WED 1 MAR

My Darling Girls,

Just back from an operation down in PHU LOC- abortive no contact - but awfully cold. Found a nice letter waiting for me (19 FEB) and am delighted that you have the bookings confirmed for the holidays Now we can really plan our lovely holiday little sweetie. I am looking forward to it so very very much. Its not that long now It's MARCH already and my replacement has been named - some bloke called GILL so its starting to get closer my pet. I'm glad you've ensured the watches I'm surprised at the girls valuation as Kerry's did cost more than Kims!

I've liberated four good sleeping bags nice feather one so I'll send them down. They might come in handy for our holiday trip - and to fill in that gap in the beds at Balinga, as I DON'T want single beds my darling, I've also got some greens to send down plus some things that Ba EM my maid bought for you for TET. A bit gaudy be she meant well - anyway you'll see! John is a stoopid nit - that is a considered opinion and you may quote me. Teddy's new coat sounds nice - isn't Suzy getting to be a funny little sweetie deciding that you can't tear the old ones. I'm pleased that Teddy wants a watch. That will make the present all the better. I've finished marking the slides so I'll send those off with this letter and hope you can read the notes. I've cleaned up the AK automatic rifle I got out in PHU THU and put a rubber shock pad - 'NO SHOCK' you'll be pleased to hear on it to lengthen the unit as it was a bit short. It's almost brand new - still had packing grease in it, so I'll carry that from now on and they are accurate and RELIABLE not like that stinker of an Armalite. I HAVE been paying the electricity bills honey. I just didn't bother mentioning it

I would like Mac to send me up Time if its not too much bother and I'll be sure to make a fuss about PAT's cake - as you say they manage to make any job difficult I had hysterics at the thought of Neddie in striped trousers and top hats - if he ever does you MUST get a photo for posterity - he'll never live it down. General Hans Anderson is coming up here next Monday and I've got TWO Major Gen AUST Chaplains coming in on Saturday - yetch! I feel we are really on the downhill run now little sweetie. The holiday in Queensland will be just what we need and I'm looking forward to it tremendously Hans Anderson is the Adjutant General now and Tripp is coming up with him so I'll put in my bid for overseas staff college when they come up - its worth a try. Take care of yourself my wonderful darling. I am looking forward so very very much to coming home to my four lively girls again. You are all so very precious to me and I'm so very very proud of you all.

I love you

Petie