Army Base in Queensland

6 October 1940

Dear Alice,

I will just have to continue flattering you, then, if you say it won't work on you so soon. I'd love to meet Mac (properly) and her friends, even if it's just to hear embarrassing stories about you. (You can always insist on meeting Vera, she's plenty of tales about me and always looking to share them.)

You can tell me what you want about your past, Alice, when you want to. As for worrying about whether or not to send copious letters with the ongoing war, don't. I said when we sat on the pier that I wanted to get to know you, and I meant it. If it helps, think of your letters as a tether for me back home; any bit you share helps me remember why I'm doing this, and gives me a bit of respite.

I'm afraid I have to keep this letter short, we're pressed for time here on base because they've told us we're shipping out in a couple of days. I can't tell you exactly where for secrecy reasons, but my brigade is headed for the Middle East. This unfortunately means that this is my last letter for awhile. I'll write when we've landed, and I promise to keep safe.

I've never left Australia and I don't exactly know what to expect… I'm worried and scared, but I also trust in my training and know that I'll keep the men under my command safe; my old station boss is coming too, so that helps ease my worries. If all else fails, I have him to look to and talk to, just like I do you. While I'm over there, and if we have free time, would you like any souvenirs?

Goodbye for just a little while.

Your Friend,

Matthew