Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

(Letter written possibly 25 September 1941. Enlisted 24 June 1940. Killed in action 11 February 1942. Aged 39. Buried Kranji War Cemetery, Singapore. Original letter to be donated to the Australian War Memorial.)

QX9785
Pte S Blannin
H Q Co Somewhere in
2/26 Btn Malaya
Malaya
AIF

Dear Charlie,

We have settled down in our new “home” by now, so I’ll give you a brief outline of things about the journey. On arriving back in Bathurst, the weather was the coldest it had been, and remained so until our departure in 4 days time. The time soon slithered by, as everyone was on tenterhooks, and rearing to go.

Our embarkation place was reached, the ship boarded and the journey commenced with no knowledge where we were going, but no one cared because the day we had been irritably waiting for had come to pass.

For the first few days, everything on the ship was new to us with the boys brushing up on their nautical terms, given sea sickness was a novelty, at first anyway, but by a few days, the boys got their ‘sea legs’ and the cases of sea sickness were very few. At first we did not know our way round the ship, but the difficulty was soon overcome. A routine was made out for us, remembering things considerably. The canteens aboard the boat were well patronised, and had a good range of articles to choose from. The leisure hours were either plenty on deck, writing, playing cards or reading. The time was just like being in camp. At times, whales and squadrons of flying fish were sighted, adding to the splendour of the ocean. It is marvellous pace for the fish to “fly”. A paper was published on the ship, being tributes at our tables at the evening meal. The paper contained the news and happenings, and misadventures of the boofs which were very amusing at times. At one stage of the voyage, we had the opportunity of stretching our legs on land. Full opportunity being taken of this treat.

The chief problem was our destination which was not solved until it was practically reached. What a sight when we finally berthed at Malaya. The usual military attendants being there, and a few people clad in a different style of clothing, altogether much different to what we had been used to seeing. Radio and picture men were there too so you may have heard our arrival on the wireless, or saw it at the pictures in the news reels.

In due course our new home, for how long, no one knows, was reached and we set about settling down. We were in tents once more, the first time since leaving Grovely. I like them better than huts myself.

Extra clothing of light texture was issued to us including a light khaki uniform, nicknamed a “Choko” suit being somewhat similar to a militia uniform. We also have beds, sheets, pillows and nets, so homestyle, we think we must be dreaming. The scenery is very picturesque.

Not far from the camp is a village of which there are many throughout the country, where we go some nights to pass away the time, and what a sight they look with rows of dilapidated shops, bazaars as they are called, being run by either Chinese or Hindus. At these bazaars can be purchased almost any article one is likely to need. There are lovely silken garments, picturesque shawls, jewelry, watches, toilet requisites, etc, etc. The population consists mainly of Muhammadans, Malaysians (which closely seem like Chinese) and lastly, Chinese which have the majority. Little China being well represented. Sandals are mostly worn instead of shoes. Some of the shops have a pungent odour, but one soon gets used to this. The few restaurants aren’t bad, the tucker fair but light on. The language is the worst problem. After much arguing and carrying on we manage to come to some sort of an agreement. One has to bargain for anything he buys and if not careful, will pay through the neck for an article.

Our currency has also changed in value as well as in name, dealing in dollars and bahts now instead of the Pound, Shillings and Pence. The values being different to the American coinage of the same names. I had a note, a silver coin resembling a threepence, a few coins like a halfpenny only square with rounded corners in my hand the other day. The value of the lot being about a Pound. Things are more expensive than Australia, according to our pockets anyhow. Some Australia products can be purchased. Our beef for example is all old chilled stuff.

The climate resembles Queensland considerably, but a shade hotter I think. It rains plenty, but strange to say, no one takes much notice of it. Rain at any time is generally disliked. However I don’t think it’s any wetter than the coastal rain.

Shorts and shirts are in vogue once more, backs are getting browned, as well as legs, what a contrast to Bathurst. We have good showers, averaging three baths a day. The water is very good and soft being a great asset.

Instead of seeing Iron Bark or Gum trees, in their place rubber and coconut trees, and others we know nothing about as yet.

Our washing is done free of charge by black boys or Dhobis as they are skilled. Some of us still are independent and do our own, but I suppose the novelty will soon wear off. Sewing can be done by taking it to one of the village tailors who do it very cheap. This is a great asset, especially with new clothes being issued to us.

Well this just about brings everything up to scratch. The date being around the 25th and it is time to go on parade. Our 2 hour siesta we have at dinner time being nearly over, I will close down. I’m in the best of health at present and having a good time. Hoping this finds you all in the same way at home. Love and best wishes etc.

From Stanley.

P.s. Give my love to Maisie & Billy & Eadie. Hoping you are all well.

Stan