frank. Pah what is money [excited] but I have a hibble at my muse
Harry .What.?
Frank There is a bite at my foil, a snatch at my grab,
Hogglehumer is interested in my new number. "Can you can the cow, as you can can the Klim."
Harry. How is the fair Cecelia?
Frank Divine. .

[Page 99]
Harry Love is blind, it must be to see past her parents. ;JOAN They may be queer,m but they are my cousins, I am expecting them to be here at any minute now, do be careful. ;Harry How you could have cousins like that…;JOAN Don’t blame me, I did not produce them. ;Harry At least they have money, even though they do smell of the Stables.

Enter, Dulcie with the boys.

Dulcie We saw the Rosegarden.
1 – We saw roses
2 – Rows of Roses
3 – Rows and rows of Roses.
4 – In the rosegarden
1 – Rose rose
2 – From the rows
3 – and rows of roses
4 – In the rose garden. ;Frank Rose, Whose4 Rose? Hose rose rosy mosy posey – oh stop it. ;Dulcie Frank, we saw Cecelia and [laughter] her parents. They should be here any moment. Frank what do you see in Cecelia?

[Page 100]
Frank It’s Cecelia I’m marrying, not her parents.
Frank Are you sure you are going to marry Cecelia. ;
ENTER [Mr Doddles, Mrs D and Cecelia]

Doddles Whats to do – Whats to do.? . ;Frank Now Cecelia [greetings to all] Cecelia come here. No snooping round, and you Doddles, Come here this minute.
JOAN Oh Cousin do allow you chicks a little freedom this afternoon.
Mrs D Chicks? Some chicks, I pick my chicks

Song There’s a trick in picking a Chick – chick – chicken [by Dulcie]; Mrs D Come here Cecelia.
Cecelia Oh mother. [Moves over to Mrs D]
Mrs Dod Doddles [motions him to Join her which he does promptly]
Harry Happy family group. Hold it. [action of a snap]
Frank How did you come to get it, Doddles?

Song Every Sunday afternoon. Dod & Mrs Dod

Dulcie [Acidly] Do they every let you out Cecelia?

Song Does your Mother know your out Cecelia

[Page 101]
Enter Lawyer.
Song A Merry merry lawyer am I.
Lawyer [to doddles] My Lord Bumbleton.
ALL Lord Bumbleton?
Lawyer [Reading from scroll] Whereas, the Ninth Earl of Bumbleton, having died intestate, and no other heirs being forthcoming, it is my duty to tell you, that you are now the tenth Earl of Bumbleton. With the title go the noble Bumbleton Castle and the entire estate.
Dulcie I always knew you had breeding
Doddles And how I could breed.
Lawyer The estate in its entirety is yours my Lord Bumbleton.
ALL Cheers
Mrs Doddles Doddles
ALL Lord Bumbleton
Mrs Dodd Doddles
ALL Lord Bumbleton
Doddles Now, now, don’t quarrel over me. This is an occasion for Jollity, to celebrate my good fortune, I invite you all to Bumbleton Castle with me.

[Page 102]
Song You’ll be happy in our happy Home.
[Doddles Mrs D Cecelia and Chorus]
Exit all except Frank and Cecelia

Frank Don’t go Cecelia.
Cecelia But I must. You see how mother is now that she is a Duchess.
Cecelia [cont.] Lord knows for our sakes you must never see me again.
Frank [sits at table right] Money Pah what is money. Drinks from hip flask] Titles what are titles [Drinks] Drink, Drink, All to the good drink till I see them

Song Pink Elephants by Frank
Burlesque danc – Pink Elephant by Waldick

Song Four Aristocratic Rats by Harmoniques
Enter Joan an Harry

Song Did you ever see a dream walking by Joan and Harry. Taken up by Frank.

[Page 103]
Harry What does it feel like to be engaged to the daughter of an Earl.
Frank She has thrown me over – I am never to see her again [weeps]
Harry But Frank, we must do something to help.
JOAN Ah I know, Mrs Doddles, I mean Lady Bumbleton want a governess for Cecelia why don’t you dress up and take the post.
Frank What! Me dress up as a woman. No Bloody likely you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Fancy you suggesting that a man should dress up as a woman I think its . . . Immoral.
JOAN Oh really, I am sure I would not mind dressing up as a man for a change.
Frank That’s easy for you. You stick out in the right places.
Harry That’s easily fixed.
JOAN You’ll do it? Oh goody.

Song. Carry on with a smile by Harry
Enter Mr D & Mrs. Cecelia
Doddles Carry on
Whole cast returns for Chorus – Finale –
- Curtain -

[Page 104]
SCENE II The hall at Bumbleton Castle
Scene The hall with two doors at back and one left side. The back right door is to Cecelia’s bedroom. The back left door is the Bumbleton’s bedroom. The door on the left side is to the outer passage. The centre panel is occupied by an enormous coat of arms. Right front is a suit of Armour.
Right back. Divan. Centre stage a table
Front left. A Settee.
On Stage – Harry, Joan, Doddles & Mrs Doodles.
Inspecting the room –
Doddles Lord Bumble, of Bumbleton Castle That’s me
JOAN Sounds grand when you say it like that. This is a lovely room. You are lucky to have it all to yourselves.
Doddles Took it over as a going concern – Drinks – Servants & everything [to Bulter] Whisky & splash – Vamoose now – Franswan! That will be all. Fine chap understands English, but cannot speak a word of it. Keeps on we we weeing all over the place.
Harry Your family coat of arm’s [describes the design] Your motto looks interesting, What does it mean?

[Page 105]
Mrs Doddles Looks familiar to me
Doddles Latin I should say, I must ask the lawyer all about it next time I see him.
Cecelia Mother can we have a party.
Doddles Party? What do you think we are having now.
Cecelia I mean a real party with music & and dancing & Swing
Mrs Doddles I’ll have no swing music here. The idea

Song – Momma wont have no swing music here.

Mrs Doddles Now stop that you must remember you are a member of the aristocracy now.
Doddles You must think of your marriage with my money and the title you could marry anybody.
Mrs Doddles Let me see you could marry Charles Blake the Prince of Morchants
Doddles Or Bert Finney – the Peer of Postmen
Mrs Doddles Or Viscount John – Mr D Viscount John
Doddles or even The Lord of the Lager Earl Van Hinson
Cecelia I’ll marry for love. I love Frankie. And I’ll marry Frankie.

Exit – Cecelia through door Right Back

[Page 106]
Mrs Doddles Love – what is Love.
Doddles We married for love didn’t we?
Mrs Doddles Love was that what you called it? Ah well, perhaps we did.

Song – I’ll be babying you baby Mr & Mrs Doddles
- Enter the Butler -
Butler [In French] Madame Josephine has arrived. She will be ready to commence her duties immediately.
Doddles [Repeats the French phonetically] Madame Josephine has arrived & is eating all the sweets.
Mrs Doddles Remember you are in front of the servants that will be all

Exit Butler
Why do you always try to make out you understand French. You know you don’t understand a word of it. Now – the new governess for Cecelia will be in any minute. We must tidy ourselves at once.

Exit Doddles & Mrs through door back left

JOAN Frank is in a jam. They will never agree to the marriage now.

[Page 107]
Song – Paradise for two Joan & Harry
Enter - Frank dressed as Madame Josephine.
Frank Here you are then alright go on laugh, laugh your heads off. In a drunken moment you get me to agree to this. Now you’ve got to get me out of it.
JOAN Have you seen Cecelia yet?
Frank No
Harry I’ll call her for you [goes to door right back & calls Cecelia – [enter Cecelia] Your new governess Madame Josephine
Cecelia Oh you do look a dear I am sure you will be good for me. We really must begin at once. Do show me how to enter a room correctly.
Frank makes actions, Cecelia copies]
Oh how lovely and now a hostess at a party
Actions by Frank repeated by Cecelia.
We are getting on well. I am sure you will be good for me.
Frank I am an absolute nerve tonic.

Cecelia & Frank seated on Divan Back right.

[Page 108]
Enter – Doddles, Mrs D from door back left
Doddles Ah good, started already I see, you must teach her all you know.
Frank ALL

- ENTER Butler -
Butler Madame Highlights [Enter Dulcie]
Dulcie [to butler] No No, that was the time before last, I am now Mrs Corncob [to Doddles] and who knows who I may be next?
Butler [In French to Mrs Doddles] The rooms are insufficient for the guests.
Mrs Doddles Not sufficient rooms for the guests What nonsense. I’ll arrange this. Come with me and I will show you.

- Exit Butler &s; Mrs Doddles –

Dulcie [Looking after Mrs D] There she goes, all over her clothes
Doddles [Takes seat right of table] Don’t laugh at my wife, dear please.
Dulcie Well everytime she sneezes she gets – hiccups
Dulcie [Doddle’s head on her shoulder] There now that’s better

[Page 109]
Doddles Mum um us – I feel the best of your heart

Song – My heart belongs to daddy by Dulcie

Doddles Oh um, yes of course, would you like to see the rest of the castle.
Dulcie Oh rather there is so much else to show you
- Exit Dulcie & Doddles -
Cecelia Oh I’m bored, wake up everyone, band leader, a song

Song – Doodle do-do by Cecelia
Enter – Mrs Doddles with Butler -

Mrs Doddles Now that is arranged. Of course there was enough room. You, Madame Josephine will share the room with Cecelia for the night. Dulcie can have our room. Lord Bumbleton & I will have the small room upstairs. Is that clear? Now tell Madame Dulcie & my Lord the new arrangements and move our things out of the room.
Exit - Butler to room left back
Mrs Doddles to door left side.

[Page 110]
Cecelia Oh lovely, how thrilling. I will get your place ready at once.

Exit [Cecelia to room back right]

Frank Now you have done it.
Harry You will have to get use to it sometime. You are not ashamed of your figure are you.
Frank No – but I am naturally ginger
Harry Well here is a half crown to have a shave

Enter Butler from door back left, without case, etc. Dulcie amp; Doddles from door left side.

Butler
[in French] m’ Lady has changed the rooms. Madame is to have this room. My Lord &: M’Lady will have that room upstairs.

Exit Butler door left side

Dulcie Did you understand, sweetie pie?
Doddles Of course, I understand, I’m taking elementary French from Sam Fry.;

[Page 111]
Dulcie What doews your motto mean
Doddles Let’s ask the Governess, Madame Josephine, can you tell us the meaning of the family motto?
Frank Um – Let me see, Ancient Latin I should say. It is very hard.

Enter Mrs Doodles.

Mrs Doddles Where have you been.
Doddles Seems like the rustle of spring. The sap’s rising.
Where have you been Lady Bumbleton.

Song Where have you bin – by Dulcie Dodd & Mrs D

Mrs D Where have you bin

ENTER Cecelia from door back right

Cecelia All arranged, my dear, I am sure you will like it.

