Michael Billings Collection - Wallet 12 - Part 16 of 16

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have seen the smile on celluloid
and again, he looks bigger
and better every time. It
won't be so long now till we
fall all over one another in
sheer joy. Thanks so much
my sweetheart, the images of
you & Richard were like water
to the parched wayfarer. I'm
glad I've been able to get a few
back to you too.
This will slay you but
after much scrutinising, I have
come to the conclusion that the
lad is growing a lot more like
you, a strong resemblance in
some of the snaps, and I
must confess he's not the least
bit like me so there's a
feather in your cap, bundle.
Sorry to hear Sister 
Fay. has had to go to hospital,
they have had a stiff trot 

9/
and its very hard for young
married people to keep going
when one or both are crook.
Remember me to George & Fay
when you are writing.
Glad to know the
sundry parcels and bundles have
turned up, particularly the
small one. Nice old bugger,
aren't I, you know I am too.
Well, my precious
Puss. it would appear that
the authorities desire the lights
to be extinguished so I shall
make a brief pause and
send a sheaf of pages in a
very short time. For the
present, I send you love and
kisses by the million.
Your most affectionate
& admiring.
Micky 

MILITARY FORCES
PASSED BY CENSOR
2543

22 2 44
AIR. MAIL

Mrs. M. Billings
548 Barkers Road
East Hawthorn
Victoria 

VX38483 Sgt. M. Billings
Dist Accounts Office
New Guinea. 24.2.44

Darling Kay.
Whatho, dear lady and
how are you this fine summer's
day. How painfully funny seeing
that you are probably cursing the
sun and all its works. Anyhow
we can't alter the weather so shall
us pass on to more interesting
subjects. Since my last, another
from you, that of the 17th has
been gladly received and I was
very glad to read that both of you
are definitely back on the upgrade
again. A new sensation for you to
be bitten by that young scamp
but after suffering his other
onslaught I guess you took it as a
matter of course. By now, you
should have my screed dealing with
the photographs and once again I
sent a poem of praise. They

2/
have gone the rounds and the
flattery bestowed upon you both
should positively make you blush.
As for me, I'll have them worn
out if I don't cut down the number
of inspections. Rather good to get
set for a playpen just at the time
you were needing one - and how.
Mum's the word all right but what
an awful thing for the lad to have
a tumble like that. As I read that
part I was nearly too terrified to
go further for fear of the consequences.
I can tell you the incident flashed
before my eyes very vividly and
I deflated with relief when I saw no
harm was done but its almost
unbelievable that he escaped. Such
a small soft package. So like a
good family we all got a hell of a
scare, thank God it was no
more. Getting far too venturesome
all right, bring on the playpen

3/
Perhaps you had better get a collar
and chain too. Pity a poor mother,
Thanks for the papers en route,
Sweet. they will be very welcome
for the supply has been light on
lately. I asked to send my kitbag
up airmail but if you have not
done so yet just send it ordinary
mail but registered if possible.
Glad my parcels reached you and
the contents pleased you not to
mention the heavier flow of letters.
I bet the lad is a difficult photo
subject for if ever I beheld a
laughing squirming piece of mischief
its Master Richard. That's what I
meant in patting you on the back
for your splendid arrangement of the
snaps.
Regarding the mode of
getting out of the army's clutches
in Melbourne for some leave,
I'm afraid I don't know the

4/
current arrangements but depend
upon it, it's sure to be the hard way.
Anyhow, that's not the point, what
is important is to get there and
its nearly the end of another month.
By the way, you misinterpreted my
motives in returning that contentious
letter. What was intended was to
convey to you that as far as I was
concerned, it had never been written
and for you to destroy it erased it
completely from our minds & records.
I'm sure Ernie Du Cros
would be very pleased to cast an eye
over Richard. Bad luck, he was
away when you dropped in but
Gordon Trickert would be a good
substitute. You have met his wife
you know. She was Carmen Major
who worked there for many years
They have a child who would be
two of so now and I'm sure you
would have a good time visiting them

5/
When you see Ern, that is, if you do,
tell the buggar he's owed me a letter
for a long time. Mum sent me a
cutting from the Sun giving him
a good wrap up.
Well, your moustache is in
flower again, buddy and progresses
a bit each day. It's only a littley
though, I detest those huge growths.
In any cases, any resemblance to C.
Gable Esq., well be a figment of your
imagination but between you and
I, it looks just too, too dashing.
Your hairdo in that snap looked
very pretty so your gloomy fears
are definitely exaggerated.
Regarding that other matter I
shall write a G.E on that as it's
a big and intimate question and
a few exchanges between us would
seem to be necessary. However, don't
let it worry you, pet, we will find
a solution. In addition, you need

6/
fear the prying eye of a third party
because its very rare for your letters
to be opened by the censor. We'll
never iron it out unless our views
are communicated candidly & fully,
even though its a distasteful matter
to decent people. Needs must
though, Kay. In
I wish you every
success in your quest for a flat,
the announcement of the end of the
search would make mighty fine
reading. Please don't kill yourself
looking though for you've had
a strenuous time as it is and I
don't think you need forego your
solitary vice either. I'm a kindred
spirit with you there.
As well as yours, I've had
letters from Mum, Dorcas,
Sheila & John lately. John's
came today, and he was very
well at his new address. Hadn't

heard anything of his transfer
yet but like me still hopeful.
These things take time to get
fixed. He gave one astounding
piece of news though that brother
Tom had joined the Provosts. Gee,
I nearly died fighting laughing
when I read that. What a fine
warrior family, a shiny-arse,
a copper and another base-
walloper to come. Really, Sheila
is the 'fightingest' one of us all.
But really, my dear, the provost is
et-it a bit thick, what!
Well, my pretty one,
time comes for a piece of sleep
so I bid you and the bonny
lad cheerio and kiss you both 
so fondly. All my love
to you, darling
Micky 

24. 2.44
AUSTRALIAN 
MILITARY FORCES
PASSED BY CENSOR
2543

AIR. MAIL
Mrs. M. Billings
548 Barkers Road
East Hawthorn
Victoria