Frank Sherral Bissaker, Letters and documents, 1941-1942 - Part 3

Conflict:
Second World War, 1939–45
Subject:
  • Documents and letters
Status:
Awaiting approval
Accession number:
AWM2020.7.152
Difficulty:

Page 1 / 10

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Anstralian Comforts Fund 194 6 soldies to My heert is over flowing with lave for you my dayling, wife, & I wiss you tenibly I havent changed in lioks or love rve theart except lave you more that ever wxxe I havent t send all beer tat case yet as the foy sngent is miles gioy I have to get special peresion to buit kin. Reventie will cath gas as sw as I send to case of cousse you wilh pot The -aty hin tas Inort X mmeer be fire the D.F.O Lo daly C wtt ate yow, as On Drocess Sloy sd £ stease give my lod d PDP. Iwith write her Mases, SRulg X Opperhirefy. te sist bto have one big ted tel wish Se that X His you iemy this Christmas Sme Rert Perhaps 1X is infribable, but it is daslo LX wite possibl en pck a senferely hop that you Feny ar to skeenis until Longsw tw you lsug bbhy Dadd o er fite semy anen tenen enen f enene enene ann n & XXX Fhemie you Ilave
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Auseralian, Comforts Fund 181 4 developed I possed to me tha tis with 76 out to to the 70 a Wa Jt Jo 25 Mmn read y My ter it they are £0e ou t th maen e Strakgarta IIam read to o fou and thin Sapes wander anoan tent I ictures her then frobably Th ana Bu stio retih sus Sea to be e chon & 10fr less a yars & of h had dennes & then At cough of evenings Cow whch was cor cet te I H Alst key hand one fitor Stan ho Lear So feet that darange on a & our denne tbought square to be ap sbout ias lows it a agai smelly that we very wa o t A t get So glad faly Mac Sitt S a £ aid Mord and sirng dancing and it no indevesd in you tweshearI even if a fist To Thes class orches ha & fer ome litt&&ex. Remember, that A werea ong I over Iave sye For you very very wack to M LXX afthes didn't even s peak to I woman whilst in lave because I simply and Nor inherested a seutt You XXXX in any 8
Atnadian, Comforts Fund 184 Dar104 sn snd the Rense our to lan you have hes ene sund toy dont gind it hard to his l 1 ut out read Ie 100 nt te time, work o lmons theme now at you are te same too theant, I gost it makes be hasby anow that we sincerly cone one I cmse, our so very complehes ng pictero We yrou caat case just anivet from you dear dated 19 Hept wishing we good such acknowledging receipt of my calls ile his waks darling its gravd hearing from you, your neat hakes of letters & Thoks are due to anws was I eaderly awaiting then sa to theer is senifully aad RRvery wcs as askindt it to sxortitnt of of food dohing ee Average price of couse meat varies from 7/6 t 13/6 which is absolute munder, but neverteless true one afseroon we went ant to te sporting Hanw, 2/6 for swemming dut, I paid 2/6 admit and B/ 6eact for seaves I finished up
Anseralian. Comfors Fund 184 no uncertain heams busing the manage Slay tennis wit We asked a cave he requesteto 3/6 each at the ent of X DCR tbery rearly Fm X1 to cleivedto Let knoces his D off I coyed here D4 48 be a Sosperse scoach beated lin arely 2/6 was for he ing 7 to witeh fut be opprers Swught t lave cost shep It cot mex 210.0 waul o hischised Was from X least L.6. paches. It is dust, water I shait froof I yest for Army work We needed a watch for ages, so it was a good invermen I seeched everywhere for lmas present & was disappointed to fend iot ahiles I Sivally found very Sen bought over r Sinka bt that m. Forty hofe sery for you M Clristb dinn anwe ho wo in find for Dr (quite fossibl hokele I am tacking tomnow & with post them we tresend te a Few days time to avor o congeston of frny farceeswhich Sea the boys with he eventually sending lond Ill have t temforing for for senden sone cash dear, as I did not exfect
Australian Comfons Fund 181 Jecem er had by shats takend but he result wasnt be good altongh an agly Iedas luish s fect many dong Sanbent goo to looks a for a postrd Hameves, I will enclose one in this letter Please puse Senibh houstach but I eit gow loynek I cerkily wont fave it retun home- I somehow thent when fit would kekl you darting wife XXXX Well swetheont I lofe you Very are bot fit well. My leave in Hles Lonie was as ladsend a splended rest as I had refular neals & lots of steef £3 this dyen y las bats If now beag wek and a sewoysg to kessie ple Dfinis My a everyting. tavout on rongh for n teht lom nt tita at beed his by my means, io Deer dainly Gingers crossed dirlig xxxI it is ge tog late, io il hare bclose now twetbeart love dasing a by otlats of bing for Seny Ever yours, Iew Shemre KKS Tany X 8
W2729, Fenk Sissak Letter 10 28 think Hampay 2/13 Sr Rel Att M Stead Sock 47 My Darling Mife, Semie I was infosibe Io answer at your maib in my list I love you thone ke, To Icorl now IxXX Lislly I hap you ank seny are sit & well - te Jps. atemptsto reach Sussie Sen Lopless, Nev B Leaver Ienclosed an inite hod gott bingl with your bustday parnt. Its value is only I I dont that it will kep togetes very long. The comns are sgytn fustres (atken an impresson of King Favank is in the back Ackually, only snt it as a Lonverer aI tought it best to lell you that to gold is not you dinknn. Dear cable me when your birthday and Iwas parcels anive lone
I am laving a quiet sime enjoying a swim in the Med. every day. It is a welcome relief rexcept for a slight cold I feet good ab. We wer her has changed a becom a lot cooles as our Mnker spoaches. Ine been reading you couspapers an suspised to hear of be drastic changes in all divertius in Hussie Remember deas, I don't wenk you to unnecenerily use any conpins to buy articles for me, as I am well fitted out i can obtain loke of necessities & even lncuries fom our canteer. St regurds cast, I refeat one afaird that I am menagin OR.& do not need any money. Ir glad that you are a handling you allotwent satisfactory you should increase by Goverment
dute for hs. N dup be now 18 daily - $.60 wutt of 140 fort night Whe received my inererse of sipen daity at dated bock to Aug. 14 It was an exullent hen buying that furmbers dear 410/ fort with soo fax to account. Insuened is a necessary inverment fas, & id like you to Se Widney insure leny at If wukly. Inquire about my policis Has dear, as I feel certain that Mhave to pay premums on tem by now. M. Sidny with let you know all a band them ur room at Smakos, must be wordy Subdanting IIl he a happ bubby when we sharl it togethes soar. It is long whit sinc I lift Passie and November with mank 1 years abene sinee we sailed sadly through te Gydrey Heads.

