Interview with Mary Comer and stills. Nola Bridges letters. (When the war came to Australia)

Mary Cromer had promised to marry her fiance before he went overseas. They had five days together before his posting in December 1941. Mary's wedding dress was important. Material for this type of occasion was scarce, so her dress was lent at least five times. Not all weddings were completely bridal because of shortages. There were many weddings during the war because it was a cheerful social occasion. Once married, many wives wanted children so that they could have something while their husbands were away. To keep busy Mary worked in Loneregan's store. Evenings were spent either learning first aid, home nursing, practicing air raid drills and aeroplane spotting. These activities helped to ease worries. Any letters she received from her husband were censored. When Pearl Harbour was bombed many children were sent to country areas and there was also fear that should the Japanese invade Australia, young girls and women would be raped. Mary mentions some of the effects of the war on the returned soldiers. She knew that her husband could talk about his experiences with his mates, but not at home.