Enter - The boys –

Dulcie Ah my boys, now come & sit by Mother

Song I’d rather play noughts & crosses

Harry Time to make a move

Song Heigho Heigho its off to bed we go. ;

[Page 112]
Exit All during this chorus. Lights are dimmed. Cecelia to door right. Dulcie to door left. Doddles is the last to leave & he goes to door left. Dulcie comes back immediately and sings –
- I never knew - by Dulcie
And then returns to the room.
Enter Joan & Harry from the door left side
Harry Its quite impossible to sleep. These old buildings seem to be alive with things that bite. Let’s sit here.
Song Two Sleepy People – by Joan & Harry.
Enter Frank from door back right.
Song Oh Bother what will I do now. By Frank
Frank arranges himself for the night on the Divan back right.
Roarcous song from door left in Doddles voice
I’ll be babying you.;

[Page 113]
Joan & Harry wake up. And rush to door and pull out Doddles, and drag him to front stage followed almost immediately by Dulcie.
Harry & Joan Doddles.
Doddles I never knew.
Dulcie I’ll say I did not.
Harry But the Butler told you the rooms had been changed.
DoddlesRooms changed? Then where is my old battleaxe?
Harry Upstairs waiting for you. I think I had better go and tell her where you have been
Doddles No, no. I’d do anything to stop that.
JoanThen let Cecelia marry Frank
Doddles What that good for nothing budding Kriesler. Never.
Harry I’d better call Lady Bumbleton
Doddles No – No.

[Page 114]
Joan Then let Cecelia marry Frank.
Doddles Yes. But where is Frank.
Harry We will send Josephine to call him
Doddles Josephine, what are you doing there
Frank I could not sleep so –
Harry Oh not to night Josephine, stow all the explanations. Go & call Frank there is a dear.

Exit Frank - Enter Cecelia

Cecelia Where is Josephine? She went to ???? and has not come back.
Joan She’ll not come back. There is no need for you to marry any of these horrid people. You are to marry Frank.
Cecelia Is this true Father? When did you agree
Doddles I thought of it in bed Just now.
Dulcie You are a sweet thing

Enter Mrs Doddles – switches on the light.;

[Page 115]
Mrs Doddles Come on I have been waiting for you a woman cannot wait all night at my time of life.
Joan Frank and Cecelia are to be married
Mrs Doddles Over my dead body.
Doddles Then you are dead. They are married.
Mrs Doddles Oh its like that is it. Shotgun wedding

Enter Frank
Song Heart to Heart by Frank & Cecelia
Enter Lawyer.

Lawyer Is there a Mr Franchot Montgomery Marmaduck Farthingto here
Frank Yes that’s me.
All You.
Doddles Wait lawyer, tell me, what is the meaning of our family motto.

[Page 116]
Lawyer - Ah that goes back to very ancient times, when the first Bumbletons lives in caves, and were liable to be kept there for weeks at a time. Freely translated it means – What we have, we hold.
Dulcie - How marvellous. I must tell the boys.

Exit Dulcie -

Lawyer - My business today is to tell Mr Farthington that his latest song hit has been purchased for ten thousand pounds.

All - Cheers
Enter – Dulcie

Dulcie - Oh Frank how marvellous. I always knew you had it in you. How does it go.

Finale Chorus – It goes like this.

Curtain – Finito.

[Page 117]
[blank page]

[Page 118]
Cast;
Mr Doddles – s A.
Mrs Doddles – Bick A;Cecelia – [Daughter] Lloyd George S.A.
Joan [cousin] Ben Halligan SA
Dulcie – [Divorcee] Frank Young E
Frank Griffin RP NZ
Harry Pip Turner E.
Guests Baker Will A Cook Jack NZ Jack Hobbs NZ Stanford [Spot] SA J Brill A
Harmoniques [4 sons of Dulcie] R Epps NZ L Bamberger SA J Morphet A SWilliams A
Lawyer Stan Barnes SA
Madame Josephine [Frank disguised]
Butler Bearman SA
Lord & Lady Bumbleton – Mr & Mrs D.
Madame Highlights [Dulcie]
Burlesque Pink Elephant ballerina Waldick
Page H Lusdey E.
Producer Major Downing SA
Musical Director T Pearson SA
Co Musical Director G Pretyman A.
Costumer C Louisson NZ
6A 6SA 3E 4NZ

[Page 119]
Theatre Shows. Dates Approx

March 22/3rd Variety. Here we go. [Skinner & Randall.]
April 11th 12th Play – Gaslight. [Parker]
April 22/3rd Variety Musical Farce [Mjr Downing Pearson Pretyman]
June 7/8th Play. Youth at the Helm [Lauder]
June 22/3rd Full Band & Orchestra Recital.
July 7/8th Play – Hay Fever. [Len Wear]
July 22/3rd Musical Revue [Les Davidson]
Aug 7/8th Dramatic Scty.
Aug 22/3rd Musical Comedy [Montgomery.]
May 7/8th Play. Once a Crook – [McFarlane]
May 22/3rd Variety [Griff]

[Page 120]
Whats on Commencing 27/3/44 ;Radio player
Huts 25A – Mon 31A Tues – 22B Wed – 26A Thursday
Next production approx / mth.;Films
Wed 6pm Thurs 6pm Sat 2pm 29th 30th March. 31st
Then approx. 5/6th April 18th & 28th.;

[Page 121]
Hughie Machusla Danny Boy
Paddy Flynn That old Irish Mother of Mine Rose of Tralee
Fred Simpson Mother Machree Does your Mother come from Ireland
Bob Lewis [indecipherable] Mtns of Morn – Stone outside D Murphys [indecipherable]
G Finney;[indecipherable] Phome Murray Believe me of all those End of Chorus [F]. Oft in the Stilly night [G] Where the River Shannon Meets the Sea [F]
C Costello McNamara’s Band
Eric Jig
W Walsh Londonderry Air
Ces Con Maran Monolgue
Tim When Irish Eyes are Smiling - Mother Machree - Rose of Tralee – Danny Boy
Killarney – Come Back to Erin – Tipperary – Wearin of the Green - Terry
Eileen Allanah – Dear little Shamrock - Old Irish Mother of Mine – On the banks of the Allan Waters – Believe me if all those Endearing Young charms – Londonderry Air – Harp the once thro Tara’s Halls - I’ll take thee home again Kathleen
Trumpet P.A. GH. BG. P.Epps. Little Town in old county Down
Griff S Peggy ONiell, Bridget O’Flynn

[Page 122]
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[Page 123]
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[Page 124]
32837. Hewitt R.J.A. 30A.

[Page 125]
Gay Time Revue Griff
Blithe Spirit. Play [3 Acts] Dan Bosman
[Impromtu] Two 1 Act plays Between the Soup & Savory M.Downing Mummy & Variety. F. Young.
Here we go. Revue. Skinner Randall.
Gaslight – Play . Parker. April 11/12th Approx
April 25/6th Variety – Musical Farce [Mjr Douring Pearson Pretyman]
May 7/8th Play – Once a Crook. McFarlane
May 22/3rd Variety [Griff]
June 7/8th Play – Youth at the Helm [Lauder]
June 22/3rd Full Bank & Orchestra recital.
July 7/8th Play Hay Fever – [Wear]
July 22/3rd Musical Revue – [Les Davidson]
Aug 7/8th Dramatic Society.
Aug 22/3rd Mucial Comedy [Montgomery]

[Page 126]
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[Page 127]
Hut Concert party 12th Feb 1944
Opening Number. How do you do. [S] with Orchestra.
Community Here we are again – P.up Troubles. Take me back to blighty.
String Orchestra = The Bridal Waltz =
Bill Kane. Songs. Danny Boy – Annie Laurie.
Bob Lewis. Mouth Organ Solo. Scottish Medley. Tippy Tin. Isle of Capri.
Ray Hawkins. Guitarist. Gundagai line – Rag Cowboy Joe.
Geo Harman. Comic Song & Monologue. Old King Cole
Community Just a wee doch & doris = Boomps a daisy.
String Orchestra = Time was =
Griff. Songs. Blue Orchids = They say.
Harmoniques. Pop goes your heart = I’ll always love you.
Claude & Jack. Mouth Organ duet . Fleet in Port Selections. Chinatown
Waaka & Mike. Songs Guitar duettists, Haere-ra-a heine
Or Goodbye Darling. = Hea-pura-tai tamer
Or The Young Bull.
Community Lambeth walk = Good bye-ee

[Page 128]
String Orchestra. My Prayer. [Chorus Ray Epps]
Pip Turner. Songs. Mine Alone = Lindy-lou
Geo Finney. Violine Solo. Toscelli's Seranade;Intermezzo from Cav Rusicano
Harmoniques. Is Iin live I is. Down forget me not lane.
String Orchestra. Saddle your blues to a Wild Mustang.
Ray Epps. Songs - Maytime. Tell me tonight;;rep;My Souveniers Tree's,
Finale. Moari's Farewell. Orchestra once through then all together second time.
First performance. 30A then Infirmary Con Hut 22B;31B 32B
Approx time 13/4 hrs
Extra's used. Guitar duet. Songs. Rose of Tralee Smilin thru, BK. Button up your overcoat Harmoniques.
Violin. Cgardus = Minuet in G.
Mike Niven. 32B. Boozing - Fathers grave.

[Page 129]
Hut Concert Pary 14/3/44
Community Lily of Lagoona - Two little girls' in Blue
String Orchestra - Old time Waltz Medley.
Fred Simpson - Songs. Vagabond - L.G.Home in West
Claude & Jack. M.O.duet It’s a lovely day Tomorrow - Wood Peckers
Geo Harman - Comic Songs - Own Composition - Opera
Bill Matchett. P.A.Solo - Tango Selections - Am Mari P.F Song
Community - Long Long Trail - Smile the While.
String Orchestra - She's not worth your Tears.
Phonic Murray. Songs. Song of the Hebrides - Because
Ben Elliott. Comic. Senora - Garden Subub
Bob Lewis. M.O.Solo R.O.Barrel - B. St. Marys - African Medley
Dave Lauder. Shakesperean Monologue.
Community - Sprintime in Rockies - When the Moon C' over the Mtns
Orchestra - My heart is where the Mohawk flows tonight;[Carson Robinsons] chorus - R Epps -
Geo Finney. Violin Solo. Barcarole - Swan.
Fred, Harry & Dick - Guitars and Trumpet. - Swing Items.
Ray Epps. Songs. I hear you calling me - Birdsongs at eventide.
Orchestra - Mamma Inez.
Finale - Moaris Farewell
Huts. 31A - 32B - 22B - 30B. Approx time 1 3/4 hrs.

[Page 130]
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[Page 131]
St Patricks night Concert held in 30B. 17/3/44

Community Tipperary – When Irish eyes are smiling.
Fred Simpson Songs – Mother Machree – D.Y.M. Come from Ireland
Paddy Flynn That Old Irish Mother of Mine – Rose of Tralee.
Geo Harman Own Composition – Opera.
Community Dear little Shamrock – Pat Mc Glintys goat.
Hugh Montgomery Songs – Macushla – Danny Boy.
Bob Lewis M.O. Irish Medley. Nellie Relly. Mr G McShean
Ces Morar Monologue – An old mans story or the prisoner lament.
Paddys day in the year 1984 –
The place – Any bar in N.Z.
The Character – One of us.
Community Peggy O’niell – Bridget O’Flynn
Phonie Murray Where the River Shannon meet the Sea of the Stilly night. Irish Immigrant
Bill Matchett P.N. Irish Selection – Swing.
Ben Elliott Senora – Garden Garden Subbub. Monologue
Community Rillarney – Little Annie Rooney
Geo Finney Violin Solo – Requests – Czdrdus – Indian Love Call
Harry Munt Mtns of Morn – Dan Durphys door
Fred Harry & Dick Guitars & Trumpet
Lock my Heart – Darktown Strutters Ball
In the Mood

[Page 132]
Griff Monologue – Own Composition
Community Little Dash of Dublin
Smiling Irish Eyes
Bill Walsh Kerry dancing – Wearin of the Green
Chas Costello McNamara’s Band
Ted Miller P.A.Selections B. St Marys. Fin Port
Ray Epps Little town in the old County down
I hear you call me. [Request]
Community Lights of London – White Cliffs of Dover
Smile the While – Good bee ee
Pack up your troubles.
Finale Maori Farewell.
Approx Time 2 ½ hrs. Ext lights 10.30. Grog.?

