Mama, I sent you a letter, I wanted you to know I’m ok ,

They shaved my head Mum, and gave me my uniform and boots.

I have made some friends Mum, they are going on tour with me.,

But of course we have to do our training for three months, we learn how to salute, March,

And use a gun I mean a rifle. Although I am scared, I mean not really scared,

But just wondering what it will be like.

The food isn’t too bad, but the sergeant the corporals, shout at you for anything.

But apart from that it’s going ok.

Mum I haven’t sent this yet, but thought I would add a few more things.

Do you remember my mate big Jim, from Sunday School, well he’ s in a different unit than me,

But its cool isn’t it having someone you really know.

I got the best for shooting yesterday, spot on I was!

Just as well really ,we’re being flown out tomorrow, to acclimatise us, to jungle heat and stuff!

Because apparently, it is very humid over there! So we will be in an Aussie Jungle, called

Kanungra! Fancy that Mum, gonna be a real soldier like Pop! How is Pop by the way?

Is he going ok?

Well after Kanungra, we will be off to NuiDat in Vietnam.

I love you Mum write back,when you have moment, look after Pop and Dad give them my love.

Will write to you again after I get there ok?

Love and hugs from your son Jimmy.

Dear Mrs White,

With regret I have to write this letter to you.

Your son,Lance Corporal, Jim White, was killed by enemy fire, yesterday August 18,1966.

You may be sure, your son died with honours, and as one of our Service men, he died bravely.

We found this letter that was presumably written before he went out to the area Long Tan,

So we felt as it was meant to be sent by him, before, we would honour his commitment to his family.

We the ADF serving in Vietnam, for our Country Australia, send you are most sincere

Condolences.

Signed…..