January 29, ‘44
Australia
Dearest Mother & Dad,
Here I am again still on leave and having a mighty big time. I have been to just about all the shows, of which some are very good and extremely beautiful. This place is very much like the States, but the rest of Australia is about 50 years behind time.
I met some American nurses that are new over here and they told me all the latest news from the States of which really did sound good to me. They were mighty nice kids and I think they enjoyed talking to me. I took them on a sight-seeing trip to all the swimming beaches of which were very crowded as it is summer time over here.
I bought a short-wave radio yesterday that I am taking back with me and I am sure we will enjoy it a whole lot. It is second hand but seems to be in good shape. I paid 32 pounds for it, which is about 100 dollars American money. You can see how they stick us up over here, but there is not much we can do about it. The set would cost about $45.00 in the States.
We are all getting along fine and want to get home as soon as possible.
By the way, Mom, I sent you a birthday present yesterday. I hope you like it. I bought a lot of knitting yarn that the nurses said was very nice. They told me they didn’t have that kind at home. If you like it, let me know & if you want more of it, I’ll get it on my next leave. I am still looking for something I can send Dad. I am sending Velma some beads some natives made for me and some souvenir pillow cases. I hope to mail them today.
Well, Mom, I have no other news from here. Please write me often, & send me lots of clippings as my newspapers are very late.
“Bye for now and don’t forget – I love you very much.
Son