[Page 133]
Hut entertainment. Commencing 27/3/44
Radio Players.
Huts. 25A - 31A - 22B - 26A
Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs.

[Page 134]
No text

[Page 135]
A.J.["Spot"] Standford
32, St Georges St, Capetown
Good wishes & Good luck, Stumpy!!

R.K.Epps
I Bowen St. Cambridge
Waikato, New Zealand
All the best, Stumpy.

G.T.Pretyman
29 High St, Marrickville
NSW Australia
Good Luck, but don’t drink the Occidental dry!

S.J.Williams [O.K.]
"Woodland", 17 Wut St 6 Rickard St.
Five Dock. NSW Five Dock
Australia U2646 32826

J.C. Morphet
13 Mayfield Grove, Caulfield
Melbourn Australia

Alan. C. Pretyman [bod].
29 High St,
Marrickville
New South Wales
"Oh for an Osram" time for a ?;

[Page 136]
Ben Hallizan
40 Vincent Rd.,
Hounslow. West
Middlesex

[indecipherable] A.L. Bambuger
Dalmeny. P.O.Box 32, Westville. Natal Phone 80332
South Africa

A. LeLaut
24 Albian St City
Sydney

B. Bronulor Wawning
134 Cape Road
Port Elizabeth also Johannesburg
South Africa
CONSIDINE: or KENDALL [Courier]
Footscray
Melbourne:

Bill Brikersloffs J.C. 2419.
6 Blenheim Rd.
Lindfield
Sydney

Douglaas Clark c/. Frank A Harper Esq
Bank N.S.W. 166 Pitt st. Sydney

[Page 137]
Frank C Young
11A Fisher Avenue
Woodthorpe Nottingham ENG

Eric Costello & Chas
20 Milton Grove
Nelson N.Z.

Mr Ben. Stevens
136 Harrow Road
Paddingto London W2

John H. Hobbs
87 Aikmans Road
Merivale
Christchurch, N.Z.
[Union Bank of Australia Ltd.]
Oamoru

John V. Smith
"Omar" Lavender Bay Steps
Nth Sydney, NSWales
Australia

A. E. Hayes
446 Andersons Bay Road
Dunedin
Otago

[Page 138]
A.D. Williams
76 Albany St.
Dunedin New Zealand

Patrick Flynn
24 The Terrace
Nth. Ipswich
Queensland
Australia

A Moran
97 Wellingto St
Auckland
N.Z.

Harry R. Richardson
17 Belford St
Broadmeadow
NSW

Albert E. Jack
10 Raymond St.
Limaru
New Zealand

"GRIFF" PAT GRIFFIN [C/o Shell Coy Ltd]
20 Te Ra Terrace
Andersons Bay
Donedin
New Zealand

[Page 139]
W. Murphy
C/- 347 Draper St
Cairns QLD

E. Hancock Mrs. W.A.Foster
39 Artarmon Rd
Willoughby

Trevorle Horton "Waitahoata" Str
Whatatutu Gisborner N.Z. Kia Oras

A.L.Cook 1 Irvine St Riccarton
[NZ23255] Christchurch New Zealand

R.L.Bates [SPIDER] 21 Bristol Road, Parkwood
[26822] Johannesburg. South Africa

R. Kelly Kaprka Southland N.Z
33366
Ted Pearson C/o Chief Stores Supt
LAR & H
Johannesburg
South Africa

L. G. Skane
49 Elphinstone St
Footscray

[Page 140]
D.T. Nicholson Mrs Alexander [mother [indecipherable] ]
11 Newman St. The Victoria
W. Brunswick Aldeburgh
Melbourne Suffolk

J.W. Ferguson
38 atscot Av.
Remuera
Auckland N.Z.

Charles Rousson
c/o Dr. John Bollons
Bridgewater Som.

H L James
Hischer Lt. Hyabram Vic

Pat Flynn RF
1p 12 Kaka St
Otahuhu
Auckland

Philip J. Turner
31 Hillcross Avenue
Morden Surrey
Firm No. [HOL. 7866]

[Page 141]
Albert Thurman
C/o Mrs P. Roberts [Sister]
44 Grandrum [indecipherable]
Seaforth Manly

Mervyn J A Campbell
Box Ridge NX27204
Ulamambri 29023
New South Wales

Mrs Rex Dakers
First Avenue
Rosebud
Victoria

ARMY No 20165 Sgt.
Dough C Grays
56 York Place
Dunedin
New Zealand

Cpl S. M. Darrock
9 Wilton Court
West St
Durban Sth Aftica

Tommy Radmilovic 2596395 Roy Sigs 5/6 Div Pte.
72 Weston Abe
Mynaboy Cardiff South Wales

[Page 142]
[Graham Dawson]
Mrs Claringbold [Aunt]
Rotorua Flats
Manly Sydney

Perc wig
8 Tweed St
Richmond Chch. NZ

P.W. Mayes
Quarry Rd
Halswell Ch-Ch.

W.J.Grainger
114 Moray Place
Dunedin Kia-Ora

[Page 143]
No text on page

[Page 144]
Oh, once we bought these drums you see here.

They cost us almost 5,000 lire
With Saxophone and fiddle true
A Banjo then a song or two
We sure had some nice music here

Yes we had some nice music here
Yes we had some swing music here
Till 19 men went through the wire
An the Itis didn’t have a chance to fire
So the Colonel he say no more music here.

But now we have some nice music here
Yes now we have some swing music here
But when our boys land in France or Spain
Or the brave Itis get bashed again
The Colonel he’ll say no more music here

The Colonel don’t want no squeeze boxes here
Yes he don’t want no squeeze boxes here
But when we bought our instruments
And he squeezed us for his 10%
Yet he don’t like our squeeze box playing here

The Colonel don’t like no Saxophone blaring here
And he don’t like no Clarinets playing here
But if he don’t like our Reeds & Brass
Well he can shove them up his
For he don’t like our saxes playing here.

[Page 145]
The Colonel don’t like our Trumpets. Trumpeting here
No he don’t like our Trumpets. Trumpeting here
And if he don’t like our Trumpet
Well … him he can lump it
If he don’t like our Trumpeters trumpeting here

The Colonel don’t like drumsticks playing here
Yes he don’t like our Cymbals crashing here
But when away from his Camp wer’e led
We’ll wrap this drum around his head
If he don’t like our drumsticks playing here.

But the Colonel’s last account must be paid
When he goes on Gabriels last parade
For him there’ll be no "halo"
But he’ll go down where the … go
And he’s sure to get some Hot music there.

[Page 146]
A Fairy Story

Friends, Rumanians, & country chisellers, lend me your earrings, & I will tell you an especially Fairy Story:- Vunce upon a twice, they vos a little girl, vot her name was Little Red Hooding Ride. Vell von day her Mama says – Little Red Hooding Ride. I vant you should take a parcel of smelling salts, to your Granny vot lives in de voods. But vot she don’t know, vos dot Granny doesn’t live here any more, on account of you see, de big bad Volf had come in the sheepskins underpants, & gobbled her up.

Vel ven L.R.H.R. vent into de cottage, de volf he jumps out of de bed, L.R.H.R. jumps out of her skin & both jump out of de vindow. Vell, outside de vindow vos growing a beanstalk, a beanstalk straight to the ceiling, & on top from de beanstalk vos Sitting a Jack-ass – a beautiful laughing Jackass. All of a suddenly, down from de beanstalk comes sliding de Papa bear, de Mama bear & de lodger bear, & dey are saying – "Who’s been sleeping in my porridge?" All of a suddenly in comes vun little piggy with a pie & he is saying, "Fo-Fe-Fi Fum, stick your finger in mine pie & pull out a goosling-berry."

[Page 147]
Then down comes Snow-black & the seven ducklings.
Followed by Robenson Kruschen & his ugly daughters, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
Den, dey all go into de big cave, in de side of de cottage & saying – "Knock, Knock, who’s dere"
Open sesame you beauty, " & who do you think dey see? – Ali Baba & his 40 giraffe’s.
Just den in comes a good for nuttink magician, vot his name is Alladin, & dis guy has a vonderful magic flames in de box, & before you can say Cock Rubenstein, he changes, Friday into Mickey de mouse, Saturday into Minnie hee-haw & Sunday into Donald de chickling.
Just den in comes a fairy Godmother & she says. – Quick L.R.H.R., you must be home by 12’oclock the cheapest.
So LRHR runs home & on de vay she drops her slippers. Next day de Prince who is passing for a pint, see de shoe & says – "Whoever slipper dis is, can be my loving husband,"
But to cut a long story square,

[Page 148]
LRHR, she tries it on & it fit her like it vos made for her sister. So dey get married ;& at de wedding, the Fairy Godmother say, LRHR, I vill give you a vish, so LRHR says – I vish I vos a Fairy Queen. & if it comes to pass, I’ll climb up all de rocks & treees & slide down on my – hands & knees.
- Fin
-

[Page 149]
Look for the Silver lining.
Let me call you sweetheart.
Till the Sands of the Desert grow cold.
I don’t work for a living.
Happy days are here again
Coming round the Mountains
When Irish eyes are smiling.
Katy.
Spinning Wheel.
Madame moselle from Armentiers.
I love a Lassie
Peggy O’Neill
Hometown
Isle of Capri
Roamin’ in Gloamin’
Moonlight & Roses
Smile the While.

[Page 150]
No text

[Page 151]
No text

[Page 152]
Photo of grave.

[Page 153]
Poor old Bert Ferrall’s grave in a cemetery at Gorlitz, Upper Silesia
Germany

[Page 154]
Photograph

[Page 155]
Pubblicazione fornita;[indecipherable] Comando Campo Concent. Prig. Di Guerra N.57

CIRCOLARE S.M.R E. UFFICIO
P.G.N. 2/44388 DEL 28.8.42

[Page 156]
Photograph

[Page 157]
94

[Page 158]
Commonwealth of Australia – Postmaster General’s Department
RECEIVED TELEGRAM
Office of Origin
Sydney
Words
52.1
Time Lodged
10.12PM for morning delivery

To
Postal acknowledgement
Delivery Personal Mrs Florence Hewitt 52 Percival Street
LEICHHARDT

45479 Gunner Hewitt missing. I regret to inform you that NX 33950 Gunner Reginald John Augustine Hewitt has been reported missing believed prisoner of war The Minister for the Army and the Military Board extend sincere sympathy
Minister for the Army
G A. M.

