Wallet 1 of 1 - Bissaker, Frank Sherral (Lieutenant, b.1914 - d.1942), Part 7

Letter No. 19 (I think)

NX57392 27^th Sept 1942

A Coy. 2/13 Battalion

A.I.F (ME) Abroad

My Darling Wife, Sherrie XXXX

It seems strange but never

the less its true, I've just returned from leave

at Alexandria. on the 20^th, my skipper told

me I'd been granted leave until the 26^th, 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 providing 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 

Metropole Hotel, with bathroom attached

Another friend had a single room opposite us.

Naturally my first interest was a steaming

hot bath & it proved to be extremely welcome

& of course, a necessary procedure. It

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

Alex. is a large town possessing quite a

number of modern buildings & 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, and 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 xxxx

The usual programme every day would

be breakfast at 9.30 am, read the morning
paper, wander around the town until lunch

then probably attend the 3 p.m. pictures, have

tea, return to our hotel, have a few

beers & a yarn & off to bed about 10 p.m.

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 & smelly that we were

glad to leave the place & get some

fresh air. Incidentally Mac, Bill & self

did Not have a dance, darling. I have

no interest in dancing until 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 don'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. 31^st  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, its grand 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 and 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 & 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 be 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 fella'

can't expect the camera to lavish too

many Doug. Fairbanks' 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 and 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 sea voyage 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

now, Sweetheart.

Lots & lots of love, darling & a big 

hug for Terry. Ever yours,  Frank 

{Sherrie XXXX

{Terry X
FBissaker
[*PS I met a friend of Keith Coles, 5 days ago &

he told me that he is fit and well.

I love you Sherrie Frank XXXX*]