Back to Aussie again [sketchbook containing 12 pages of humorous sketches relating to army life]

Sketchbook of 12 pages relating to the service of Sgt Arthur Joseph Wilesmith (QX7653) 2/2 Machine Gun Battalion. Humorous incidents diary recorded in an Army training camp in Australia on return from the Middel East.

Inscribed inside back cover ' Everyday in our new camp since arriving back has given me an original and funny incident to add to my "Humorous Incidents Diary" . All the boys want me to send then to Smith's or Bulletin Dad but you might like to see them, then you can handle it if you care to love Arthur'. A note on the verso of the last interleaving sheet seems to indicate that the Wilesmith would have liked to work on a publication of his drawings ' I could sell off books and books of these types of things. I would like to keep a record of them all and finish publishing a booklet of my own. Ivory paper being scare unfortunately I've had to resort to this cartridge paper but [illeg.] someday if I ever get leave I may be able to lay in stock.'

There is also an inscription on a piece of paper adhered to the inside back cover. It is from the artist's father B . Wilesmith. He sent the sketchbook to his son and an accompanying letter with stamps for return postage.

• Scene of operations W.C.C.
• O.C.: Retreat! preposterous sir, not me
• untitled [How far to camp now sir?...]
• No offence meant
• Jungle training river crossing
• Jungle training 2
• untitled [Ar! Now I've caught you!...]
• Untitled [What's he got that I aint got?]
• untitled [These smokeless days...]
• Wassa matter Doug?
• Aussie rules...
• Hi boot it Spanner