[Page 159]
not transcribed.

[Page 160]
NX33950
Gnr Hewitt R.J.A.
11th Battery
3rd Anti Tank Regt
A.I.F Abroad missing 12/5/ [indecipherable]

[Page 161]
not transcribed

[Page 162]
Sunday 16-3-1941
Dear Dad,

Just a short note hoping to find you and the boys are O.K. as it leaves us at present. Well dad I am doing good at school and we had a swimming carnival on 6th March and I entered 1. Junior Breastroke [50 yds] 2. Schools Championship [160 yds] 3. Plain dive 4. Class Relay Team 5. Age Race [50 yds] and the results were 2nd in the J.B., 4th S.Ch., 2nd Plain Dive, [hang on, just knocked off for a minute to lick the custard pot], Our class Relay won 1st, 3rd Age Race. [Not bad for a junior swimmer].

Well dad we were pleased to hear from you as we waited 2 weeks for a letter. As you say I looked as though I had been on it [by the photo] well that is exactly how you look when your Blotto. In fact I think you look more dopey. Aunty Mary is buying Marie a bigger piano acordian a black one so as Marie can keep it clean. Mum & I went to the pictures to see "Dracular’s Daughter" & "The Bride of Frankenstien" they were not so good as they were cracked up to be.

Yesterday George had to take down the petition. Par said you can take it down in one piece. Righto says George it is just the matter of a few nails. Well he started and when he found out that he had to take all the 3ply wood off to get to the nails driven into the floor and walls out he called you for everything [just a matter of a few nails]. Oh Yeah. Then he took the twin beds to pieces and rolled up the linoleum. Then all the nails and screws had to come out of the walls. What a beautiful room

[Page 163]
it looks now its full of emptiness. George said next time you put anything up leave it easy to pull down again not put it up to stay. Mum sold the lounge so the front room has only got the piano and two chairs and small table in it. The 3 front rooms and the hall have to be cleared of everything because they make a terrible mess putting fibrous plaster up. You will not know the old 52 when you come back. I am still waiting for my rosary beads as Mrs. Miller received 2 pair from her brother-in-law.

Yesterday I had roast beef and it was just like chicken not running around in the Boer War. Dear old Spotty and Stumpy are still going strong and they are friendly now. I am the "Official Dog Bather". Dear little crow legs is still going strong and George pases the North Annandale every night [just has a smell of course]. I will close now hoping it will not be long until we hear from you again.

I remain you loving daughter.
Dorothy.
LOVE DOT

[Page 164]
20/4/41
My Dear Reg

Just a few lines hoping and Praying you are still in the Best of health. Well Old Sweetheart I received your cushion cover & the Rosary Beads gee Reg they are beautiful the 6 is lovely was we please to get them Ill say Poor old Pop Murphy he is shaking with Joy when I gave them to him he is real please & he is saying the Rosary every day on them for uyou Elsie was hear I gave Elsie a Sun-Rise She thinks its beautifull So she can have that for her 20th Birthday from you. Dot will be 13 on Sunday [indecipherable] 4th May Well Reg love I am still keeping well also my legs are keeping good Oh I know you are glad to hear that also Dot is well We are Busy Nan moves in tomorrow 21st April & I am glad to I can tell you the Place would give you the Blues But after next week we will be strait I hope. I have George down to Day doing the Back yard and Cutting the grass I went Mad on Elsie the other day for not coming to see me so I think that why George is doing the yard also Harry is in side finishing the Painting in my Room gee Reg Dan is a miser he has not finished the Lounge Room yet he will finish it to night so he said

[Page 165]
Well Reg love I haven’t nutch News. Last Monday I went up to Harry for tea then Mary and I went to Pictures. Tesday stayed Home Harrry & [indecipherable] came down in the night on Wednesday Mum came for tea & then Harry & Dan came in the night done Bit more Dan could not come Thursday had to go to Band on Thursday Harry got payed & never turned up till half past Eight I went up to Elsie She gave me a Box of Choclats she won at the Show I got home at half past ten & I passed Harry on the way down at sll he done the night out Saturday I had the Electrition he fix the fight in Lounge Room Put the pipe through the wall & you can’t see it now it look good charged 10/- I went up to Mary for tea & we went to Pictures Harry was in Bed full after his night out. I gave Sister Borthwick the Rosary Beads she think they are lovely & she said thank very mutch she as wrote to you. Harry is still working he as been hear all day to day he is filling up all the cracks with paster setting some of Dan work done for him to night Dan is been working again this week-end. I am going up to Elsie this afternoon for tea Dot to. She wash Spot this morning & he is a cow He bites her now he is two Big Harry is calling the Walls nice Names in their he is crook like you uster be after night Out

[Page 166]
I Surpos you forget that fe3eling Well love Poor Old Mum is up to her eyes in it now & Par to I Don’t think he will ever Ride that Scooter his hand is no good. They will Write to you later next week I surpose she told me to tell you as you know what moving is Ill say you do But we haven’t moved for 10 years that saying some thing Well Reg love I hope you are Well also all the Boys tell them I said to Keep Smiling as the Sun will Shine again for us all Well I hope you are getting enough to eat I Don’t Surpose you got my Parcel yet & do you want anything canteen or what. It’s a beautifull day hear Reg the Weather is lovely good day for a nice run I will wait will you come Home for my run with Old Rego I had a Letter from your Mum last Friday she is going good she told me she as Just Wrote to you. I think Kevin is still at
Castles Hills Elsie said he put 52 because he sent you a canteen order Well love I hope you had a Big Beer with it How is Jack Cummings I haven’t seen [indecipherable] a week. Well Old Pal every one in Percival St sends Kind Regards & told me to tell you to Keep your Chin up & look after your self love from Murphy Williams Miller Keegans have you seen Stan yet or any othe the others from around hear yet if you do tell them to Keep Smiling

[Page 167]
have you seen Jack Christie Well love Mum & Par George & Elsie sends their love to your I think I have told you all now & thanks for the Parcels & my cushion is Beautifull and The Words in the [indecipherable] Harts. I hope you always call me that. Well Pal hear hoping everything will soon be OK & you will soon be Back its nealy 5 ½ months its seem like year since I seen your Dear Face Well love I must Say Cherrio till we meet again hoping & praying it wont be long Keep Smiling & Keep your Chin up my last let from you was 25/3/41 So I am still waiting for News & hope it wont be long remember me to all & the [indecipherable] Keep smiling as there is always a Siver lining for us all good Luck to all & heapes of kisses from Dot & myself
Your Loving wife May
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LOVE MAY

[Page 168]
Envelope
Stamp 9d

Addressed:
NX33950
Gnr Hewitt R.J.A.
11th Battery
3rd Anti Tank Regt
A.I.F. Abroad

[Page 169]
Back of envelope
6/4/41

[Page 170]
No 21
5/4/41
My Dear Reg
Just a few lines in answure to your ever welcome wich I recived Friday 4/4/41 your was dated 23/3/41 it the one with the small Hanchim in for Dot & she like it & said thanks for it But she will write to you Well I am glad to know you are quite well. & its Raining only very light hear not like you are having you ask about my Legs they are Keeping good thank God for that to. I have had my share of Bad Legs my eyes are not to bad. Well Reg you say I might not get a Letter from you for 3 or 4 week Well love I will Just have to Wait But I hope it Wont be that long I will still Keep Writing every week so you Write as soon as you can I hope my this you have all my letter I write. Young Marie told Dot they get you letter I might see them to night. Why did you send me that Cutting Back its True any way & you Know it Ill say. You say is the place up side down I’ll say Sleeping in Kitchen for a Month I am sick of it. I have Mr Stuart over this afternoon doing the Picture Rails in Lounge Room Dan cant come this weekend has to work for his Boss Painting a Bank they have to do it week-ends so he will be hear Easter Week end it will look very nice when finished you wont know it when you come home Par has his Motor Scooter he is learning to Ride it Raymond as Left Yum last Tuesday they

[Page 171]
Both had a good cry Nan feels sorry for him I think Albert or to take him. Mum don’t like him going I have not seen Alb or Uncle Albert they are annoyed at you & I not going up to see them before you went Mum said that we should of gone as he ask us enough I think Mum is a Bit Surprised at you Bothering with Kevin the way he wrote to me & the way he treated you before you lift never mind Reg I have found out that Friends are better than relations Carrie as never bun hear since 22nd Oct Why Worry I thought Norman might of wrote & ask me up But he is like the Rest I think its Anni she don’t like me who cares we know our Friends when you get Back. Well Reg news of week I went to Mrs Cruise last Sunday for the Day gee Reg she makes you Welcome we had a good day only her & Mat was not speaking to he was full Saturday & he was in the gun he wanted to give her a cuddle But she would say [Keep your distance] [indecipherable] we had a good laugh the Kids was saying it to poor Old Mat She is a Dam Nut she had a letter from Jack last week he is OK . Monday Washing day I went to pictures in the night Dot & I the trials was on they [indecipherable] good a young fellow sing when Irish eyes were smiling he was an Irishman like ack Daley he was lovely Tuesday I had Mrs Cruise Flo & Edna hear after they went Dot & I crubed all the Room out

[Page 172]
After the Calaominers were finished. On Wednesday Nan came out after been in Hospital for her Medician she nealy died it was a Summers day she stayed for tea & Elsie & George was down Dan & his girl was hear they were talking about the Paper for the LoungeRoom & the Painting I am sick of it if you were doing it you would be finished by now. Thurday was quite & Friday I give the Place another Scrub to try & get the lime off the floor I forgot I went & seen Mrs Sharpe Thurday night she look good But she is not on Friday she took a Bad turn But she is much Better today. I think she as had a Big operation Poor Thing I was talking to Allen Challis yesterday & he ask How you were going I told him you were OK he sends Kind Regards Well Reg love I took up a Petition up through the week to get our Footpath done Isabel Wrote the Letter & I got the Rate Payer to sign only on our side of the street Mrs Johnson Mrs Mathews & Murphy & our place is all getting done up so we want good footpaths what do you say Reg I am right. Well Reg love next Friday is good Friday do you remember it up at 4 Oclock to get Old Wapper Ready will you ever forget it I wont I am not going to the show this year Dorothy & Marie is going to geather Poor Kids let them have fun wile they can you wont know Don she as grow up I surpose she will be a young lady when you get

[Page 173]
NZ11849
Pte Keating J.Y. B Coy
2 / 4th Battalion

Back she will be [13] on 4th May you never men

Elsie Birthday did you forget 14th March you Wrote to me on the 8th & 23rd & you never said a word & she was 20 she is complaining of a pain in her Left side I think she orto nock off work don’t you she is only skin & Bones. Thelma Stuart is not to well had the Doctor last Week her Blood is turning to water she as to eat Boiled lollies & eat Sugar. Mrs Miller over the Road wants you to try & find Jack & have a few Pots with him have you seen Stan Keegan you said that you had a letter from Henry Hall Well Reg haven’t seen him for a couple of weeks. I haven’t got the Rosary beeds yet have you got my Parcel yet if you want anythink let me know But I am waiting to know if you get that one First. I think I will send you Air Stamp because you might not get any. Mrs Cummings told Dot this morning she got Couple of letters & 3 Post cards from Jack & you & him are not togeather now I surpose he is a [Sargent] he told her he seen a Ring & he is saving up to Buy it for her its nealy time he sent her a Bit more so she can Pay her Way. Well love all the Percival St Lot sends Kind Regards Williams Miller Keegans All the Murphy Yum & Bill will Write to you later as they are up side down with Packing they are moving Back the week after Easter. Dot is having Hot Shower Young Glady Burgess is hear she is not

