Primary tabs
Transcription
<p>a4701811.html</p><p>2/ veil, because the hardships & heart-breaking lot of the poor unfortunate peasants does not tend to make pleasant reading to you folk "Down Under" who know not, nor can realise, the effect of shell-fire, bombs, gas, etc., as used in this terrible conflict. It is well that it is so, & I can only trust that no such calamity as War will ever befall the "Land of Sunshine" & Freedom. Even the few aeroplanes that hum & [whoir?] above you @ Home cannot bring thoughts of War to you because they must seem so wonderful & peaceful flying in the blue. What a contrast here tho' We sometimes envy the pilots & observers their hazardous job amidst the clouds, but our envy turns to admiration when we watch them over the enemy's region, calmly sailing thro. barrages of Hun anti-air-craft shrapnel or dodging the fierce streams & hails of machine guns (from the ground) which are sent up to them as soon as they get within range. What a terrible pity that the knowledge obtained by those fearless air-men & their marvellous control over the machines, (which, so few years back were still in the experimental stage) was not all used in peaceful pursuits! Such is the state of this part of the Globe today - War, & war's effects on all sides! - & what for?</p><p>Talking of "birdmen" reminds me that "Jock Hawke" (still in the "Glorious First" with me - HQ.Sigs.) rec<sup>d</sup>. a letter from Sydney saying that "Snowy" Stopford had obtained his commission in that branch of the service, so here's good Luck to him. Have heard nothing of Wally Preston & his progress in air work, nor of Joe Dodd, hadn't a chance of looking the latter up while we were Billeted near the Aussie squadron's aerodrome Hope they are still "jake". Will keep a good look out for them all over this side.</p><p>I'm afraid that you'll have to experience another bit of a spasm between the receipt of letters from me, because our recent treks & shifts from one part of the Front to another has temporarily upset the old routine & there's no saying now when our mail will eventually leave us. I still have Letter No. 120 in my pocket & this one looks like being deposited there also; till we go back to the rear</p><p> </p><p>PTO</p>