I’ll chance that it gives you the “willies”—if you’ve heard, it won’t hurt to repeat—that the cards and the boys’ Christmas billies[26] are here, and no kid, they’re a treat. Plum duff for the boys who’ve been fighting on the biscuit and beef (army store); I tell you we don’t need inviting to back in our carts for some more. Gee, the chocolate and cake are delicious, and there’s sweets and smokes in my pail, and a card with the sender’s best wishes—I’m sending my thanks per this mail. Folks who reckon that loving is living, whose hearts are as big as their land, whose happiness centres in giving—that’s our folks and their old-fashioned stand.
Well, Abdul, I’ll finish this trifle, for my thoughts are beginning to drift, and the sergeant has passed me my rifle, and it’s time I took over my shift. I’m concluding this note with a moral—take a tip from a bloke in the know—pick your men when you’re picking a quarrel.
—Yours truly,
Australia Joe.
P.S.—By the way, they’ve been stating that you’re scared to come out any more; don’t forget there’s a welcome here waiting, a warm one, you bet; au revoir.
Corpl. A. V. McCann,
“C” Squadron,
4th A.L.H. Regt.
FOOTNOTES:
[26] The “billy” is a tin can something like what is known in England as a milk can, in which the Australian of the bush boils his water and makes his tea. A billy packed with various good things was being sent to each Australian soldier for Christmas.
ANZAC FASHIONS. SUMMER
By Bomde A. H. Scott 4TH Battery. F.A.
