Michael Billings Collection - Wallet 6 - Part 4 of 14

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upon his earthly career. It will certainly be a
big landmark in our lives
The only mail I had today was
a card from Dore at Barwon Heads with Mr &
Mrs Chas.  Just a few lines to tell me she was
having a good time, very sporting, what! I
spent my afternoon yesterday at 25 Heath St
and had the usual enjoyable time with the old
people followed by a bite of tea. I picked
up one of the boys afterwards and we went to
the local flea palace to see a couple of
classics in mediocrity á la Hollywood.
Terrifically exciting day really. Katie & Ray were
both very well and bright, the latter told youme
to remind you about the bumpers you were to
send him. I had a few words with Gran who
in company with Mr & Mrs. T. R sent you her
love. They are very hospitable to me, urging
me to drop in at anytime. When we bugged
off on manoeuvres last week, you can imagine
the consternation and gossip that resulted around
the block. Quite a circus of a place this is.
I continue to function smoothly and feel

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jolly well. A minor miracle happened today
but as usual there was a catch in it.
We were issued with 2 shirts, a towel, a
singlet and a toothbrush but the shirts have
neither collars, pockets nor shoulder flaps. I am
going to see if I can get them put on up
here but I believe its hard to get them done
in the city. If its necessary, do you think you
could get them put on for them me down there
at some dressmakers of yours. I suppose Sheila would
do it for me but maybe she's too busy now.
Just let me know if you could get them fixed, in
the meantime I'll prospect around here. Mrs
Rowling might know of someone. If I don't
succeed here, I think I shall try and bludge
on old Skin as I know she could do a good
job if she has the time and would be glad to
do it for me. Lets know what you think.
Well, Sweet puddlikins, I cannot
think of any more topics for your delectation at
the present so shall prepare to assault the
festive board in a few minutes. Bye, Bye, darling
and I love you more than yesterday. Micky

Mrs M. Billings 10.2.43
548 Barker's Road,
East Hawthorn.
Victoria. 

12.2.43
Darling Kay,
A good day again, my pretty
mushroom, two letters from the missus after
missing out for two whole days and thanks
dearest for same. Nothing like some news from
the lover to boost the morale and after such
a spell, you can imagine the avidity with which
I scanned the familiar writing to learn how
you are faring way down south. Gee, its a hell
of a long way south too, just where it would be
so wonderful to see you and put in a bit of
time making sweet love. From your somewhat
plaintive letter of the 9th, I fancy you are
feeling our a bit that way also but I'm so
sorry I can't give you any immediate comfort.
It's rotten for you, pet, just now, don't think
I don't know how you feel but please keep
your chin up as you have done so far because
I feel I shall be down to be with you
not so far off. It was announced today that
the next roster for home leave would operate
as soon as the present one is completed so
I shall apply for the period around about

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the end of June. So if we are still here, that
should work out O.K. I have reason to believe.
I can sense that lack of letters for a few
days has saddened you a bit but at I explained
in my last few letters how that came about
and long before this reaches you you will know
the cause thereof. But a word of warning
in your dainty ears, sweetheart. As sure as
the Sun comes up, we shall move out of
here one of these days and to more exciting
parts so please don't cling to an illusion
that it won't happen. The signs and portents
are definitely present now are last weeks show
was hardly a pointless idea. I don't want
above all to cast gloom over your limited
life but its far worse to induce in you a
feeling of blissful security to be rudely upset
all of a sudden. Forgive me, old pal for
laboring this point but such a long spell in
one spot leads one along the road of
complacency. For the present, I hope for the presentbest
and cling to a hope that I shall see you
just when it will be best and let's pray
it will work out just how we want it.

3/
To brighten the tone of this letter, I'm so
glad you are keeping well and hope that
heat wave you fear did not materialise. Am
also pleased with your report that my folks a
all in good shape. Your constant efforts in
the interests of Richard and his wardrobe
are most commendable and there's no doubt
about it, youre a honey of a mummy. How
I'd like to hug you, you darling. Ada and
you are some pumpkins at organising against
winters forthcoming chills, you are sparing no
pains to ensure the wee bairn gets ar
away to a good start. Maybe he'll come to love
that little room as much as I do and if he
loves his mother in it as much as I have,
he'll be quite a good type. And I haven't
finished there, my beguiling torturer as you
will find out one of these moonlit nights.
As far as news, here is the
morsel, thats about all you could call it. I went
out yesterday to the humming metropolis. First
we had a little beer before it ran out, then
went mad and went to the pictures at the

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Wintergarden. The show was 'They all kissed
the bride with Joan Crawford and Melvyn
Douglas and was very good. The Mighty
funny in parts which is always a good
qualification in my eyes. That orgy concluded,
dinner was taken at St Georges Hostel, a
goodly repast costing me a whole tenpence.
Being a bit too early to go back to the prison
gates, we strolled around to the Cusa and
bellowed songs for an hour.  Emerging from
there, found the city full of Yanks and
stuffiness so on to the tram and you know
the rest. Hectic, wasn't it? Today back to
navvying for the morning but got out on a
trip this afternoon escorting a prisoner
to stir. The time now is 8pm and the
bloody day's work is over, I hope. I'm tired
and lonely and am going off to the bag
of straw to dream of us until sleep
claims me. So with that grim but pleasant
intention, piddlikins, so long and I
love you and miss you like hell too
Yours always. Micky

PR00610
Australian
War Memorial 

Mrs. M. Billings.   12.2.43
548 Barker's Road.
East Hawthorn.
Victoria.