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Private J. D. Caves: The Long Journey Home

7 March 1942 B Coy 24th Bn N.Z.E.F. Middle East Forces

7 March 1942 B Coy 24th Bn N.Z.E.F. Middle East Forces

My Darling Jean,

We have both had another birthday and we are still apart. Mum's cake arrived just right and I celebrated my ¼ century with a few bottles of Canadian beer and an open-air picture.

The New Zealand troops had a picture theatre at the Maadi Camp. The makeshift building clad with ripped kit bags was called Shaftos after the proprietor. Unfortunately, the films that were shown were very old and in atrocious condition. One evening, when the film ended as usual in complete breakdown, the troops rioted and the theatre collapsed! An open-air amphitheatre type of cinema, named "al-Djem", was later built on "the Hill", the Administrative site which happened to be on a higher level than the rest of the camp.

We have done nothing interesting since last I wrote as dust storms interrupted some manoeuvres and gave us a day or two in our tents playing cards which is about the highlight of the week. We are a pretty mixed crowd in our tent and so have many interesting discussions. One chap was married before leaving home and the question of the right or wrong of it is often argued in his absence. The question is never decided to everyone's satisfaction.

I wonder how you feel about it now Sweetheart, whether you ever regret that we never linked our lives more finally. For myself, Jean, I am still sure we were right not to marry especially now that the war is dragging out so long. I don't think we can be home before late Spring 1943. We spend lots of time trying to reckon out our probable movements and when we'll see N.Z. again and my bet for our return is Oct 1943. However by that time we will have been separated well over two years and been through many harsh experiences which will change us a lot. You will be a grown woman when I return and I much older than my age. It is better that we will still be single for a while to get acquainted with our new character and maybe changed thoughts and desires.

Just because it is my duty to say so I'm going to write that which I hope you'll read calmly and not feel hurt about Sweetheart. I trust your love for me and mine for you will not change, but love after all is beyond control and if your fancy were to wander Dear, as time goes on, please know that I would not have you force yourself to cling to me and our engagement. I would not do anything insane Sweetheart. It would just be one more smack from the war and far better to be told about it over here than when the world is sane again. Please don't think I love you less. I love you more and think and dream of you more than ever.