31701-0016-0001

15th Battalion Detach.,
Port Moresby,
Papua.
14th Oct. '40

My darling Nancy,
Though the time is now midnight, I rather feel in the mood for writing & sending my love to you. To see me here, you wouldn't suspect my feelings of emotion, especially of passion. Beside me lies a loaded rifle, and in the sleeping quarters the boys are either snoring or talking in their dreams. This outpost of ours, here beyond Porebada, has all the romantic, exciting, and adventurous life to last me till old age. Outside, the moonlight is bright enough for me to see the surf pounding the reefs, and the clean white sails of some passing canoes. There is an all-night dance with singing at the small village below our camp. I would have like to go along myself only a native came up to talk till 10 o'clock. Their singing gets into my blood - its too beautiful.

Perhaps I had better tell you everything from the beginning, Nance, - I hope it doesn't bore you though. If you should have a large scale map of Papua you could follow