[Page 174]
Up to Dot Shoulder yet I am going to the Pictures to night so I will say cherrio till to morrow love

Well Reg love hear I am again Sunday 6th April I went to the Pictures last night seen Mary & Marie Harry was home in Bed dying from the Beer he had Friday took the day off from Work was out all night. He came down hear Friday afternoon about half past four But I was up at Williams & I never seen him thank God if he was full. Mary Brough your letter to me to Read I see you have had a letter from Cassie a fine Sister in-law never mind the war is not over yet. Well Reg Old Pal I am going up to Sister Borthworks for tea this after-noon I have only been Home one Sunday for tea since Elsie left me so you see I still have a few good Friends none of my Relations or your have ask me to their places why worry I have a good friend in Mrs Miller ove the Road She wont let me get lonely send over for me to go over & have a cup tea she come over hear this is through the week I mean. I wrote to your Mum she writes to me 6 Pages Big Writing. Old Isabel is going for her life on the Pains this morning Pop is up at Beeds at Bankstownfor the weekend Poor Old Chap he wants to live to see you Back what do you think him & Isabel done on 1st April

[Page 175]
From Dorothy to Dad
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Write soon as you can
I will be waiting love

To me call to the Back fence & I said Masie the Post Man left your letter in my Box like a fool I opened it & there was toilet Roll & Note saying Aprail Fool they nealy died laughing at me Well Old Sweetheart I think I have told you all for this week so cherrio with heaps of love & kisses from Dot & myself Spot & Stumpy we will soon have cocky Cullen what a Family. Well love keep your Chin up & Keep Smiling & no Matter what Happens I still love you & all way will. I pray for you to soon be Home with us & hope it wont be long I often have a Read of your letter I have about 15 letter since you left when you Write tell Dot to Keep to the paino she is not been to a Lesson for 2 week Well Old Pal I must Draw to a close hoping you are in the best of health & getting enough to eat tell me if you want anything good Luck Sweetheart Remember me to Bill Fred Arthur Frank Jack Cummings also Cliff
Tell them to keep there chin up & Clean up the Old Fritzers love & kisses May & Dot look after yourself
Your Loving [indecipherable] wife
May
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Page 176]
Do Not send canteen orders

NX33950
Gnr Hewitt RJA
11-5-41

My Dear May,

I am writing to let you know that I am still alive and as well as can be expected under the circumstances hoping that you and all the rest of the family are well including Nan & Bill & all friends. Well my love I suppose you know by now that I am a prisoner of War. We were captured at a place called Fort Mechili in the Libyan Desert on 8th April & since then we have been shifted about all over the place until finally we are in Italy. I am not injured or wounded in any way so do not worry love as there is one bit of consolation left that is that I will return home in one piece. We are having a bit of a rough spin but everything will turn out alright in the end as it looks like the duration of the War for us now. We were given little hell before we were captured & had to leave everything we possessed in our trucks. All that I was left with is the Giggle Suit that I had on not another thing not even a pair of sox on me no hat all my personal gear I also lost the parcel that the firm sent for Xmas I thought that I would save it up for a rainy day later on but bad luck they got the lot. I have not had a shave for 2 months & are the birds nesting I’ll say they are You have no chance of getting your curl off the side as they cut that all off right to the scalp but never mind the Sun still

[Page 177]
shines. It could have been worse what say you. I hope & trust that you are keeping your chin up as I do not want you to worry Keep the spirit up until I get home & have I something to tell you all then I’ll say I have. The camp we are in at present we get up at 6 ‘oclock for a cup of coffee & then we get dinner at 11 a plate of soup stew then we get tea at five the same stew on get its made of macaroni. We get 2 small loaves of Bread a day & that is all. Still beggars cant be chooses. It is a long time from 5 oclock until 11 oclock next day for a feed. They only have 2 meals a day over here so we have to get used to the same. I had a bad attack of Dysentry for 26 Days but I am pretty right Just at present it is cause through the water & food here & also where we have come from changing all the time. Mell love Frank fisher is with me also Jack Cummings but Jack was held behind at a place we were at a bit of a temperature he had I think he had a touch of Flue. I saw the Dr & tried to get him to let him come with us but he said he could catch the next Boat but up to date he has not arrived here. So if Mrs Cummings has not already heard from him tell her not to worry that everything is OK he is not injured or wounded. You can write & let Mother know for me as we are only allowed to write one letter also let anyone & everyone who wish to know. You can let the boys at the firm know also. You will have to try & read this & make it read right to you as the paper is not to be had at present but the authorities tell us that we will be able to buy some at the canteen when they open one. They also say that they are trying to make some arrangement to get us some pay otherwise we can buy nothing. But why worry there are good days coming. The Parcel you sent I don’t suppose I will ever get as a matter of fact I know that I won’t get it so you had better risk another one to me here if you can possibly manage it. I will tell you what I want most urgent although I suppose it will take about 6 months to get to us but there is nothing like living in hopes so here goes for the list. Tins Jam any Kind coffee & mild Block chocolate Loaf sugar cheese Tobacco tooth paste & Brush cake or Biscuits or anything that you can think of that is sweet as we get nothing like that & I don’t suppose we will I do not expect you to send them all, you can ask Harry & Marg my mum Elsie & George and anyone who wishes to give me a little comfort while I am here send as much as you can as I will sure enjoy it when I get it. You can also see Mr Curtis at the firm & tell him where he can send a parcel to & tell him what I want most.

[Page 178]
Well love, it sounds like begging for a feed but you have no Idea oh I nearly forgot a bit of Tea they do not have it here. Well sweetheart I am drawing to the end of my paper fast so I will have to make it fast & furious now. You will have to send your parcels to the address on the Top of the letter as far as I know they will not tell us where you are to send them so make sure that you pack & adress them right. Because I will be looking for them even if it is 6 months till they arrive it sounds as long time but anything can happen in that time. You can write as often as you like & send as many parcels as you like to me but I am limited to one letter a week & you sure will get that from me. So my love for the present cherrio & God Bless you all Keep smiling & looks on the Bright Side until I return home again & I can tell you of my travels in the Libyan Desert & Italy. It is a place something like Aussie warm in the day But cold at night. We saw Mt Vesuvius & Mt Stromboli in our travels & plenty of Mountains. So once again Cherrio love with Tons of love & Kisses to you all. Your Loving Husband
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxRegxxxxxxxxxxx

[Page 179]
[C.58]
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES

RECORDS OFFICE
N.S.W. L. of C. Area
R.A.S. Showground,
SYDNEY.
26 APR 1943

RT/MJH

Mrs. F.M.Hewitt,
52 Percival Street
LEICHHARDT.

Dear Madam,

NX33950 HEWITT, Reginal John Augustine. – A.I.F.
Further information regarding the abovenamed, reported as a Prisoner of War, has been received at this Branch.
The advice states that this soldier is now interned.
Ospedale Militare Udine.

Yours faithfully,
SEYarroll Capt.
For Officer i/c Records.

[Page 180]
[Envelope]
CROCE. ROSSA
BY RED CROSS.
PER AIR.MAIL.
AEREA. POSTE

Mrs. R Hewitt.
52 Percival St,
Leichhardt
NSW
Australia.

Stamped Open by Sensor
Passed by Censor
S.101

Mittente: Casato, nome e rado Hewitt R.J.A.
Sender: Surname, name and rank NX33950 Gunner
Expediteur: Prenom, nom et grade
Campo Prato Isarco [Bolzano]
Italia

[Page 181]
27.9.41
Dear May. Here’s hoping that you & the rest at home are in good health as I am at time of writing. We have Just been notified that we can send our letters home by air mail & that the Aust Red Cross are standing the cost. Well that is great as it brings you all that much closer being able to hear from us & we from you as the other way is very slow & time does not pass that quick here. I am anxiously waiting on another letter from you to hear that you are all OK. When you write put as much news in as you can because everybody want to know about home & what is doing. There are great preparations going on at present here for the winter they are installing small heaters. I do not know that they will be a success or not until later on about Dec or Jan I should say. Still why worry How is Dot doing with the piano I hope she is getting on well & also Elsie & Geo in their new home. Glad to hear Nan & Bill are settling down again at 52. By the way how are you getting treated at B.G.E. let me know. Well old sweetheart it is getting near the end so I will close with Tons of love & Kisses to you Dot Elsie Nan & [indecipherable] you can tell her also Bill
Geo Harry Mary & Pop & all friends also Boys at BGE
Cheerio Good Luck Your loving Husband Reg
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Page 182]
[Envelope]
CROCE ROSSA
BY RED CROSS.
PER AIR.MAIL.
AEREA. POSTE

24/4/42

Mrs. R Hewitt.
52 Percival St,
Leichhardt
NSW
Australia.

Stamped Open by Sensor
Passed by Censor 916

Mittente: Casato, nome e rado HEWITT
Reginald John Augustine
Sender: Surname, name and rank NX33950 Gunner
Expediteur: Prenom, nom et grade
Prigionieri Di Guerra
Campo Concentramento
Gruppignano [Udine]
Italia

[Page 183]
16-11-41
Dear May. I hope that this note finds you & all the rest at home in good health as I am at time of writing. Well now love I received you parcel on 10/11/41 & was I pleased to get it oh boy you have no idea how pleased I was as at present we are having the coldest & windiest weather that I have ever saw in my life. The wind must blow at about 80 or 90 mile per hour & the snow oh dear girl you should Just see the ice that formed on the water that was all over the ground left of course by 2 days rain. Just imagine me will you out at the taps & only icecles hanging all around the trough so you can see how much I really appreciate the warm things in the parcel. The socks oh did I put them on as soon as I got them I’ll say. Next morning I was in full rig out Scarf mittens cap & don’t forget had a real towel to wipe on it was Just wonderful & I thank you all for your work on the woollies. Everything you sent was badly needed by me. You say about a jumper in your letter dated the 15/10/41 but it must be in the next one it does not matter so much for that as I have one with me There is only one thing your forgot in the pcl that was a shaving brush but do not bother now as I will try & get one here somehow. Well love space is drawing to a finish & I have not had a letter from you for 2 mths now So I will close with best of love & Kisses to you & Dot & Elsie remember me to everybody at home also boys at BGC & the Cummings Jack is still in Hospital but is OK so tell Dot not to worry. Good Luck & God Bless you all Your Loving Husband
Xxx Reg xxxx

[Page 184]
SERVICE DES PRISONNIERS DE GUERRE.

N.X.33950., Gunner R.J.A. Hewett,
Australian Prisoner of War in Italy6,
CAMPO CONCENTRAMENTO PRIGIONIERE DI GUERRA
ISARCO. BOLZANO. ITALY
Australian RED CROSS
Dated 14/12/41
Recd 28/9/42
3 PASSED BY SENSOR 272

[Page 185]
From M. HEWETT, 52 PERCIVAL ST., LEICHHARDT, SYDNEY, N.S.W
3 Opened by Censor

VERIFICATO PER CENSURA

[Page 186]
SERVICE DES PRISONNIERS DE GUERRE
KRIEGSGEFANGENENPOST

NX 33950 Gnr, R.J.A. Hewitt
Australian Prisoner of War in Italy
CAMPO CONCENTRAMENTO PRIGIONIERE DI GUERRA
Isarco, Bolzano, Italy.

