In Camp With Papua's

A.I.F. Men

“Private PX 000”, a member of the Papuan Contingent of the A.I.F. which arrived in Brisbane in June, sends a note from the camp where the men are now undergoing training :— WE landed on a Sunday morning at Pinkenbar and immediately were taken by Army trucks to the depot at Fraser’s Paddock. Here we were issued with ‘giggle-suits’ (working suits) and uniforms. The rest of the day was left free. Queensland’s climate seemed a little chilly to us but it could not chill our spirits, and with a day free . . . well, we’ll draw a veil over that!

“Next day we underwent X-ray and other medical tests, one man being de clared unfit. Then we began to learn how Australia’s army does its bit. So far, we have got on very well—except for those cursed potato fatigues. One of our bright young fellows remarked that he could not see why potatoes should not be cooked in their ‘giggle-suits’. It met with general approval—except the approval of the general!

“Out of our party of 18, two men were selected to attend an Officers’ Training School. One now has his first stripe, and the other gets two stripes in a few days.

“Our health has been reasonably good —though malaria has troubled one or two of the lads, but not virulent enough to lay them up.

“Perhaps the most disappointing thing so far is that the men have been allo cated to different units —anti-tank, machine-gun, supply column, ambulance convoy, ordnance, etc. Just the same, the Papuan mob get together at times and really enjoy themselves. The main thing, pf course, is that all are keen on their jobs and seem to be adapting themselves readily to Army life. After going through all the odd jobs we do, we certainly will appreciate our native servants a bit more when we return to the Territory!”