A MEETING OF BROTHERS.

Mrs. G. Gideon, of River terrace, Ascot Vale, has received letters from her sons, George and John, and both write of the pleasure they felt when they met in France. George has been transferred to the 5th div., 59th Batt, and his brother is in the same division.

George writes, "You would be surprised what a superior army ours is to Hun. We have better artillery, men and aircraft."

In the course of Jack's letter he writes: "It is very cold here, and nothing but mud and rain and shells. The poor horses are up to their middles in it, and we are up to our knees. It is nothing for us to get stuck. Things are going along slowly but surely, and we keep smiling. We live underground like 'underground' mutton, and my mate and I have a nice little burrow. I had a narrow shave once, and thought my light was going out; but I'm still going strong. It's what we call a very 'hot shop'; but all the same it's enough to freeze you."

A MEETING OF BROTHERS. (1917, January 18). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 6 Edition: Morning.. Retrieved March 21, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74601352

OUR SOLDIERS

Mrs. Gideon, of River terrace, Ascot Vale, has received a letter from her son, J. D. Gideon, who is in France, dated 28/14/18. He writes--

"I am still going along A1. I am now at the Base waiting to be sent up with the next draft, which may happen any day now. I wish it were for dear Aussie; but never mind, keep smiling all of you, as I think we shall all be home very shortly now. I have been saying the same thing for the last three years, but I think it is right this time, as old Porkhead cannot keep it up much longer. The way he is having his men butchered is awful. He has an extra stone wall to get through when he comes our way. His men are done; they have not the spirit now that they used to have, and Our Day is very close now. I am anxious to get back to my unit to get my mail."

OUR SOLDIERS. (1918, August 1). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 5 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606787

FROM THE FRONT

Mrs. Gideon, River terrace, Ascot Vale, has received the following from her son, Acting Quarter Master John Gideon: We had a very trying time for a while, but it was very willing while it lasted; but our boys stopped his little games. They were rushed up to meet the enemy, and, by jove, they stopped him in two-ups. He will never forgive the "Aussies" for it; but it is nothing to what is in store for him. The boys are giving him no peace at all. He cannot face the Aussies; they are bricks. You should see them facing danger; they are very anxious to get in and got it over. It is marvellous how they are standing the strain. We are some stuff, we "Aussies," and proud of it, too. The "Froggies" think the world of us since we stopped "Fritz's" gallop, and the "Yanks" swear by us. They are a fine lot, and are arriving in thousands, and are very anxious to do their share. If they do as well as we have done, they will do, but I think it is impossible. I am getting that way now that I feel as if I have been here long enough. I have had my ups and downs, and I am just about full up of it all. It is a long three years to be away from your dear ones, but it is no use growling; we must keep smiling, and wait for that long-looked-for day to come; and then what joy for all! 

I have been Acting Quarter Master now for some time, and it is one of the best jobs a chap can get here. I have great fun with the boys, especially when there is a rush on; and the clothing business is funny. They call me the little quarter bloke. Someone will come up and say "What about a tunic and breeches or boots?" and of course I have a joke with them and say "What's wrong with it? Go away; that's good enough for six months yet"; but they generally get them. I think we have about the best dressed unit there is about here, and that is saying a lot. There are 70 of us at present, but I have had a hundred. They are very good to me. I have been a great favourite with them ever since Ypres. I shall never forget that place. That is where I was acting corporal while my corporal was on leave. With another corporal, I used to take the boys out to the line. He is a favourite too, and is a fine chap. I hope you will meet him when we set back. His name is Mills.

FROM THE FRONT. (1918, October 31). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 1 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 29, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74607512