Michael Billings Collection - Wallet 10 - Part 6 of 18

Air Mail 
4. 9. 43 

Mrs. M. Billings 
548 Barkers Road 
East Hawthorn 
Victoria 

tmHill 
The Salvation Army ACF Australian Comforts Fund YMCA

VX 38483 Pte. M. Billings 
District Accounts Office 
New Guinea. 
7.9.43 

Darling, 
T'was a very good day for 
me today as I got three letters 
from you todays numbers 33, 34 & 35 
so a chap can't growl about that 
effort. I see you haven't had cause to 
congratulate yourself though but I 
have got them away to you pretty 
often and another day or two should 
bring you in a modest harvest. As 
you are an inveterate listener to the 
news you sha should have little 
difficulty in deducing the reason for 
the delay in letters. Never think I'm 
too busy to write to you, only 
actual impossibility will stop me, 
pet. I know only too well the effect

2/ 
a letter from home has on one. 
Still awfully thrilled with you and 
Richard, you have no idea how 
great it is to read that the cornerstone 
of my life sits firmed and firmed. 
You are a very impressive pair and 
it's nice that the little fellow 
does you credit when you take him 
around. The poor little chap, no 
wonder he gets a bit funny with 
all the petting but what a toff to 
wait until he gets home before 
putting up a complaint. Still I 
have no doubt that the tender care 
of Mummy soon soothes him. It's 
funny to recollect foud doubts of 
your ability to capably rear an 
infant when one reads the expert 
touch between every line you write 
about him. Clever girl.

3/ 
Whether your ideas are unorthodox or 
not, the proof of the pudding is in 
the eating. Very interested in your scheme 
for the spending of my next leave, 
whenever that will be. I think the 
plan is excellent as it will be out 
of the question to cram us all into 
the little room and to be perfectly 
frank I'll need a bit more than 
that after a year or so in this hole. 
This place even in the comfortable 
spot I frequent now has a stifling 
effect on everyone and I can see 
that my state of mind when I come 
down will be pretty muddy. and 
So a trifle of fun and games will be 
needed to restore me to sanity. I 
reckon therefore that we'll have an 
understanding to do something 
on the lines you outline.

4/ 
Here's an item that will stagger you, 
I received a parcel of papers yesterday 
from you and a packet with a 
pencil in it from Chas. Now the 
ice is broken I'm confident they 
will turn up regularly now. 
I see your brother John is on his way 
again. I had a letter from John 
today too so I'll tell him to keep 
a lookout for your little brother. 
I sent you those particulars you want 
in a recent letter, the date you 
quote is the 20 Aug. 1940. So long 
ago, a tragedy for us that day but 
I suppose it was inevitable. At 
least it wasn't all kicks and no 
ha'pence for us. Thanks so much for 
the parcel. I think that one will 
make it. Cheerio now, precious and 
herewith evey every scrap of love to 
Richard and you. Micky
 
tmHill

Sailor & Soldiers Church of England Help Society 
7.9.43 
Air Mail 
Mrs. M. Billings 
548 Barkers Road 
East Hawthorn 
Victoria 

Australian 
Military Forces 
Passed by Censor 
2543 
tmHill

PR00610 
Australian 
War Memorial

WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF 
SAILORS & SOLDIERS' CHURCH 
OF ENGLAND HELP SOCIETY 
FOUNDED 1915 

VX38483 
Pte M Billings 
District Accounts Office 
New Guinea 
9.9.43 

Darling, 
Heres Dad again putting 
his scattered thoughts and newsy 
titbits to paper for the 
delectation of that superb creature 
he is proud to call his wife. 
First, no more letters from you 
since my last screed but hopes 
are high for tomorrow. I hope 
you are faring better than you 
were. I think you have somehow. 
As some compensation for 
missing out from you, I received 
the color patches this morning 
and a letter from Dorcas. Thanks 
so much for the former. There 
was some real news from the 
big sister and it seems that 
wedding bells will ring

2/ 
down your way on Saturday 
unless there's a last minute 
hitch. Anyhow I got off a 
telegram of good wishes which 
I hope gets there in time 
I feel a trifle wild missing 
another family wedding, the 
only one I can recall attending 
is my own. Perhaps I'll 
be home for John's, failing 
that, I'll make a special effort 
for Richard's. Wise guy! 
Of course, you'll be one of the 
barrackers and the function 
will please your emotional task 
I trust. Have a snort for me 
old bean and give Bubby a 
big kiss for me. I'm pleased 
the opportunity to wed has 
come their way for I cast an 
approving vote when folks join 
the wedded ranks. My

3/ 
experience of wedded bliss has 
been rosy in case you don't 
know it in spite of being 
deprived of some of the joyful 
fruits of the happy estate. 
Richard is always there to bear 
witness in support of my 
contention. I trust your next 
letter will detail an excellent 
report of the progress of you both, 
the last news was excellent 
I may say and 'tis a bonny 
babe you have to be sure. 
Next item - you will recall presenting 
me with two books of poetry 
during that happy period I 
recall with poignant pleasure. 
I have carried them around ever 
since and often paused over a 
verse or two but the travelling 
around and the climate are not 
conducive to good preservation