Letter No. 18

NX57392

Lieut F Bissaker

A Coy 2/13 Battalion
18 September 1942

2.30 pm

AIF (ME) Abroad

My Darling Wife Sherrie, & Son Terry, xxxx x

I had hopes of writing

a nice long letter to you, but have

just been notified of a conference

at 3.30 pm, which will probably result

in a busy nights work.

However, I can at least say, "Hallo,

how are you?". I am endeavoring to

write every day even though news is

scarce, but it well help to swell

your letter box & I know myself

just how welcome your big batch

of letters is, on mail day. xxxx

I have just been talking to Lexie

Taylor - he is just near our area

& I'll probably see him fairly regularly

from now on. He looks fit & well &

enquired after you & our bouncing baby.

It won't be long before your mail

and those photographs arrive darling -

you have been very generous with

your letters darling, & I know just

how busy you must be with Terry

& a dozen other items. Your letters

are very welcome & your

declarations of love & tenderness

are a tonic for your lonely

 

 

(2)

soldier boy. My heart is overflowing

with love for you my darling wife, &

I miss you terribly. I haven't changed

in looks or love, sweetheart, except

to love you more than ever. xxxx

I haven't been able to send

that cash yet, as the pay sergeant

is miles away & I'll have to get

special permission to visit him. Remember

I will cable you as soon as I send

the cash, then of course you will probably

have to wait at least 1 month

before the D.F.O., Sydney communicate

with you, as its a slow process.

