Alan_and_Nance_Hooper-1943

Q52 Lt. Alan E Hooper Unit A.N.G.A.U Sunday 20/6/43

My Darling & Beloved Wife,

It seems weeks already since I departed though fortunately I've been too preoccupied to feel lonliness as I know it.

I felt so depressed having to board the train without saying a last Goodbye. Thanks to my fellow officers my gear was loaded and not left behind. Lets hope you haven't forgotten how to forgive. My cobbers rag me endlessly about the incident. I did lean half out the window to wave, but the crowds on the platform obscured the view I wanted.

Things went from bad to worse. I didn't know prisoners from escort or where to find them. Only five escaped on the abnormally long journey. I'll demand an enquiry if they C.M. me. The first night I was really ill & couldn't sleep for lack of room. A headache distressed me considerably. The fruit saved me from certain hunger. Meals were most irregular.

At present I'm on leave for the day. The palatial officers' club is reasonably convenient from camp. Last night after settling into our tents we rode into the township. I formed a few opinions last time I saw the place but now I'm completely disgusted. The girls are walking jewellers shops. Three of the species of "Mrs Warren's Profession" accosted us on our way to the Club. Their addresses we ground under our heels. The only promise of any fun during the night came from a party of yanks fighting (or more correctly shamming) amongst themselves.

However nothing exciting developed. This morning two W.A.A.F.'s tried to seduce us. They were dangerously good looking and we hurried on. Honestly If I stayed here much longer I'd be instituting a one man purge.

Did you see the moon last night? I thought it glorious and knew lonliness. At sundown on the journey up I'd leave my cramped seat and breathe some fresh air on the adjoining corridor. There on one side, the golden sunset, on the othere, the a moon-rise. I could sing in complete privacy the roar of the train drowning my soulful efforts. Singing seems to help me forget the stormy side & remember teh 'silver lining'.

The climate here alternates between two extremes, Hot & dusty driving day & quite cold at night.

Whenever we passed through the bigger townships during the day everyone stood by a window & threw scrambles of coins to the crowds of youngsters. Occasionally an M.P. would have a fine thrown to him too.

This morning I sent you a telegram pet, of my arrival. It was the first opportunity. I go away this time with a wholly different feeling . In one respect I'm profoundly happy & contented, in another I'm restless to return to you. I'm counting the days. I do hope Nance darling you feel as sure that we have done the right thing in wedding. I hope to make you proud of your newly acquired name. Whatever eventuated my darling wife you can ever and always

be sure my intentions and ambitions are bound up in you. Life morally speaking would be pretty futile without having someone dear to share your happiness and alas your trials.

Luncheon is over. A.W.A.S. do the catering & waiting. Of all the service postings for girls in this town theirs is I imagine the most enjoyable. As a crowd, they obviously have been selected, this part of town is elite (& no Yanks), & are more or less unmolested. I wish Brisbane boasted of such a hotel.

It's strange to see coconuts growing again. Guess I'll see too many soon. I'm anxious darling to get my first letter from you. Naturally I'll have to wait until I rejoin the unit. When I look back over the last 3 months I can hardly believe it really happened. 3 months of my life or ours we'll never forget, Nancy. You see I do owe you a lot. tell me: does your lovely face still bear the signs of my insatiable passion? Should I ever have to face death again I'll smile knowing I have lived - and that it's but a sacrifice for tose that really care. Bed is an awfully dull place when you are not there to share it. You say I die when I sleep. That was because I felt so thoroughly contented I guess. One night in the train I had an overpowering desire to embrace the chap next to me but I was just conscious enough to know & regret it wasn't my affectionate honey. So soon as i rejoin my unit I have a proposition in min. It will call for experience with -------. If they see my way I'll come back home to

xxxx

a course of instruction. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I do hope you do the right thing in regard to your future work. I can imagine how you felt returning home without me. It must have made you depressed, and restless to turn our back on home-life. Try to believe all will be different some day soon - when we can devote ourselves to each other, pet.

Did you buy Mum something? I'd like her to have some token of our appreciation. She's done so much. Give my love to all at home, remember me to our friends. Let's hope the photos from Greens do both us a flattery. I still want you to buy yourself a love-boy. Keep your eye open for one. Had I better send you a blank cheque. I've been writing and day dreaming over you for 3 hours now. Time I said cheerio. You know the Salv. Army sing parodies to popular tunes. Well last night they sung "Maoris Farewell" It brought a lump to my throat, honey. Don't forget to write me some songs & send a few crosswords, eh. May God bless you Nance darling, amy these few lines help soothe your aching heart & bring me ever closer to your wilful soul. write that I might understand one woman's all. I'll try to write often and give you the news.

All my love & a thousand caresses. (Christian Science ones this time) Forever your adoring husband Alan xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

2 [circled]

Brittania Street, Manly, Brisbane. 21-6-43

My Darling Husband, I received your wire to-night and I am thrilled. Thanks a lot for being so thoughtful. Don't worry over your hurried departure, it couldn't be helped. Appart from being terribly disappointed & a little worried over you, I suffered no ill effects. I love you ever so much darling.

I have just finished ironing your pyjamas and my night dresses, and put them carefully away for our next honeymoon. Let us pray it will be soon, I miss you a lot.

I have settled down at work again, I will stay there till your return so don't worry over me.

Aunt Lou has a table cloth & half a dozen serviettes for us, isn't that lovely. Aunt Lizzie from out Cavendish Rd. wrote & said how pleased she was with the good news, and said a lot of nice things about you, I am lucky Alan. If ever I said anything to hurt you darling please try to forgive me, because underneath I have loved you more than anything else in the world. I will never hurt you again.

Winter is here now. To-day it was very cold, a strong easterly is blowing outside, I wouldn't like to be out in it. You are lucky you missed the colder days.

Alan do take care of yourself for me. Keep the mosquitoe net over you at night, and don't get any cuts, I am frightened for you now I know how dangerous they can be. Please excuse writing darling, thumb is terrible. I will close for to-night darling sending all my love. Your adoring wife, Nancy XXXXXXXX