31701-0060-0003

XXX

your address. It's his intention to rejoin as [A.I.F.?] very
soon after going South. There is every likelihood that
he'll be in the city long enough to introduce himself.
I took the liberty of saying that if he did wish your
company I would have no objection. Knowing full well
his high principles, (most unusual in army life) I can
say he's a thorough gentleman. I doubt if I can say as
much for 99% of the others while being in doubt about
the other 1%. To me he seems an absolute [cynic?], a
sentimentalist, and intellectual. If he dislikes anything or
anyone, he's not slow in admitting it - 100% popularity
isn't any good mans ambition. His big? opportunity up here
for promotion was ruined by his criticisms of censorship,
which at the time - well you know yourself about the
confetti. I fully expect him to rejoin with a commision if
he only stiffles his views.

12 months ago, tonight, we left Enoggera, waited
what we felt to be a day on the station, waved goodbye
to absolute strangers (some even hugged us when their own
sons left at another wharf) then took ourselves onto the
Orunguls aft hold. Shortly after midnight the noise of
traffic died away, ropes were cast off, the lone wharf -
sentry presented arms & we were away. From countless
riverside homes lights were turned on & off in salute