The following photos or postcards are the first we have following Dad’s departure from Aus. Four of them were obviously purchased there, and it’s amazing how much info Dad managed to squeeze on the back in his handwriting.
It must have been quite an eye opener for people like Dad who had come from a remote rural area, and never left Australia or had any great experience with other cultures.
Postcard 1 : An Arab
This first one is a snap taken by either Dad or one of the crew, and the back reads as follows:
“This is a snap of one many Arabs over here. They look a ferocious lot, but their bark is worse than their bite. The Digger you see in the background is making his way up to buy a present at the shop, or going to have a feed ect. Love From Hartley.”
Postcard 2: The Dead Sea
the back reads, “To Mary & Margaret. Love from Hartley & Daddy. 31-12-1941. VX38428 Mann H.E. 7th Aust Lt A/A Bty.”
Postcard 3 : Jerusalem YMCA
The back reads, “We were up to the top of this tower Darling, & as you see, one gets a perfect view from their (sic). December 21st 1941.”
Postcard 4 : Bethlehem Church of Nativity, The Manger
The back reads, “This is a lovely place Dear, and very interesting. December 21st 1941.”
Postcard 5 : The Seven Sisters
The back reads, “How do you like this one, Sweetheart. As you see, the roads are first class & they need to be, don’t you think? December 21st 1941.”
