29 DECEMBER 1942

1942 – DECEMBER 29

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

29 Dec, 1942.

Dear Bet,

Just a line, hoping you are well.

Thanks for the photos which are very nice.

We had a good Xmas & I am still in bed though there is very little wrong with me.

I am enclosing a little booklet which some of the local ladies distributed on Christmas morn.

Last night we heard George Edwards & Inspect. Scott over the radio. I had not heard them since civie life. It was peculiar.

I do hope Mum is back now & everything is O.K. again.

Bob went out yesterday to a Convalescent Camp.

Now, Bet, Cheerio & be a good girl.

Lots of Love,

Bruce.

CHRISTMAS DAY 1942

1942 – CHRISTMAS DAY

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

Xmas Day, ’42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

A wonderful day & the ward is nicely decorated & more important, I think we are going to be allowed a full dinner instead of a fat-free.

I am doing fine & this looks like being a pleasant spell. I believe there is some mail parcels in but it has not been sent down yet.

The VA was around with a branch of gum tree this morning to give the boys a sniff. I’ve popped a leaf in. Have you the Rosemary from Jerusalem which I sent last year. The sisters & V.A.s are grand , no doubt.

The Red Cross just handed out a neat little parcel & yesterday the unit gave us each 500 mils. I was quite overcome.

There are chaps from all units & the Air Force here. One of Bill McCarthy’s men is here & says Bill is O.K. most of the wounded have gone from this ward & I do not feel so much a bludger with only sick men beside me.

A little girl, apparently English, came through this morning handing out the Red Cross parcels. It was nice to see a healthy little kid after so long. The bands are playing & the boys must be off to church parade, another good thing about being here.

And now, here I am , sitting here like a big gig, with a fancy hat. Some of the crowd look funny, hard-faced blighters done up like big babies.

My kit-bag hasn’t been delivered yet but it does not matter very much in here.

Well, I hope you had a Happy Xmas like we are having here. Don’t worry & keep smiling.

Love to you both & to Vera, Bet & Margaret. Let’s hope next time will be altogether.

Cheerio,

Bruce.

Boxing Day. Well, I had Xmas dinner & it was great going down but like most of the others I had slight regrets last night. However the sisters & V.A.s did everything to make things happy & the Doc helped to serve out the Port.

All I want is some mail & it might be here to-day.

So-long,

B.

CENSORED BY BLACKBURN.

22 DECEMBER 1942

1942 – DECEMBER 22

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

22 Dec. 42.

Dear Dad & Mum,

I think practically all your letters have arrived up till 8 Nov. which is very nice. I hope everything is right again by now.

Just now, I am in bed with jaundice on the 6^th A.G.H. so its Xmas in hospital but that should not be hard to take. I am on a fat free diet but the lack of butter is about the only real hardship from that. I came in yesterday & am a couple of wards from Bob.

………. Is very pleasant after Egypt & the weather is good so far, growing cooler.

So far , no parcels have arrived but we are hoping.

Here I have met some of the boys who were wounded & they are nearly all picking up. It is good to see them so but sad to see some of the others.

I shall write at Xmas . I hope all are well & don’t worry. I am just having a spell.

Cheerio & Lots of Love,

Bruce.

Location censored.

12 DECEMBER 1942

1942 – DECEMBER 12

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

12 Dec, 1942.

Dear Dad & Mum,

Quite a while since I have written but you know how things are. There is little to tell. I am hoping for leave with a cobber & will enjoy it I know.

I have been to the pictures the last three nights. Quite a change & very enjoyable after so long without. Old Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were popular.

The weather is very pleasant just now. Some rains & not too cold yet. At last I have a new overcoat & a better fit than the old one which you know draped all over me.

I must be getting fatter as my uniform is very tight now, much more so than it was in Syria.

There are some bonzer oranges around here. Everyone goes for them.

I told you that Mr. Adam now has three “ pips” & also “Tubby” Knott, the short , fat chap. There are many new Sgts in the show also.

We read the news eagerly & New Guinea seems to be coming our way. The boys must have a hard task there. The bombers are giving Italy a terrible pounding. Perhaps they will crack soon & save a lot of trouble.

I saw Ron Hanley the other day driving a truck. Quite a coincidence as I was in the back of one looking out & then I saw him. We may be able to get together.

Arthur Hillier & I went across & saw Gordon Craig & had an hour or so there. He seemed quite hale & hearty but a bit fine, though he was always inclined that way.

No sign of Bill McCarthy so far but I guess he’s about somewhere.

You would like Lt. Banks, my present boss. He is a real solider, ex Permanent Army & puts us all to shame on the parade ground & he is a lad. Treats us famously. He hails from Victoria and Tasmania.
Well, I hope to be bale to tell you more next time so until then,

Cheerio & Lots of love,

I do hope you are both well and happy & everyone else. I am in tip-top condition or will be after a few games of football which I daresay will make a difference,

Love, Bruce.
Saw Bob just now, still in hosp. I hope to go down next Sunday.

