I am part of the way home and out of Germany. Yesterday we flew from Landshut in Bavaria to the Belgian Capital [Brussels]. Received pay in Francs and English money. After chance of carrying on to England last night was gone we got around a bit. I ran into Lee Hill movie chap. He took a dozen of us around town for newsreel purposes so you may see my photo in papers and screen, admiring sights here [Movie Tone News May 1945]. We have been treated very well by all since recapture. Last night allowed the run of the town. Stayed sober however. It is quite a nice town and still decked out with flags of Allied nations. Today is fine and hot and we are awaiting arrival of planes to go on to England, all hoping no hitch in proceedings. Have been told we billet in Margate. Refit medical and dental exam, and start on a 28-day leave probably after 2 or 3 days. It will certainly be great reading your letters again Darling. It is ages since we have had any mail. Your last letter was an August one so you may even have tossed me by now.

The new army around here make us feel real old-timers. The songs they sing and even their slang make us feel almost strangers while the German words slipping into our conversation no doubt annoys them. Realisation of freedom is gradually dawning on me. Sometimes it takes a jump and one almost breaks down and weeps like a kid. Just some little thing will do it, like hearing Big Ben on radio or looking around for the postern and no Germans around. It would be too bad to have girls around dishing out sympathy yet - one whiff of scent, a tender word and a smile and I'd be gone, however if there are bags of loving letters they may hold me do you think? Gee, but Honey, I guess I love you more than ever so I'll not tease you.

Certified disinfested embarkation card required to depart Brussels for England.

Five years have been a hell of a wait but we sure look like coming good Darling. The prospect must be bright when an ex P.O.W. gets optimistic. Our faith in luck coming our way was at a very low ebb. You will probably know more of the possible date of our return to NZ at present than I do but after the month's leave to see around I hope its home and don't spare the horses. Home my God! Have I really got one! Coming out of the land of chaos one wonders that any of the old days is left. The last month or two were not war - it was bloody hell - Germans or no Germans, it was wholesale murder.

Well Darling Girl, take care of yourself a little longer and I'll be with you for good ("better or worse" perhaps I should say) if you still want me. We'll whoop it up Old Girl and high wide and handsome.