Category Archives: The Army

Too slow for the convoy, with the war on our doorstep: travelling home on the SS Pundit

        Photos: Dick Lewis                                   Rough weather in the Bight TX 1004 Max Hickman 2/33rd Battalion AIF 4th April 1942 Dear … Continue reading

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Once again we write, hoping…

              From Mrs H Hickman Pottery Rd  Lenah Valley Hobart Tasmania 17th March 1942 Darling Boy.  We received a letter from you this morning dated 27th December 1941, in which you describe your leave … Continue reading

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The weekly bulletin…such as it is

                    From H Hickman Pottery Rd  Lenah Valley Hobart Tasmania Sunday March 1st 42 Dear Max I have just come home from the hospital.  Your mother is doing remarkably well.  She … Continue reading

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The writing rhythm continues, regardless….part 1(3 letters, February)

These letters and those written in March were waiting for Dad when he arrived back in Australia in April 1942.  The envelopes were addressed as usual, with the final line – AIF Abroad.               … Continue reading

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Last letter from the Middle East…and the start of Operation Stepsister

This is a letter to Mr and Mrs Laird whose family were very welcoming to Dad and his mate Graeme Watts on New Year’s Eve and subsequent days in January 1941.  I assume Dad asked them to send it to … Continue reading

Posted in Carrier platoon, Food and Drink, gambling and drinking, leave, Letters to/ from others, Middle East | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What are we doing still here?

              TX1004 Max Hickman 2/33rd Battalion AIF Abroad 26th Jan 42 Dear Mother & Dad Just a few lines hoping to find you fit and well as I am at present.  I didn’t write … Continue reading

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A good thing for the war effort, that there’s a Labor government in Canberra.

              TX1004 Max Hickman 2/33rd Battalion AIF Abroad 17th Jan 1942     Dear Mother & Dad In spite of the Japs and everything else the postal authorities continue to do a hell of … Continue reading

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A camel caravan in the snow

              TX1004 Max Hickman 2/33rd Battalion AIF Abroad 5th January 1942 Dear Mother & Dad We’re into another year.  I wonder what it holds.  The passing of the old and the beginning of the … Continue reading

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Two letters: a glorious seven days’ leave in the Holy Land

    23rd Dec 1941 TX 1004 Max Hickman 2/33rd Battn AIF Abroad Dear Mother & Dad Just a few quick lines hoping to find you fit and happy.  I’m writing from the Australian Comfort Fund rooms in Tel-Aviv, being … Continue reading

Posted in Food and Drink, Geography and Culture, leave, Middle East, parcels, pay and conditions, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Governor should…appoint a cabinet of responsible men

              TX 1004 Max Hickman 2/33rd Battalion AIF Abroad 8th Dec 1941 Dear Mother & Dad Very agreeably surprised to receive my mail this morning.  Two days earlier than usual – unfortunately news of … Continue reading

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