Please give my love to darling

Mater, Skuta & Pop. I will write them

at the first opportunity.

Well darling, let's have one big

wish _____ I wish & hope that I

am home with you & Terry this Christmas.

Perhaps it is improbable, but it is

quite possible, darling xxxx.

I am fit & well & sincerely hope

that you & Terry are too.

Sherrie, until tomorrow

Ever your loving hubby & Daddy

Frank xxxx Sherrie }

                 x    Terry   }

F Bissaker

PS I love you, Sherrie xxxx

 

Letter No. 19 (I think)

NX57392. 27th Sept 1942
A Coy. 2/13 Battalion

A.I.F. (ME) Abroad
My Darling Wife Sherrie xxxxx

It seems strange but nevertheless 
it's true. I've just returned from leave

at Alexandria! On the 20th, my skipper told

me I'd been granted leave until the 26th so 

I hurriedly packed a few clothes & headed for

Alexandria. Returned last night to my unit

& here I am sitting in my dugout using

a kerosene case as a writing table and with

a flickering candle producing some light.

Well darling, I have lots to tell you about 

my leave & believe me I feel 100% fit after

having such a good rest.

Luckily I met Mac, an officer cobber of 

mine so we took a double room at the 

Metropolitan Hotel, with bathroom attached.

Another friend had a single room opposite us.

Naturally my first interest was to have a steaming

hot bath & it proved to be extremely welcome

& of course a necessary procedure as it

is a few months since I had ∧ enjoyed such a luxury.

Alex is a large town possessing quite a

number of modern buildings and shops, but as

usual, Wogs are everywhere. We spent

most of our time at the pictures, at

the 10.15 am, 3 pm, 6.15 pm & 9 pm sessions. I

hired a camera & took several photos but 

I don't think they will be much of a success.

 

 

 

2

The photos will be developed & posted to me.

I'll forward them to you in about 1 months time

if they are ready by then. xxxxx.

The usual programme every day would

be breakfast at 9.30 am, read the morning 

papers, wander around the town until lunch

then promptly attend the 3 pm. pictures, have

tea, return to our hotel, have a 

few beers & a yarn & off to bed about 10 pm.

A couple of evenings we had dinner & then

watched the floor show which was

of poor standard. At one place they 

had dancing on a floor about 30 feet

square so we had our dinner, bought

a cigar & after about ½ an hour it 

was so hot and smelly that we were 

glad to leave the pace & get some

fresh air. Incidentally Mac & Bill & self

did not have a dance darling. I had

no interest in dancing and if I return

to you Sweetheart, even if a first 

class orchestra & floor plus women

were available xxxx. Remember that

song "I only have eyes for you"? ——

it applies very very much to me xxxx.

I didn't even speak to a woman whilst on

leave, because I simply am NOT interested

in anyone except you xxxx.

 

 

 

(3)

Ever since we said 'Au Revoir' on Oct. 31st 1941

I've grown to love you more than ever Sweetheart. 
I don't find it hard to be

100% faithful. I really have been 100% 

all the time, word of honour, Sherrie xxxx.

I know that you are the same, too

Sweetheart & gosh! it makes me happy

to know that we sincerely love one another

& of course our son, Terry completes a

loving picture — "We Three" xxxx x

A cable just arrived from you dear

dated 19 Sept. wishing me Good Luck &

acknowledging receipt of my cable & letters.

Thanks darling, it's great hearing 

from you,  your next batch of letters

& photos are due to arrive soon & I am

eagerly awaiting them. xxxx

Everything in Alex is terrifically dear &

I was astounded at the exorbitant prices 

of food, clothing etc. Average price of a

3 course meal varies from 7/6 to 12/6, which 

is absolute murder, but nevertheless true.

One afternoon we went out to the Sporting

Club, & paid 2/6 admittance, 2/6 for swimming

and 12/6 each for tennis. I finished up

 

 

 

4

abusing the manager in no uncertain terms.

We asked a cove to play tennis with us

& he requested 2/6 each at the end of 

the set, so I lost my temper & very nearly

knocked his head off. He claimed to 

be a professional & yet I could have

beaten him easily (2/6 was for his coaching
fee !!!)