Dateed 26/10/41
Rec 7/2/42

PASSED BY CENSOR 202

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY
HEADQUARTERS ADMINISTRATION
SPRING STREET, MELBOURNE, C.1

[Page 187]
VERIFICATO PER CENSURA

3 OPENED BY SENSOR

M. HEWITT
52 Percival St,
Leichhardt
Sydney
N.S.W.
Australia

[Page 188]
SERVICE DES PRISONNIERS DE GUERRE.

PAR AVION
Aust. – U.S.A. - Portugal

N.X.33950 GUNNER R.J.A.HEWITT
AUSTRALIAN PRISONER OF WAR IN ITALY
CAMPO CONCENTRAMENTO PRIGIONIERE DI GUERRA
CAMP 57 PISTA MILITARE 3200 ITALY

PASSED BY CENSOR 44

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS

[Page 189]
Mrs. W.Cullen. 52 Percival St. Leichhardt. N.S.W. AUSTRALIA
3 Opened by Censor
3 Passed by Censor 44

[Page 190]
SERVICE DES PRISONNIERS DE GUERRE.

NX 33950 G NR.R.HEWITT,
Australian Prisoner of War in Italy,
CAMPO CONCENTRAMENTO PRIGIONIERE DI GUERRA
Isarco Bolzano
ITALY

Dated 21/12/41
Recd 3/10/42

AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS

[Page 191]
m. Hewitt, 52 Percival St., Leic hardt, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

3 Opened by Censor

VERIFICATO PER CENSURA

[Page 192]
17 Nov. 1942
Dear May. I hope this finds you and all at home in good health & spirits as I am at time of writing. We have Just heard a bit of news that is very good if it is OK I hope so anyway. I have received two letters since last week 1 from you dated 11/7/72 & one from my mother dated 20/7/42 they are the latest since yours in May. Things seem to be going Ok over there according to your letters & I hope they keep like it. You say you have gall trouble how, why, & when. No mine was not that if I was to tell you all it would fill a page so it will have to keep. You say dear old Nan has had the excavators in again oh hell I bet she was pleased with the mess [oh yeah] is there any of the old 52 left? As long as you are it will be OK with me. How is Nan operating them all the radiator at her back & the cosi in front of her HA HA. She should be here at present we are shivering like hell the whole hut full of us 96 in a hut & by hell it’s cold. Still I think we will be able to manage … over last winter here we hope. No concerts … us yet we have been stopped what … one who had any musical instruments mouth organs tin whistles all kinds had to hand them in so its pretty dull at present. Why worry. Glad to hear Elsie Still fat also Geo. What was up with Dot when she went to Drs? I hope she is OK & still going strong. Near finish so cherrio & keep smiling sweetheart I don’t think it will be too long now. Remember me to everybody also BGE staff Your loving Husband.
Heaps of em Reg xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ;

[Page 193]
[Duplicate of page 192]

[Page 194]
[Envelope]
Postal di prigioniero di Guerra

CROCE ROSSA
By RED CROSS
PER AIR MAIL
AEREO POSTE

Mrs R Hewitt.
52 Percival St
Le4ichhardt
NSW
AUSTRALIA

Written in English

Mittente: Casato, nome e rado HEWITT.
Sender: Surname, name and rank REGINALD JOHN AUGUSTINE.
Expediteur: Prenom, nom et grade NX33950 Gunner
Campo PG57.
POSTE MILITARE 3200

VERIFICATO PER CENSURA
Opened by Censor

[Page 195]
Kriegsgefangenenpost
Postkarte

Mrs R Hewitt
Leichhardt NSW
52 Percival St
AUSTRALIA

Absender:
Vor und Zuname: BOMBARDIER
HEWITT REGINALD JOHN AUGUSTINE
Gefangenenummer: 32837

[Page 196]
Dear May. Hope this finds you & all at home in good health. I am OK at time of writing. You are still a bit dubios about whether I will have any return ticket [eh what] Just let me get my hands on it. There is not much to be said on these as I gave you an earful last week. It wont be so long now sweetheart so chin high. Cheerios love to all. Your loving husband. Reg xxxxxxxxx

[Page 197]
[Envelope: not transcribed]

[Page 198]
Dear May. Once again I hope this finds you & all at home in the best of health as I am at time of writing. Well sweetheart I have not had any mail from you for a month now it seem to be blocked up again & still no parcels. They will turn up sooner or later I suppose. How are things in general going well I hope you mentioned that some of the Boys from work have had a change I suppose that is general now. How have your eyes been keeping as good as can be expected I hope. I suppose Nan is still troubled with her arm & legs tell her to cheer up I know its crook. How is Dot getting on I hope that she is not giving you any trouble & she is still at the piano & doing well. Elsie sup … I hope she has improved though Tell them that they can write to me when they feel like it. How is my Mother doing I hope she is well I have had one letter from her. We are not getting cards regular now so I cannot write to her so you can let her know also my Brothers Sisters. They can also write. I hope all Percival St gang are OK also all other Friends. Tell pop to keep going it may not be too long now We are breaking well into Summer now what a difference to the winter I am burnt not frozen Well sweetheart I will close with best wishes & love & Kisses to you all also all at BGE & others whose names I have not mentioned Tell Dot UJack OK also Frank OK. Cherrio & good luck. Your loving Husband
Reg xxxxxxxxx

[Page 199]
[Envelope: not transcribed]

[Page 200]
Dear May. Another week goes bye & I hope it finds you all enjoying the best of health. At time of writing I am OK. I received two letter this week. One from Addie dated Nov 14 & one from Rosie 14 Dec & and pleased to received same. Addie tells me that she is home again so you can let her know that I am pleased about that. I dropped a card to her but there is no space to say anything on them. Things here are the same but we are having good weather at present. We are putting on a concert this week for the entertainment of the boy’s & it should be a real good show. I cannot describe all artists as it would more than fill my letter. I am doing a sketch the P.O.W dream & what a wow also in another as barman [less the beer] in White Horse Inn. Will be done up as an Indian in another [the Rope trick] also in the Mad Director. It has filled in a lot of time for us with rehearsals & it will run for 5 nights a 2 hr show so the boys should have some of the gloom chased out of them [we need it] but you see there’s my letter full. Now sweetheart how are your eyes & legs keeping well I hope look after yourself because there will be a wild time ahead. Hope Elsie Geo & family are well also Dot Nan Bill & all other friends, give them all my Kindest regards. If things should liven up a bit. I do not think it will be to long before that big day is here. So will say cheerio sweetheart best wishes & love to you all. Your loving Husband Reg xxxxxxxxx yards more.

[Page 201]
Apostolic Delegation
Australia

40 Edward Steet,
North Sydney, NSW
Australia

O92933
NX33950

4/1/43

To: Gnr Hewitt R.J.A.
Camp 57. Posta Militare
3200 Italy

From: wife
May Hewitt
52 Percival St Leichhardt

Message:
[No more than 25 words]
Best wishes for New year. Hope you are in best of health. All Well hear. Chin up Sweetheart Love Kisses May Dot Elsie George
[Answer of other side]

[Page 202]
Received 17/10/43

Dear May.
Thanks for wishes. Hope all are well. Birthday wishes to you all Keep forgetting in mail. Better late than never. Love to all. Reg xxxxx

[Page 203]
Prisoner of War

Apostolic Delegation
Australia

40 Edward Street
North Sydney, NSW
Australia

29367/A

22/6/42

To: Gunner R.J.A. Hewitt, NX33950
Prisoner of War
Camp 57, Posta Militare 3200
Italy.

From: May Hewitt [wife]
52 Percival Street
Leichhardt. NSW

Message: Deary Reg. Dot C. told me you had pneumonia. Worried. Hope you are well again. All’s well home. Sent 4 parcels. Cheerio. Love from All. May

[Page 204]
10 September 1942

Answer: Dear May. Pleased all OK. I am well don’t worry. Received your May clothing & 1 D.Jones on 9th September also 2 letters. Love & Kisses
Reg xxxxxxxxx

[Page 208]
26-9-43

Dear May. I hope this finds you & all at home in good health. I am OK. I am now in German hands but do not worry things have change a lot since I wrote you last. Tell Dot C. Jack OK & sends best wishes to all. Do not write to this address but wait until you hear further from me for permanent address. Best love to all not forgetting Barry. Your loving husband
Reg xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Page 209 to 223 not transcribed]

[Page 224]
Geneva, 7.2.1944
Red 28/2/44

The International Committee of the Red Cross are inquiring about your welfare on behalf of
The Austr. Red Cross, Melbourne. "Please give news health and state your full farticulars: nationality, date and place of birth, unit, rank, army number, home address, etc."
Please answer on the attached card, give us news about your health and do not forget to mention your rank, army number, camp address and POW number.

Yours very truly,
Please date and sign your reply

Comite international de la Croix Rouge
Agence central des prisonniers de guerre
Geneve

[Page 225]
Comite International de la Croix-Rouge – Ceneve
Agence central des Prisonniers de Guerre

FALLS EMPFANGER UNBEKANNT, RUCKSENDUNG AN ABSENDER ERBETEN.
KRIEGSGEFANGENENPOST

Name: Hewitt[?]
Vorname: R.J.A. [Reginald John Augustine]
Grad, Erkennungsnummer: BOR NX/33950
Gefangenen Nr. 32837
Lager: STALAG VIII/A
DEUTSCHLAND

[Page 226]
CROCE ROSSA BY RED CROSS. AIR MAIL AEREA POSTE
POSTE ITALIANE
CARTOLINA POSTALE

MITTENTE
Cognome HEWITT
Nome REGINALD JOHN AUGUSTINE
Grado NX33950. GUNNER
Campo 57 Poste Militare
3200

Miss D. Hewitt,
52 Perc ival St.
Leichhardt
NSW
Australia

[Page 227]
Dear Dorothy. I hope this finds you in good health. I am OK. Very pleased to hear you passed Inter. Now you must try and keep yourself going higher but do not get a swelled head. Look after Mum for me. Help her all you can. I’m pleased to hear you are at Mass regular I pray for you all in our little chapel here. Love to you all. Your Loving
Father. Xxxxx

3/11/43

[Pages 228 to 232 not transcribed]

[Page 233]
Hewitt. R.J.A
NX33950 Gunner
Prigionieri De Guerra
Campo Concentramento
Prato Isarco
[Bolzano]
Italia
30-8-41

My Dear May

In answer to your ever welcome letter which I received on 23/8/41. I was more than pleased to know that you had at last had word as to whereabouts. You say that you were surprised to know that I was alive & well if you have been as anxious about me as I have about you all at home I can quite understand how you felt. Well my love I am still waiting for the day as you say. You say that you first knew through the Vatican I have sent two calls to you & 12 Letters so far so you will get quite a bit of mail later on. You say that you are going to send a parcel on Well do not send anymore foodstuffs until you hear from me as we are getting our Red Cross Pals fairly regular now. I am pleased to know that your legs are OK that you are all keeping well. I am sorry to hear about Mrs Williams Mother & also Judy Walden you can convey my sympathy to them I am pleased to hear that Dot is good & giving you no trouble. Glad to hear that Elsie Geo have settled. I am writing Elsie a card next mail. Sorry to hear that Mrs Johnson is not to good. It looks as thoughI had better get home lively to cheer them all up with a few tales. What lovely photos they must have published in the papers of us were they the ones use

[Page 234]
had taken when we Joined up? You might tell me in your letters Just how you found out where we were & how long after we were reported missing I suppose that is how it was in the papers? I bet the suspence was awful Just waiting for word I know how it was at this end, but never mind my love as you say the sun will sure shine again for us all. I am sorry to hear that Bill is still on shift work it is nearly time that it was cut out it is too far travelling from there for him. Glad to hear that Nan is OK also all my family & the numerous friends name of some that you have mentioned in your letter. I am near the limit now love so you can remember me to everybody at home also all the lads at work tell them that stumpy is still able to take it - For the present I must say cherrio Good luck & God Bless you all as I do for you every night. Love, Kisses to you

Your Loving Husband
Reg
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx & millions more.

