Letters from Lt Colin Douglas Simper to Mrs Irene Simper Wallet 2, Part 27

NO STAMPS AVAILABLE
23
MRS C.D. SIMPER
c/o BLACKWOOD P.O.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA

CD Simper

Colin X X X

SX21753

LT SIMPER CD
HQ Coy 2/48 aif
May 12,
My darling wife,
Yes here we are again to send

a ton of love to the darling little lady.
I guess Im getting back in form again, but
truth to tell its been raining all night &
still is and although that is poor excuse
for not getting on with the job, I decided
a no work day, or morning give the lads
a break anyhow. -
You should see some of the things used
for envelopes and writing paper, had we
not got an issue of envelopes yesterday I
would have been up hill for sending this
however I dont think I'd be stumped
entirely, its wonderful what scissors and
glue do.
I have been busy this morning constructing
a shelf on a handy tree for shaving
purposes, a nail above it is to hang the mirror
on otherwise the gear, mug etc would have
to be laid in the mud.
Yesterday we had some excitement, one of

the lads came to me and said they saw a
sniper or what looked to be a Jap climbing
a tree on the opposite hill.
So I went down and had a lookee, I had
to keep them back they wanted to rip a
burst of machine gun fire into the tree

2
I had a look through the field glasses watched
the trees moving and finally discerned a
dark shape like a man creeping out on
a bough.
Awaiting a better view for a shot I finally
saw it to be big gorilla or baboon.
So we were rather relieved and amazed
thankful it wasnt a sniper, they are
excellent shots, but its a rare
occurrence for them to be seen.
I haven't got used to my board bed yet
its much the same as the boards. Pete
used to make the wood bench, like those
and they are pretty hard.
Im used to comfort I reckon, been sleeping
on my stretcher too long, my valluses
will be along in a couple of days so as

there's a mattress in it I should be right
trouble is Ill be used to the boards by
then.
Now honey, beautiful wife I'm still
answering letters, one you commenced on

train I still have 5 pages to do.
As I said before old pop Bullimore
smiling is amazing
Well hes certainly an old fogie alright
messing things up for Pete, I know I
wouldnt put up with it myself and
I'm afraid I'd probably mess everything
and go for him, a word or two would 

straighten him up.
Well you certainly had a xxxxx scare honey,
Eleanor racing around drinking linaments is
no joke. she's getting that age now where

curiosity is her master.
As you say all medicine etc will have to
be made safe.
Apparently she is very happy nevertheless, shes
certainly that type of girl and your description
of her antics make it plain to see she
is enjoying life.
Now you ask about my clothes, you just
rest easy about them honey, and this is
why.
I put them all in the Kit store just before
we boarded the boat, they will send them
to the Main Kit store in Brisbane, Main Kit
store will send back a receipt for the case
and then it (the receipt) will be sent
to me.
Then when I get that which should be any
day now Ill send it to you, with instructions
where to pick up the case in Franklin St.
Franklin St Kit Store will notify you when its
there xxxx after I will have ^had the case sent
from Brissy Kit Store to there. got that
sounds complicated, but I made full
enquiries about the safest way to send it
home to you, and the case is sealed
so it will be O.K.
All you have to do is await further instruction
from me and from the Aust Kit store Adelaide
The leather folder is still in the case

Now I was issued with all new equipment

I had 2 sets of greens if you remember

I kept my valluse  and stretcher and it
is being sent by the Bn along with the
officers gear over to here. As I say should
be in here by Monday
How much gear which I had home have
I got now, right - Boots, 2 sets greens, shaving
gear, towels, sox, hankies, thats about all
You see we cant carry all our stuff (offs,)
and it gets sent along later.
So honey you are right the Bn left from
different places, and I didnt see Len C

etc till we reached our destination, you
realize that TARAKAN is not that island
sort of neighbouring island far enough
away to get ready (understand).
Sorry about the cigs honey they're just not
to be had (no Yanks here) and tob is
not regular issue though I have a good
reserve, but as soon as I get any at all
you shall have them.
Well now its dinner time and starting
to fine up so Ill close and do some
work this arvo.
Cheerio darling Ive answered quite a few
query's today and only have two letters
over

To answer now, 2 and the one before it without a
number.
My fondest regards to every one home and loving
kisses for our darling babies.

Remember my love for you is boundless and is
as strong now this minute as it will be ever be
and ever was just one strong surging power
Tons and tons of kisses for you and may

he continue to watch over you for me
XXXXXX Yours forever X
XXXX alone Col XX