I bought a good watch from the officer's

shop. It cost me £3.10.0 & would have cost
at least £6- if purchased from a Wog.
jeweller. It is dust, water & shock proof & ideal

for Army work. I've needed a watch for

ages, so it was a good investment.

I searched everywhere for Xmas presents

& was disappointed to find most articles

very scarce. However, I finally found 

a suitable shop and have bought presents

for you, Terry, & Mum. I only hope I 

arrive home in time for Christmas dinner

(quite possible too xxxx). I am packing 

the presents tomorrow & will post them

in a few days time to avoid the

heavy congestion of Army parcels which

the boys will eventually sending home.

I'll have to temporarily postpone sending

some cash dear, as I did not expect 

 

 

 

(5)

to receive leave.

I had my photo taken but the result

wasn't too good, although an ugly fellow

cannot expect the camera to lavish too

many Doug Fairbank's good looks upon a postcard

However, I will enclose one in this letter. Please

excuse terrible moustache but I've let it 

grow haywire & certainly won't have it

when I return home  — I somehow think

it would tickle you, darling wife xxxx.

Well Sweetheart, I hope you & Terry

are both fit & well. My leave in Alex 

was a Godsend & a splendid rest tonic

as I had regular meals & lots of sleep

plus dozens of hot baths. I now feel

very well and a seavoyage to Aussie

would complete everything. In my opinion

I think that it won't be long before

we return home, not that we have

been told this by any means, so keep

your dainty fingers crossed darling xxxx

It is getting late, so I'll have to close for 

now, Sweetheart.

Lots & lots of love darling & a big

hug for Terry, Ever yours Frank

{Sherrie xxxx

{Terry x
F Bissaker
[*P.S.

I met a friend of Keith Cales, 5 days ago &

he told me that he is fit & well.

I love you Sherrie, Frank xxxx*]

 

 

 

Letter No. 28 (I think)

NX57392

Lieut. F Bissaker

A Coy 2/13 Battalion

A.I.F. (ME) Abroad

8 Oct 42

My Darling Wife Sherrie xxxx

It was impossible 

to answer all your mail in my last

letter, so I'll continue now xxxx ∧ I love you, Sherrie

Firstly, I hope you and Terry are safe

& well - the Japs attempt to reach

Aussie seem hopeless, thank Heaven.

I enclosed an imitation gold bangle

with your birthday parcel. The value

is only 2/6 & I don't think it will

keep together very long. The coins are

Egyptian Piastres ('akkers') & an

impression of King Farouk is on the back

Actually, I only sent it as a souvenir

& I thought it best to tell you that

the gold is not fair dinkum. Please cable 

when your birthday and 

Xmas parcels arrive home.

 

 

 

(2)

I am having a quiet time & enjoying

a swim in the Med. every day. It is

a welcome relief & except for a slight

cold I felt good - oh. The weather 

has changed & become a lot cooler

as our Winter approaches.

I've been reading your newspaper

and surprised to hear of the drastic

changes in all directions in Aussie.

Remember dear, I don't want you to 

unnecessarily use army coupons to

but articles for me as I am well 

fitted out & can obtain lots of

necessities & even luxuries from our 

canteen.

As regards cash, I repeat once 

again that I am managing

O.K. & do not need any money. I'm

glad that you are  x handling your 

allotment satisfactorily.  Your 

increase by Government should

 

 

 

(3)

date from Aug 14th & it should be now

18s. daily = £6.6.0 weekly. £12 12 0 fortnightly
I've received my increase of sixpence

daily & it dates back to Aug 14th.

It was an excellent idea buying 

that furniture dear & 10s fortnightly

will soon pay the account. Insurance

is a necessary investment, too, & I'd like

you to see Mr Sidney & insure Terry at

2s. weekly. Enquire about my policies

too, dear, as I feel certain that I'll have

to pay premiums on them by now. Mr Sydney

will let you know all about them.

Our room at "Sunata" must be wonderful

darling & I'll be a happy hubby

when we share it together soon. It is

a long while since I left Aussie and

1 November will mark 1 year's absence

since we sailed sadly through the 

Sydney Heads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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