11.00 AM

SUNDAY 15.

My Darling Girls,

Had 2 days up at Quang Tri at a particularly useless conference. We had the organisation for the Revolutionary Development programme all worked out and it would have worked and now the stupid Viet Div Comd has made an impulsive decision to give complete comd to 3 Regt, so all the province people have washed their hands of it. Sometimes I doubt if we'll ever get anything off the ground in this mad house.

I had to work late Fri night and all day yesterday to finalise plans for an op starting today - I'm not going on this one. I've been in a foul mood the last few days. The rain hasn't stopped for almost 3 weeks and its getting everyone short tempered. That and the frustration of trying to get things accomplished without the Viets "losing face" - not to worry. Lot of the Viets are very sick from the cold weather and rain. Ba Em is off today. Her very young (6 months I think) baby (or her sisters baby I'm never very clear on this) is very sick with the flu. About 20% of air troops are down with the flu. I've got to go down to PHU BAI for another completely useless conference with the Marines at 1.00. The USMC is becoming more annoying. Doing senseless actions without telling anybody else.

- Sleeping in temples and upsetting the locals etc

I love the photos my darling. I've got them up on the wall over my desk so I can look at them as I write. I like the way you've got your hair done little Neisi - 'dep qua' - very lovely my pretty Neisi.

Had to go to dinner last night at the Province Chiefs to farewell the US. AID man [deleted] (a useless slob) and to welcome the new slob. The food was OK - but - "Rarely have I felt." I got home about 10 got to bed and then had to get up at 12 and was on the radio for hours with an attack out at PHU THU calling in flare planes, naval gunfire and all that jazz, so this morning I slept in until 8 - sheer luxury

Mail has been lousy for everybody lately. Your photos were the first mail for any Australians for about 6-7 days

Washed my hair this morning. Its Sunday and you can't let a war interfere with routine like that - more grey - too ? - I'll look more like your father than your husband when I get home my darling - I'll try not to act like it though!

Half way through Jan now my darling. The months are creeping by steadily and we are definitely on the downhill run now.

My Capt is due back tomorrow from R&R in Bangkok- I'll be please to see him to get the paperwork down. One request could you send me - (AUST) a copy of the SYD MORN HERALD - SATURDAY for Col Graeser he wants to see what jobs are like in AUST.

Must close now my wonderful Neisi unless things foul up I should be home tonight to write again. Just remember that I love you so very very much you - and those lovely little sweeties. I love you Neisi

Petie