"What Does P Stand
p. 13 · Read in the full issue
For?"
HE’D had three years in New Guinea and the city had changed.
All his old haunts had the “House Full” sign out, and he was on the point of making a reconnaissance of the park for a night’s lodging, when he accidentally joined forces with three other uniformed bed-seekers. Their united searchings brought them to a Servicemen’s lodging conducted by the good ladies of the town.
He lined up and awaited his turn “Regimental number?” asked the iady.
“PX567,” said New Guinea.
“VX567?” queried the lady.
“No, P—P for Peter!”
“Ah, yes, P.”
He retreated and waited for his mates to book-in.
Nearby, a lounger, overhearing his troubles in booking, accosted the lady— “ Say, what’s P for?” he said.
“I don’t know,” he was told.
The lounger shifted his chewing gum sideways and opined:— “Not a soldier, I guess. Must be some thing to do with the CCC!”
Dispirited and fed-up, “PX” followed the file into the dormitory, wondering why he’d ever come on leave, and wish ing to goodness he was back at battle station—a place the lounger would never see, where “PX’s” worked and fought with everyone else, and had no associa tion with “anchor and banjo” concerns.