Alan_and_Nance_Hooper-1943

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home I had yet another attack of malaria & the treatment began once more. For this I'm glad my holiday won't be spoilt by illness & this sickly anaemia will give way to easy checks & etc unsympathetic hq's granted me only a months leave not much encouragement after nearly 3 years continuous service. Gee! It'll be swell seeing you again. How much have you changed pet? You'll find me outwardly much the same as you remember. I have changed inwardly and I'm pretty much a cynic. Could you get home each week end? I suppose not. Anyway I hope there's hotel accommodation in Lismore.

Last night I felt strong enough to walk the few hundred yards to our picture show. 'Wake Island' was the feature. Gosh it's the realisation such productions bring that gives you a fighting spirit. My own experiment over the other side were cold-blooded, so it was a treat

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to see such an epic.

Owen Reynolds paid me a surprise visit a few day ago. He certainly got around while South. A private again but there's quite a chance he'll find early promotion. Time has changed him but little. He tells how well you look. Jeff wrote from his new location. Such a pity we're not in the same district. Of course I may see a lot of him after my month is up.

There's a jeep I see most day with Nancy Jane imprinted on the bonnet. Circumstantial evidence, sweet.

The band is playing a stiring march as I write. Its a tonic to hear music for in most civilised pleasures I fell unsated. I feel like a country youngster who visits a city gala week. I do miss intensely the old kingdom I left. The lonely life gets into your blood. The weather has been delightful. This dry heat is much more bearable than the steamy sticky jungle humidity.

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Laziness begets laziness I find. Quite ashamed of myself I am. Each night I make a resoloution to write or read a book but daytime passes with nothing to show for the leisure. Mostly I daydream & smoke cigarettes.

8th At last my dreams have brought delights. You 'fell' for me in a big way & I felt the happiest man in the world.

The mail collector ought to be here any moment. I don't think destiny will delay our wonderful reunion this time, Nancy. We've food enough for all-night talks. I'm afraid we'll be tempted to find some private trysting place with a sign to say "Don't disturb for a week!" unless I can get extension of leave I'll have to talk fast & burn the midnight oil to tell you all I wish.

Times up. Ba Mahita & all my love & caresses. Your loving Fiance Alan XXXXXXXX

98817 A.C.W. O'Neill, N.J No. 1. B.A.G.S. R.A.A.F Evans Head 7-3-43

My Own Darling I have just come home from your place, gosh darling I wish you were home. I came home on leave on Friday and am home till next Thursday. I was hoping you would arrive home while I was home, but no such luck. I am unlucky enough for you to come the day I go back. I will be home again soon I hope so dont worry. I'll be here.

I received your letter at the Heads quite a few days ago, but darling up till the time I came on leave I didn't have a minute to spare. I started work at 6:30 and worked through till after 9 o'clock on Monday. Tuesday I had to go to a lecture & Wed I had to go back to work. Thursday I travelled all night so darling forgive me for not answering before. I have been thinking of you the whole time.

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Hazel and Fred were over home, little Ian has grown tall. Hazel and Fred havn't changed at all, I hadn't seen them for ages.

They told me you wouldn't know Colin, he is 6ft now. He has a girl friend, I suppose you know all about her. I haven't met her yet. Your mother and father are looking well and Ailse is quite plump now & suppose you will notice a change in us all.

I also went over to Grandmothers for tea, she told me to tell you she often thinks of you.

Ralph Simmonds is home I believe, we havn't seen him to date.

I am going into town to-morrow for the day, I have to go into Lambs and see all my friends, they are a nice crowd.

I heard you have been in hospital again, Alan I hope you are better now. Why didn't you let me know? You are the one person I would feel proud to worry over.

Well darling I will close now. God bless you and keep you safe for me. Your loving fianceee Nancy xxxx