Summary

Note: This object includes derogatory slurs and references to particular cultural groups. Such depictions are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.

Letter written on Japanese tissue paper to Flight Lieutenant Conning by Corporal A. Jenkins, from Borneo, Balikpapan. World War II. Five pages in total.

The letter begins: 'Dear Graham, Well, he said, so the conquering hero has returned! Welcome back to Aussie old son. I've instructed honourable spouse to do the honours for me, but I suspect that she has designs of her own, so mind the lipstick. I'm assuming that as I now write you'll be on your way, as my latest information is that you hoped to be leaving England shortly. This is my excuse for not having written there. Let's hope anyway that it arrives Home in time to greet you. ...'

Corporal Wilfred Alan (known as Alan) Jenkins enlisted on 27 July 1942 the age of 26 - service # VX87577. He served in the 10th Australian Field Ambulance. He was discharged on 10 January 1946.

Flight Lieutenant Graham Stewart Conning enlisted in Melbourne on 30 January 1942 at the age of 23 - service # 410455. He was discharged on 15 October 1945 at the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

Description of Content

A LETTER WRITTEN ON JAPANESE PAPER TO FLT LT CONNING BY CPL A.JENKINS FROM BORNEO, BALIKPAPAN. WORLD WAR II.

Physical Description

Letter hand-written in ink on tissue paper, ruled with red lines. Bold red border with Asian characters at lower left underneath.

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