[Page 235]
Algiers
20/5/44

Dear May
Well sweetheart we are still being treated wonderful on board this ship. I have sent a previous letter but maybe you will get this first So it will be a bit hard to tell you something I’ve not already mentioned but here goes. Since we were exchanged & put aboard this ship [which is a little trimmer] the people of Spain [in Barcelona] British Reps & the Spanish & American Red Cross, well sweetheart you’ve no idea how they are treating us. It absolutely stupendous, marvellous, gorgeous, hows that anyway call it what you like they are trying to kill us with hospitality. Everyone OK & well while we were in port but now that we are at sea well, well, all the good things are going to the fish. But I am still holding mine but for how long you will have to guess. As I think the way the writing goes you’ll see we are not gliding over glass [oh no] not rough Just a little wobble but I’ll take this alright. All the boys are as eager to keep well & get home as quickly as possible to their families Mothers Sweethearts. The different stories that are going about as to what they’re going to do do Well you will have to wait a little long for that. Now about you & all at home. I hope you are all well & Happy now you know the last war song Because he’s coming home. Well don’t for heavens sake let them sell out of grog as I don’t intend to see daylight for 6 months after I get there [oh yeah]. Now things will move a bit for quite a few when I arrive. Still why bring that up. How’s Nan & Bill hope both in good health. They have no Idea how noisy I am now [oh no] I was crook before I left but since Ive been kicked, pushed, roared at by the Dagoes & then much louder by the Jerrie well you’d be surprised so hold it Nan I’m coming [Ha Ha] Hello Lightning you & your glamour poof do you put your tatts in water at night? Oh no I sleep with them in you beautiful ugly looking bugger put on some weight

[Page 236]
& my Son in Law Geo you should be fit & fine hope so anyway. I’m going to buy another Harley & we can ride again [maybe seg & you]. Hows the Lady of 52 Still at Business [oh dear yes Ive Just been promoted Manageress of the firm my ability in quick thinking carried me through go bury your head dad your nuts. I’ll be seeing yuh Dot, so long baby The little fellah I can’t give any kicks to yet but hope he’s well. Look after him sweetheart also yourself. Give my best regards to all the friends that clung no need to mention names as they would fill the whole letter [maybe]. Still everyday now is going to bring us closer together again & not the old story of it wont be long it must end. Yes at least for me it is over & I can tell you all that its hard, [very hard] to realise that I’m free again but [can it] I’ll be seeing yuh. Cheerio Ducky all the best to you & everybody also BGE Staff. Sweet deams & don’t overdo it. Your loving Husband Reg. xxxxxx & a million more

OPENED BY CENSOR

29/9/44

28/9/44

Mrs R. Hewitt
52 Percival St
Leichhardt NSW
Australia

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Feb 6th 1944

Dear May. Once more a line to you hoping all OK at home. I am OK at present. Outside snowing like hell & cold well I ask you. How is Barry doing? Well I hope. I do not know if I have sent him birthday greetings yet if not give him & big hug from me & look after him till the big day arrives. Hope Dot OK and behaving herself also Elsie Geo Nan Bill & all friends. Cheerio. Love to all [indecipherable]
Reg xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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25.10.41

Dear May. Hoping once again to find you all at home in the best of health as I am at time of writing. Well my dear I mentioned in my last letter of rumors of moving camp & it is right. We will be leaving here today. So that makes another change of address also I suppose delay in receiving mail & parcels of which I hope not. The weather here at present is very much like our winter yet it is only Autumn yet. So you can quite realise why I want my parcel to arrive with some warm … I have not mentioned before … B.G.E. Comforts fund have they said anything to you, or are they sending a parcel. If not let them know that I want all the warm things I can get as I think they would have them on hand & you would not have to wait until knitted. While on the Job you can remember me to them one & all & I hope to be back with them shortly. There is not much news my dear so until get into my new quarters & find some new stuff for you I will draw to a close with Tons of Love Kisses Keep smiling & God Bless you all. Love to Dot Elsie Geo Nan Par Canberra & all friends. Your Loving Husband. Reg xxxxxxxxxx

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4-1-42
Dear May.
Once more a few lines to you hoping to find you all in the best of health as I am at time of writing. Well sweetheart things are just the same here. I mentioned in my last card to you I think, not too sure though, that we had a quiet Xmas. Well New Year was Just the same but I think we will see some changes later on. We hope so anyway. I had not received any mail from you since 12/12/41 until last night when I received 2 from you & one from Harry. Yours dated 12/9/41 & 5/10/41. Harry’s 6/10/41. So you see we have the same thing this end as no doubt you have at home. You say in one letter about Elsie being on the mend Glad to hear that but do not know that she has been ill so there must be more mail about for me. You say that Kev is going where Ray has gone well I hope that Ray enjoys Auntie Anmes glass of milk before going to bed [oh Yeah] There is quite a lot I would like to say but space is limited & we have no notepaper for 3 weeks now & you cannot put much on a card. Thanks for everyone’s good wishes. Also Boys at B.G.E. Jack is OK. You can tell them we had a very dry Season. So for the present Cherrio & Love to all. Your loving Husband
Reg xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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15-2-42

Dear May. Well sweetheart here’s hoping that you & all at home are in the best of health as I am at time of writing. Now this has been a real good week for me as I received 2 letters from you dated 26/10/41 & 14/11/41 also 1 from Mum dated 30 Oct. 1 from Isa & 1 from Rosie. So you see I have had a good lot & also a message from you dated 5/11/41. By gee I was pleased I can tell you as I was beginning to get a bit downcast not in the dumps but Just itching for a bit of news from home. They have no chance of breaking the spirit [oh no]. You mentioned in one letter that you were working, why are you broke. I think you had better turn it up & stick to home that’s where I left you & that’s where I want to find you. You have no chance of getting another pair of eyes so look after the one’s you have. Glad to hear Elsie going OK again she wants to look after herself. Dorothy must be like a woman now as you say I suppose I will get a shock when I see her. How is Nan I hope she is still able to move about of course you will be having good weather by now Hope Bill’s hand is Ok. Sorry to hear Maudie not too well, tell her to cheer up I’ll knock some sparks off her when I come home. Remember me to Dave & Louie hope they are well. Kindest regards to all at B.G.E. tell them I don’t think it will be long now. I hope not anyway. Best wishes to Pop Mary Isa, Williams Keegans Conners, Powers, Cruises, Mcdougalls & all that I have no named. Thank Rosie & Isa for writing to me & ask Geo what is up with his hand. I hope he is well Just the same. Well sweetheart there is not much more that I can say news is scarce here as you know. Oh what I want you to do is ask Harry to write me & give me the Menu of the Italian Prisoners there also as to how they are treated They will not believe that they are get well treated unless it is in Black & white. So Cherrio Love Kisses to all. Till we meet again. Jack is OK, tell Dot.
Your Loving Husband.
Reg
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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28th June 1942
Dear May. Here’s hoping that this finds you & all at home in the best of health as I am at time of writing. Now sweetheart since last letter to you I have received two from you the 14th Mar & 21st March & am very pleased to receive same. You say that you had a Vatican message, arrived close to Elsie’s birthday & wished I could have known to send wishes Oh yes but as you know we have no Idea as to when they arrive I have sent them on a later message which I hope you receive OK. You say about a key yes it will be worse than that if they do not pick up a pen & drop a few lines anyway I am pleased to know she is well again. What is up the going to work again Cant two live as cheap as one [Ha Ha] Now for Do I have also sent her wishes on the same message. Tell her I am very pleased to know how well she is doing at school tell her to stick & try hard she will certainly pass the Inter Tell her not to give up the goanna altogether. Is she still lifesaving? You might ask my Mum if she is writing to me I have received only two from her. I hope she is well also the other members of the family. Things are certainly changing a little what with Kevin & Mary [Oh my] tell Mary that I wish her all the best also tell Pop to keep plugging along as I must have a pint or two with him. Has Kevin written to me yet do you know. If not why not. I hope Nan & Bill are OK & Nan is not troubled too much with her complaint. Well sweetheart I will have to say cherrio for now with best of love to you all from all the boys here. Tell Dot Jack OK also Mrs Cotter Frank OK. Kind regards to all also B.G.E. staff. Your Loving Husband. Tell Mary glad to know Harry OK. Cherrio. Reg xxxxx

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16th April 1944

Dear May. Well sweetheart I received another letter from you this week dated 30/1/44. & pleased to hear that all were well then & I hope they are the same when you received this. Yes, mail is slow both ways but that’s our misfortune: I’m pleased that the message from Mrs Gamage went on but I can’t make out the delay in it as it was sent the same time as my first card 26 Sept. You ask if things are different here. Oh yes quite a lot. But at present we are not hounded about like we were in Italy. This is a different type of country altogether. We have just began to get a few rays of sun & it is very welcome after the cold weather we have had. Jack is at present in camp with me & we are waiting patiently on a little bit of news that will make things different for us all. Frank is also here & in good health. The Pretyman brothers are in a group we have here [12] of us mess together. Sam Chandler was split when the big do in Italy took place also many others & I have no ideas as to where they are. Hope the big shot [Barry] is OK. He knows me by the photo does he? Well he is in for a shock when he sees me & so are you. Hope Nan Elsie Dot Pah Geo Mary Marie Sis Williams & all other friends are OK. The way things look it wont be long [indecipherable] Cheerio sweetheart all my love & wishes to all. Your lov. Husband
Reg xxxxxxxxxxx

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CROCE ROSSA
ITALIANA

Prigionieri de Guerra
Hewitt. R.J.A.
NX33950 Gunner
Campo Concentratmento
Prato Isarco
Bolzano
Italia
31-7-41

My Dear May
Once again a few lines hoping to find you all well at home as I am at time of writing. Well love I hope that things are going OK over there with you all as it seems year’s since I saw or heard from anyone at all. But I am just waiting for the day that your first letters arrives will it be welcome I’ll say it will. Now I hope by the time that your receive this letter that you heard the Radio message from me to you all – that you have received the message itself as the Priest told us that they would be posted home to you. So here’s hoping. How is Nan Bill Elsie Dot Geo & all the rest of the folk tell them I am quite OK & am looking forward to the day when you all are straining your eyes again looking among a few thousand faces [eh what] that will be the Day love Just wait & keep the chin up as every day is a day nearer. So for the present I will say Good Luck God Bless – Cherrio to you all & all the friends & Pop Your Loving Husband Love Kisses by the Boat Load.
Jack is with me again & is OK
Reg xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED
MISWSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3RD FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE\
34 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY

3RD May, 1943

IN REPLY, PLEASE QUOTE:
RD/Gnr. R.J.A.Hewitt, NX 33950

Mrs. F.M.Hewitt
52 Percival St.,
LEICHHARDT

Dear Mrs Hewitt,

Our Central Bureau, Melbourne, have advised us that a cable has been received by them in Geneva, stating that in February last, your husband, Gnr. Reginald J.A.Hewitt, was in the Military Hospital, Udine, Italy, suffering from external hemorroids, but his condition was satisfactory.

