Bath, Dorothy Mary “Topsy” (Civilian, b.1919 - d.2013)

Collection relating to the Second World War experiences of Miss Dorothy Mary “Topsy” Bath, Gympie, Queensland, Australia, 1940-1945.

Collection consists of 39 items including letters, telegraphs, and cards. These items were sent to Topsy or members of her family by friends in the Australian Defence Forces during the Second World War.

Wallet One consists of 19 items dated between 1940 and 1941. It includes two letters from VX17560 Andrew Knight, who tells Topsy about his embarkation and service in Palestine, sightseeing in Jerusalem, and camp life. It also includes one letter from 22161 Elvan Francis Leslie “Lex” White, who wrote about mechanic training in Melbourne, and a 1940 Christmas card from NX5212 Jack Delph. The remaining 15 items were written to Topsy by her sweetheart, QX5741 Archibald Peter Sargeant. In his letters to Topsy, Peter wrote about completing his training, leave, arrangements to visit, embarkation, life on board the ship, and serving in Cyprus.

Wallet Two consists of 20 items dated between 1942 and 1945. It includes one letter from the mother of Topsy’s friend, VX17560 Andrew Knight, who gave her instructions on writing to her son, who was a prisoner of war. It also includes Topsy’s subsequent letter to Andrew. Seven letters were written to Topsy by her sweetheart, QX5741 Archibald Peter Sargeant. In his letters, Peter wrote about his activities on his days off, training, sleeping with insects and scorpions, and being in hospital due to a severe fever. Peter wrote an additional letter to Topsy’s parents, asking for their blessing to become engaged to her. This wallet also contains four letters and one Christmas card to Topsy and her family from NX76229 Roland Oswald Dyson “Rod” Rudder, one letter from NX78748 Harry Austen Cooper, one letter from QX26768 William Mcdonald, and one letter from her cousin, QX55724 Philip William Bath. In his letter to Topsy, Philip refers to the “shabby treatment” that Topsy experienced when Peter married another woman, as well as details of his service in New Guinea. Additionally, this wallet contains two Christmas cards to Topsy and her family by unknown writers.