Letters from Lt Colin Douglas Simper to Mrs Irene Simper Wallet 3, Part 2

NX71509

Lieut A L Chapman,

2/48 Aust. Inf Bn,

A.I. F. Aust. 

25 June 45
 

Dear Mrs. Simper,

It is with great

sorrow that I pen this note to

convey to you my deepest and

sincerest sympathy in your

loss of a grand man.

Words really fail me, they are

such clumsy things to manipulate

but all my sympathy is with

you and your two children

and Col's own folk.

I was greatly shocked when I 

heard of Col being wounded —

I was operating in a different

sector at the time and had

no opportunity of seeing him. When 

I heard that he had passed away

2

I couldn't believe it because I had

rung the M.O. on the phone about

an hour before and he told me

that Col had a good fighting

chance. Gosh I'm sorry.

The Tarakan shout robbed us

of some wonderful young

manhood — it was a tough

show right from the start and

everyone did a grand job.

At present, I am a patient

in 2/5 A.G.H. having arrived here

only yesterday, but I will soon

be back on the job again. I

have not been wounded but just

feel worn out and have some

tropical skin trouble — have 

been sick for several weeks

and tried to keep going but it

got me down eventually. Just

what will happen to me now

3

I can't even guess but I wouldn't

say "no" to a trip to the

mainland — no such luck I'm

afraid.

Prior to leaving Tarakan I 

went and saw Col's grave in

the war cemetery, together with

many others who paid the 

greatest sacrifice of all. With

the passing of Col, I have lost

one of my most sincere friends

and his loss is greatly grieved

by all who knew him. 

I do extend my very deepest

sympathy and pray that God

will comfort you through your

bereavement.

Sincerest regards and every

good wish.

Sincerely yours, 

"Len" Chapman

A L Chapman.