Alan and Nancy Hooper WW2 correspondence, 1941

Alan Hooper served in New Guinea during the Second World War with 1 Papuan Infantry Battalion (1 PIB) and Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU).

These narratives lead us through his wartime experiences in New Guinea, and the life of his fiancé Nancy at home in Brisbane. Hooper wrote of patrols in remote provinces, supporting infantry battalions during operations at Buna and Rouna Valley, the notorious Kokoda Track and providing material and resources for the American forces he served alongside.

Read the blog before you begin ! Alan and Nancy Hooper Second World War correspondence

This second collection of 61 letters are from 1941. Alan Hooper visited the outpost station of Maata Hill in central New Guinea, Rouna Falls, and Ela Beach. He was promoted to Acting Sergeant in May 1941, the same month that his fiancee Nancy turned 20; he described the arrival of the US Fleet; in August he was appointed Lieutenant and discussed the growing threat from Japan; the 'Sydney's' sinking and a reconassiance expedition undertaken 30 miles up the coast.

Note: several items are incomplete, or have pages missing.

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