We have since received information to the effect this mail should be addressed to him at at Camp 57, PM 3200, Italy, which was his previous address.

As you are already in receipt of this information, our letter is merely a confirmation.

Yours faithfully,

[B.R.Riley]
HON. DIRECTOR.
per

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Australian Military Forces
RT/SD

Please quote this number when replying
41072

Address
2 M.D. Records Office
R.A.S. Showground
SYDNEY

29 Jun 1942

Mrs. F.M.Hewitt,
52 Percival St.,
LEICHARDT

Dear Madam,

NX33950 Hewitt, Reginald John Augustine

With reference to the abovenamed soldier, your husband, who is a prisoner of war, it is advised that further information has been received through the International Red Cross Society.

This advice, which reads as under, was forwarded on a Medical Report, dated 30/4/42.

"Ospedale Militare Seminario Arcivescovile Udine, doing well.
MX33950 HEWITT, R.J.A. Chronic Colecystitis."

Yours faithfully,

Lieut.
For Officer in Charge Records

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[Cover: SOLDIERS PAY BOOK]

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[stamped Checking Staff 2nd M.D. NO.3]
Form W.F.5.

INSTRUCTIONS.

I. This Pay look must be produced on demand.
2. When any pay is drawn a receipt must be given by the soldier on on an Acquittance Roll and the officer paying will enter the amount and sign on the "Cash Payments" page of this Pay Book. The Army No., Pay Book No., and the Cash Payments No. must be shown on the Acquittance Roll against the payment.
3. All debits other than pay must also be entered and signed by an authorized Officer on the "Cash Payments" page.
4. Calculations of forfeitures entered on the "Cash Payments" page will be based on active pay rates, forfeitures of deferred pay being recorded only on finalization
5. No entries will be made in this book by the person to whom it is issued, except to sign on pages 2 and 6.
6. If this Pay Book is lost, the fact should be reported AT ONCE through the O.C. to the Chief Paymaster, who will issue a duplicate Pay Book. No pay can be issued [until final settlement takes place] in respect of the period before the date of reporting the loss.
7. Entries of earnings and other credits are to be made ONLY by the representatives of the Chief Paymaster.

D.2600.

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RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED, MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3rd FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE 34 MARTIN PLACE SYDNEY

27th June, 1044

Mrs. F.M. Hewitt,
52 Percival Street,
LEICHHARDT.
Dear Mrs. Hewitt,

We refer to your enquiry for GNR. R.J.A. Hewitt who has been reported seriously ill whilst being repatriated from Germany. We forwarded your enquiry to our Central Bureau, Melbourne, for cabled enquiries to be made from the Middle East.;
We have now received advice from our Central Bureau to the effect that they have already cabled to the Middle East about two [2] men from another State who were reported seriously ill whilst being repatriated and had received a cable in reply stating that both these men enquired for were well and in a rest home in the Middle East. Our Central Bureau, therefore, communicated with the Officer-in-Charge of 2nd Echelon, who informed them that army had received a cable from the Middle East in which all repatriated people were listed as Seriously Ill and that next-of-kin had been accordingly informed.

Our Central bureau goes on to say that 2nd Echelon has now sent a cable to the Middle East to check their information and you may rest assured that as soon as we are in receipt of any information concerning the abovenamed we will not hesitate to advise you immediately.;
Yours faithfully,
BERNARD R. RILEY,
HON. DIRECTOR.
Per:

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IN REPLY, PLEASE QUOTE
NX33950 Gnr. R.J.A. Hewitt.

RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED, MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3rd FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE 34 MARTIN PLACE SYDNEY;
29th May,1944.

Mrs. P.M. Hewitt, 52 Percival St., IEICHHARDT.

Dear Mrs. Hewitt, We understand you have already bee informed by the Military Authorities that your husband is being repatriated and we are glad to be able to confirm this fact.

We know you must be very gratified to know that he is on his way home and we trust it will not be long before he is with you.

We are told that you will be officially advised of your husband's arrival in time to permit you to make arrangements to meet him at his home port.

Yours faithfully,
BERNARD R. RILEY. HON. DIRECTOR. Per

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TELEPHONE M0427
Australian Military Forces
17 4 1017
Please quote this Number when Replying
68794

Address NSW L of C Area, Records Office, Broadway, SYDNEY.

Mrs. F. M. Hewitt, 52 Percival Street, LEIGHHARDT.

Dear Madam,
NX.33950 - Gnr. HEWITT, R. J. A.

With reference to this Office telegram of 19/6/44 wherein it was regretted to inform you that your husband had been placed on the seriously ill list, I have to advise that a report has been received that such advice may not be correct.

The information was received by cable from overseas, and as the cable referred to appears to have been mutilated in transmission, investigations are being made to ascertain if the advice as forwarded you is as originally despatched.

Immediately a further report is available, I will communicate with you.
Yours faithfully,

Lt.-Col. Officer i/c, Records.

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23-8-41

Hewitt. Reginald John Augustine
NX33950 Gunner
Prigionieri De Guerra.
Campo Concentramento.
Prado Isarco.
Bolzano.
Italia.
23.8.41

Dear May

Here is hoping that you & the rest of the family are in the best of health as I am at present. Well old sweetheart I am still waiting on a letter from you. You have not by any means buzzed off with another have you. I cannot make it out as letters are coming in every few days & still none for me. But I will have to be patient I suppose & one will turn up. Well love things here are Just the same old thing nothing new at all. How is Nan & Bill Elsie Dot & Geo doing I hope they are all well. Pop Mary & Isa I hope that are well also. Now I do not mean to forget anyone so you can tell them all Williams Millers Keegans Stewarts & so on. And by the way how is Gran Oddy I hope she is still going strong. I have written a card to Mum & I also sent one to Norm. You need not worry about sending any foodstuffs to me as we are receiving our supply of Red Cross Parcels pretty regular now, thanks to them. I am managing to keep myself in fairly good condition as a matter of fact Jack says that I wobble when I walk as I have packed a bit on the rear. I suppose you have

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put on a bit too. How is Elsie doing. Still fine. I hope that your legs & eyes have been keeping good for you look after them you will need all your energy later on. How is Nan keeping I hope that she is not being troubled with her arthritis too much. I am on the limit so Cherrio Good Luck & God Bless you all.
Your Loving Husband
Reg
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxxxx

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[Group photo]

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RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED, MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3RD FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE
34 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY
7TH July 1944

Mrs. F.M. Hewitt,
52 Percival Street,
LEICHHARDT.

Dear Mrs. Hewitt,

We refer to our letter to you of 27th June, and now have to advise that we have been informed by our Central Bureau, Melbourne, that advice has been received that all is well with the repatriated men in the Middle East. We know you will be relieved to have this reassuring news.

Yours faithfully,
Bernard R.Riley,
Hon. Director per:

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[Group photo]

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RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED, MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3RD FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE
34 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY
7TH July 1944

Mrs. F.M. Hewitt,
52 Percival Street,
LEICHHARDT.

Dear Mrs. Hewitt,

NX33950 – Gnr. R.J.A. Hewitt.

As a result of enquiries made in July last concerning your husband, the abovenamed soldier, we have now received a cablegram from International Red Cross, Geneva, through our Central Bureau, Melbourne, dated 14th April, reading as follows:-
"STALAG EIGHTA REGINALD HEWITT 29th FEBRUARY GOOD HEALTH."

We are sure you will be glad to know that your husband is in good health.

Yours faithfully,
BERNARD R. RILEY.
HON. DIRECTOR. Per.

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RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED, MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3RD FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE
34 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY
7TH July 1944

Mrs. F.M. Hewitt,
52 Percival Street,
LEICHHARDT.

Dear Mrs. Hewitt,

Central Bureau, Melbourne, advise under date of 18th September that your husband’s prison camp address is known to be Campo Isarco and letters and parcels are being forwarded to that address for him. Will you please note this and in future address your letters and parcels accordingly. The address which you gave, namely: "c/- Red Cross, Via Puglie 6, Rome" is used for letters and parcels for prisoners whose Italian prisoners of war address is not know.

Yours faithfully

Hon. Director

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Australian Military Forces

26 Apr 1944

Mrs. F.M. Hewitt,
52 Percival Street,
LEICHHARDT.

Dear Mrs. Hewitt,

NX33950 – Gnr. Hewitt, R.J.A. – P.O.W.

It is with pleasure that I have to advise, from information received from the International Red Cross Committee, Geneva, that the abovenamed soldier was in good health on 29th February, 1944.

Yours faithfully,

Lt.-Col.
Officer i/c Records.

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THEATRE PASS
B.P.O.W. PERFORMANCE ONLY
ADMIT: Sgt HEWITT
B of B
Hamilton Camp Treasuer

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RED CROSS BUREAU FOR WOUNDED, MISSING AND PRISONERS OF WAR
3RD FLOOR, OCEAN HOUSE
34 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY
29th June, 1942

Mrs. F.M. Hewitt,
52 Percival Street,
LEICHHARDT.

Dear Mrs. Hewitt,

We have been advised by out Central Bureau, Melbourne, that on 30th April, 1942, Gnr. R.J.A.Hewitt, NX33950 was in the Military Hospital, Arcivescovile, Udine, Italy, sufferining from Chronic Colicystitis, and was doing well.

By now he should have returned to his previous address, Camp 57, P.M. 3200, Italy and letters addressed thus should reach him.

Yours faithfully
B.R. Riley [signature]
HON. DIRECTOR. Per.

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23 NZ FIELD AMBULANCE.
DAILY LEAVE PASS No. 72
NX 33950 Gnr. Hewitt. R.

This is to certify that the bearer of this Pass has authority to be absent on Local Leave from his Unit until 0130hrs on the day following date of issue. For date of issue see reverse side.
John A Thinner Lieut NZ
23 NZ Field Ambulance

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Stub 2

N.383

M.S. Gripsholm

It is NECESSARY that passenger carry this stub at all times.

NAME

ACCOMMODATION
Cabin 492
Berth B
DINING ROOM
Sitting 2
Dining Room B
Table 66
Passenger’s stub

[Transcribed by Allanah Jarman, Judy Macfarlan, Jean Martin for the State Library of New South Wales]