This piece was written in response to Carrot Ranch’s 99 word challenge on the theme of distance dating. Today is Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand, a tradition that started after 11,000 Australians and New Zealanders were needlessly slaughtered at Gallipoli in Turkey, allegedly to defend the British Empire.
Dear Flo
I’m writing this from the ship that’s taking us to some beach. The brass say it should be a walk in the park and that Johnny Turk will turn tail at the first sign of gunfire.
Every day I think about when we went to the beach with our picnic and the cordial bottle leaked and soaked all through our sandwiches. We laughed all the way home and that was the day I knew I wanted to be with you forever.
I’ll be home soon, so start thinking about our wedding.
Love and kisses
Bert
Six Crooked Highways 
This is romantic and sweet, Doug.
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Thanks, Robbie.
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To paraphrase the words of John Lennon ‘Waves of sorrow.’
Beach Party.
‘Didn’t go as us boys back at HQ planned,
Blasted troops, lounging in the sand!,
Most at ease, bobbing in the water!’
Sacrificial lambs to the slaughter.
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Indeed.
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A poignant remembrance. I am glad that at least the letter bridged the distance, that Flo knew he loved her. Well done, Doug.
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Many thanks, D.
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At a distance, Bert could share the closeness he felt for Flo. I know of this battle as it is one the Hub has read up on and we watched the Water Diviner together. Tragic. My thoughts are with you and all who lost their Berts that awful time.
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