There’s a guy here who also married an Aussie gal and she’s signed up for one of those ships going back to the US. He told me there’s this thing called the War Brides Act—have you heard of it? Pretty much it means you don’t need a visa or to go through immigration to move to the US, and Uncle Sam will transport you over there free of charge. Wow—was I excited when I heard about this! Because if I do finish up after this deployment, they send me straight back to the US. And this way we wouldn’t have to pay to get us both over there. He said you’ve only got to get on the list over at the US consulate, taking the letters we got and the marriage certificate and things. What do you think, sweetheart? I know that you don’t want to leave your family now, but you wouldn’t have to. It takes them a long time to find all the wives space on the boats. They told this guy’s wife it might be a year or more before she gets a ship over.

I know it sounds sort of far-fetched, but it’s given me so much hope to think of both of us being done with this mess and together.

Love & lots more,

R

Dear R,

Funny, I’d read about The War Brides Act in the newspaper but I hadn’t realised what it meant for us. I have to tell you the truth, darling, I was upset to read that you wouldn’t be coming back here to get me—in my daydreams you’re stepping off that boat into my arms on Australian soil, not the other way around. But I’ll do whatever it takes to be with you, so I’ve already gone down to the consulate and filled out their forms and put my name on the list. I haven’t told Mum and Dad yet, but I will.

You were right, the lady said it could take ages because the ships are mostly being used for wartime purposes, so I’m glad my name is down. She was very nice, she also told me about the Wives and Fiancées of US Servicemen’s Club—so I’ll go along to their next meeting and maybe get a little more information from other girls who are in the same position. Or maybe they’ll just be friends to have when I’m over there. I can’t quite imagine what life there will be like, but that’s not to say I’m not excited. I know it will be just fine as long as I have you.

Yours,

S

Dear S,