Harry came up to see me this afternoon and we had a large afternoon snack of tinned fruits, cream and cakes. For tea we had a tin of oysters and a tin of spaghetti and are even now contemplating our supplies with supper in view. I'm afraid our stomach plays a large part in our pleasures these days when so few of our usual desires are available. We will be glad to have pictures and music and clean clothes and surroundings again. When I was on leave I was always doing myself up - this life makes a chap more finicky than ever when he has the opportunity.

There is little news at present, but soon my letters may be more interesting again as when Choatie and I get together we seem to be able to write great letters after having reached page 34the right degree of sentimentality with the aid of a little Aussie refreshment. Lately however I have been thinking of you too much unaided, too much for my peace of mind. I'd love to see a good old NZ Herald these days to see just how things are really going out there. We here at least have the consolation that nothing in the future that we may have to face can be worse than previous experiences but we would hate to think of danger to N.Z. and our loved ones. That's where our lot is easier than that of the Tommies.

Denis sent this photo to Jean after returning to Maadi in December 1941.