Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

Private J. D. Caves: The Long Journey Home

1 May 1942 B Coy 24th Bn N.Z.E.F. Middle East Forces

1 May 1942 B Coy 24th Bn N.Z.E.F. Middle East Forces

My Darling Jean,

Denis, standing second from right, in the Lebanese mountains.

Denis, standing second from right, in the Lebanese mountains.

First I had better explain that I am not in Australia or with the A.I.F as the paper implies [written on Australian Imperial Force stationery]. We took over in this area from the Aussies of course and some of their supplies have found their way into our hands. They were very thrilled with the idea of going home that some would not believe it, they said, until they were actually on the boats. Many of them maintained that we would follow them but coming events out here will be the determining factor there. It is of course not beyond the bounds of possibility - we seem to be the last division at present but they'll soon find a place for us if a drive through this way eventuates. We are well up to strength. Have you yet seen the Army Unit's picture 'Return to Attack' partially taken in Syria? It was shown up here by the Mobile Cinema the other night together with an English picture 'Give her a Ring'. It wasn't a bad show. The screen was the side of the Y.M. van covered with a sheet and the theatre a ravine at the foot of the hill on which we are camped. For the natives of the small village close by it was an epic event. They all came, husbands, wives and children and it was pathetic to see them sitting page 46cross-legged swaying to the music absolutely enthralled. The women in this part go unveiled and are not shy like most Muslim women. Turkish influence has been felt through here. Turkey's part these next few months will, by the way, play a very important role in this part of the world. She seems to be with us and we must hope she at least stays neutral.

We are getting very fit and brown working on the hills stripped to the waist most days. Our lily white hands are becoming toil worn once more. You should have seen my hands after the last scrap. Gee! They were a mess of broken blisters and cuts. Hands weren't considered much when a hole was needed and the ground was full of large rocks. The digging always done in the dark too. The hills we are working on here are boulder strewn and the sides very steep. The other day a large rock we were lifting escaped us and rolled down the 1000ft or so drop to the road beneath where some troops are encamped. We were terribly afraid of a tragedy and watched its course expectantly. The rock burst into a tent but apparently did no damage. However on our return to camp we found a couple of native goat herders had brought up a dead goat and were demanding compensation. The herd had evidently been grazing out of our view at the foot of the hill. In due course I guess the Army or Battalion will make good the loss. The natives as I have said before are very friendly and one gets tired of answering their endless salutations of 'saiced da George' (the spelling is as it sounds only). They make a great job of our washing.

Water is not over plentiful up on the hills but plenty can be obtained at the cost of a stiff trot down and climb back. I go down occasionally at night and heat up a kerosene tin of water and have a great bath. The bath tub being a waterproof ground sheet laid over a built up circle of rocks.

I hope you have not been dragged into any women's army or such like Dear. You will I suppose have to take Jim's place on the farm. Don't let the Japs get you. There is a nasty little fear that will obtrude into the back of the minds of us who have left our hearts behind. God help those responsible for keeping us here if the Japs did reach NZ.