Letters from Lt Colin Douglas Simper to Mrs Irene Simper Wallet 2, Part 13

Air Mail

Australia

12
Mrs C.D. Simper
C/o Blackwood P.O.
South Australia
Cd Simper

SX21753
Lt Simper CD.
HQ Coy 2/48 Bn

AIF

14 April
Dearest darling
Somewhere in the South
West Pacific
Well
I bet that explains a lot to
you honey, it should give a
fair reason for my funny
capers just recently as regards
to writing & receiving mail.
Anyhow in this letter I will
only give you information
permitted and not attempt to
answer any of the letters
I have,
The boat trip was good one
and I am, a first class sailor
I enjoyed it, got sick of doing 

nothing, except sleep and
read I have never done so
much reading in all my
life and as there was a
library aboard I read all
kinds of books,
No I didnt get sick though at
one stage I had to eat
my meals with my head
turned aside. I knew if I
looked at my plate Id be
running for the deck, I didn't
miss any meals & managed
to keep the old tummy pretty
full all the times thus
preventing it falling & jumping
all over the place.
I was certainly surprised
at the sea it was so calm
We had plenty of rain and 

the word would pass round
"Its raining"), and a hurry
skurry for the deck would
take place to get a fresh
water shower
The normal shower on the
boat are sea water, ever tried
to wash in salt water, or get
any lather out of the soap?
its simply impossible, well
there was plenty of it and
a terrific force drove the
dirt off me.
Pretty hot below decks on
those boats and I slept
on deck whenever possible
Well this place is OK by
me plenty of jungle certainly
but OK an island in
the SW.P areas thats all 

The lads are getting plenty
of amusements pictures & so on
and most of the shows have
yet to be screened in Aussie
I am now sitting on my
stretcher just outsides the tent
with a lantern hanging
nearby, getting annoyed at
the insects and flying, well
elephants some of them,
The lads are all happy &
glad to be out of Aussie
'cause while theyre there
they worry 'bout leave too
much,
You'll agree with me when
I say, my lucky star still
shines, getting my leave in
Work well Im afraid it will
be many a night before I 

shall feel free to go to the
pictures, Im up to my
neck in it, especially my
job, building Kitchens &
so on, all that type of thing
My Blacksmithing experience
will come in handy anyway
I have spent 2/- on stamps since
arriving here thats all
I have spent, Air Mail is
3^d and you should check
with the post office and see
if it is the same your end.
well honey I am happy and
well and this letter is
only to tell you that
have tons to write you
about but Ill pick it
up gradually.
Pardon the haste honey but 

I'm going to write to Mum xx.
So cheerio for now hoping
this finds you well, I know
youll not worry unduly, for
I assure you I am and

will be ok
love to everyone honey

PS 
My ears haven't

got me into any

bother yet!

Your old

man again

Col

X X X X X X

My love takes five days to

reach you but it doesn't lose

any of its power

Have you heard? I married

an angel

X X X X X X X X

CDSimper