Jim Carney (Australian Field Artillery) writes to Felix Edgar from Somewhere in France: ‘ Just a few lines to say I am still in the land of the living, and hope you are going good and strong. We have had a good time since I left Broome— three years ago tomorrow. I have seen all the best places in Egypt, France. England and Ireland. I was wounded once and gassed once, but can still give a power of cheek, and old Fritz has a long way to go before he gets me. Old McKellar is here and looking well, also Hartshorn, George Grainger (Lower Liveringa), Alec. Stewart, Con. O’Brien (of Court Hotel, Perth, ex-M.L.C. for Central Province), Jock White, Percy Chamberlain, Harry and Dug. Clarke (from Carnarvon), also Alec. Stewart (brother of Bill). The Nor-West is well represented and the old bushwackers more than hold their own (when there is any rum about). Claude Sherwood has gone home; he was with us for a long time and is dinkum old bloke. My word, this is some war, and it is just about half done. I would have not have missed it for anything, and I am going to see it out if it lasts ten years. Things have been a bit mixed this last three months. It’s a two-sided game this fighting. Poor old Bill Crossby was killed over here; he was a fine fellow. Archie, and Andy Campbell are here, also Bill Kyshen (all Derby ites). Ned Saul is here, a captain too; he is like the rabbits— likes underground. Remember me to all the old Kimberley people, and the Broomeites, Jim Cunningham is here, also Dave Donaldson (still going strong). Tommy Fitzpatrick had a leg blown off, and ‘Ginger’ Leonard was wounded. Harry Mau left us in February. If you know of a good cook send him along; good wages to a good man, and find his own apron. Ronald Whyte is here and is our cook. Alec. Stewart says, ‘ You long cow, why don’t you go out and get a ‘killer?” Archie Ross has gone home, also Scotland. Show this letter to old Barker if you like. Jack Kendrick’s son is here with us, and is a bonza lad.’ Letter from Jim Carney, published in the North West Echo 14th September 1918