Letter Sep 28th 1945

Frank asks a number of questions about his family and praises the work of the American soldiers who looked after him and other POWs in Wakayama, near Yokohama.

28/9/45

Don. Coy
3rd Aust, PW Reception
Group Manila.

Dear Stepmother,

I received your very nice letter written on the 21st of last month, yesterday, and I was tremendously glad and relieved. I also received yesterday two letter cards of about 30 words, one from Dad, and one from yourself, both written on July 30, 1945 and are probably replies to the 40 word letter card we were allowed to write at Xmas 1944, from Japan. Prior to these three letters, the only mail I’ve had, were seven letters from home, all written before August 1942, and received in 1943 and 1944, so perhaps you will understand how pleased I was with these letters. I think the worst thing I experienced was continual lack of news from the family; dad is getting up in years, Bill is in the R.A.A.F., Dulcie & her Marilyn very ill with pneumonia and other things, made time go slow, but now I’ve had these letters, & all that is over now.

I had an idea that Bill may have been married during my absence, but I guess my eyes nearly popped out on learning he had a baby. I don’t know whether its a her or he, but I guess any baby of Bill’s will be some kid, and will be real glad to make its acquaintaince. I suppose Bill’s nipper won’t be the only new relations I’ve got, as I suppose the sisters’ families will have increased also. Did Jack ever take the plunge?

Well, Mum, I’ve had a wonderful time since the war finished, especially since we contacted the American Red Cross people at Wakayama, near Yokohama, on the 15th of this month. They did everything they could for us, especially the crew of the hospital ship “Consolation” which took us from Japan to Okinawa. Our present camp here, an A.I.F. camp with Aussie nurses, was built by American G.I.s, and even now, they still do all the work round the place, and all our time is all our own. I can’t say enough for the Americans, but i’m still glad to be back with our own Australian camp andd officers. To-day I met two chaps from Wollongong, Roy Connors & Tubby Crimmins of Pt. Kembla.

I do not think it will be very long before I will be leaving for home, anything from four days onwards, I think we will get a boat home, but may be here for no longer than five weeks, and there is also a slight chance of a plane home, so don’t be surprised if I unexpectedly pop in for tea in the very near future.

Gee Alice, thanks a lot for your “welcome home” and I sincerely hope you people won’t be disappointed in me. I don’t think you will be, although I guess I’ve changed a bit. We fellows think of nothing else now, but getting home to Aussie, and meet our families and friends once more. I’ve been through all the medical tests, have been re-equipped and fitted out, and believe me, its a quite a pleasure to be able to buy things what you want, once more. I guess I’m recivilizing myself as fast as I can.

Here comes my cobber with our beer ration, so I guess I’ll close now. I’ll write to Dad tomorrow. Tons of love and good wishes, & “I’ll be seeing you”,

your stepson,

Frank. xx