FROM THE FRONT.
NEWS FROM AN ESSENDONIAN.
The following interesting letter has been received from Corporal P. G. Paine, an Essendonian, who was awarded the Military Medal a little while ago: -
Just a line to let you know that I am in hospital again, this time suffering from Rheumatism. Just before I came down from the line I received two letters from you, and most welcome they were. They were forwarded on to me by Len Tyzack, with a note enclosed. He is quite well, and still at Southampton. On my way here I was taken to the 5th Field Ambulance, where I met Jim Fynmore, who told me to look out for Alby Wilson at the C.C.S., so when I reached there I went around and found him. He is still the same old Alby, not changed a bit. He said he heard from you, and was pleased to get your letters, as they always had plenty of news in them, which, by the way, is quite right.
Well, we had a great Christmas dinner up the line-about the best turn-out I have been to since leaving Aussie. Of course we had to work as usual, but a few of us were allowed to stay in camp to prepare things for the boys when they came home. We had a cow hut, very nicely decorated and enough tables and forms to seat the whole section (about 40), and when they came home at 4.30 p.m. they sat down to as nice a Christmas dinner as you could get in the kingdom. First course was roast beef, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower; then Christmas pudding, with sauce; also jellies and custard. At 7 p.m., they sat down again and had a light, snack, consisting of biscuits, cheese, celery, spring onions, lettuce, nuts, oranges, apples, cigars, cigarettes and drinks. By 8 o'clock we had a good concert in progress.
I may say that our Christmas dinner was eaten off clean China plates (quite a novelty), which we dug up in a cellar near the line. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, and, as I said before, it was the best turn-out I've been to since leaving home.
Have not seen Mick Wight since he returned from his "Blighty" leave, so cannot tell you what sort of a time he had. I just missed my Paris leave by having to go into hospital. Give kindest regards to all my friends.
FROM THE FRONT. (1918, April 18). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 1 Edition: Morning. Retrieved June 8, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74605679
|
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.