LiveJournal Tags: BILL MCCARTHY,BOB LATIMER,WW1,2ND AIF,NEW GUINEA,ITALY,ARTHUR HILLIER,GORDON CRAIG,LT BANKS

5 NOVEMBER 1942

1942 – NOVEMBER 5

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

5 Nov 42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

A little mail came up to us yesterday & your latest letter was that written on 27 Sep. Several of Bet’s also came & all were very welcome.

I am quite satisfied now with regard to seeing action & so on even though I have, so far, had an exceedingly good spin.

Things seem to have been all our way & it is wonderful to see the Air Force at work.

Just now, we have quite a deal of tinned stuff left by the Ities & Jerries . Mainly South African & British goods. However some blokes have bottles of rum but I would not touch those.

Perhaps you knew that Lt. Dave Hart was killed in the first action. Several others also but I do not think you know any of them.

I did not know till last week that Bob was in hospital. He is not back with us yet but may be at the Training Bn.

You should see our fighters go for his Stukas, even though our A/A is bursting all around, they go right in & make a dickens of a mess of Jerry.

Gen. Morshead was around just before the stoush started and had quite a chat with our Pln. Told the boys what was going on.

I am looking forward to a wash within the next few months, Must be nice & as for a haircut, I’ve given up hope. Sometimes the cooks get a really good meal to the lads but this eating in the dark & with accompaniment is not so hot.

Bill & Gordon must be somewhere handy but so far I have not located them.

I think it may be a good idea to put some money into some Loan, please yourself.

There may be parcels in to-night & will we have a spread if they come. Its all in together here in everything.

You will have the good news about the Desert by the time this arrives. I hope it is much better shortly.

I have written regularly up to 3 weeks ago so there must be a few letters lost. However I send a cable when the opportunity offers.

We are wondering if we will know any of the reinforcements when they arrive.

Betty should know only the 9th Div . is over here and we are with it.

I am not sure where Cpl. Kirkwood is, as you know, he has my old section & two of them were wounded but those were their only casualties.

Talking about beer prices going up, we’ll pay double if you can get some up here. We still get Aussie matches for 1d but S. African are 1 ½ d & we cannot get any Aussie chocolate which is a pity as a lot of us like it.

Fortunately the lads still get tobacco. I am still a non-smoker although I might take it on in desperation. I’d much rather chew Wrigleys but cannot get it.

The C.O. captured several Jerries in a staff car to-day, so I am told. He is a bit of a tiger at times & I see we have a nice new car in the unit, which , I suppose, is the one.

Well, I guess I had better close & hope you are well & happy. Don’t worry . Just wish me luck & keep smiling.

God bless you,

Love,

Bruce.

Love to Vera, Bet & Margaret & everyone.

Censored by Lt. Banks.

8 Nov 42. Sorry I have not posted this before but it will go to-day & a cable also.

I am having a nice rest now & have a good diungus to live in. it is very nice.

Some of Betty’s papers are here now & thanks to her. All the parcels have not yet been delivered so I’m hoping.

I saw Kirky from a distance yesterday. He was quite O.K.

The lads are enjoying themselves looking over enemy gear. I have quite a few finds as you can imagine. I have not bothered about anything. The only thing I would really like would be a pair of field glasses.

Well, for the present, cheerio.

I just saw a photo of 16^th brigade marching through Sydney, wouldn’t it?

Love,

Bruce.

By the way I was speaking to a chap who told me that his mother received an amount from the Army equal to what board he paid her before joining so I wonder if it would be worth investigation. We really might get something. Perhaps if you could inquire.

B.

---

Italians.

Chewing Gum.

18 OCTOBER 1942

1942 – OCTOBER 18

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

THINK CLEAN. TALK CLEAN. LIVE CLEAN. PLAY THE GAME
WRITE HOME FIRST.

NX27395
Sanders. B. Sgt.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.
Abroad.
18 Oct 42.

Dear Mum & Dad

Sunday & a day of rest in truth after two days of dustorm & rain which were very unpleasant. Clouds are still hovering about but most of us have, by various amazing means, managed to arrange some sort of shelter, but I had better not speak too soon as it is sprinkling again . There are a few ominous bulges around the edges of my dingus.

We had a grand surf after a march on the first windy day. Good shoots. It was fun.
I mentioned the pictures in Bet’s letter. You can guess how welcome they were to us. Such a change from early to bed.
We are expecting to see a few new faces soon. Maybe some of our cobbers from Aussie may be amongst them.

The “ Bulletin’s” accounts of the situation here seems to be very near to fact. We read several last week.

Our cook, who is excelling himself, has found a use for Army biscuits. He makes porridge from them & I go for it. It is just about the only way I can tackle them.

As I mentioned before, this job is a peculiar one . I sometimes wonder whether I profit or lose by the canteen, beer & so on. I am so glad I do not smoke. It saves a lot of trouble & money.
Teatime. It is very restful just now & I can catch the savour of a jam tart from the cookhouse. What more could one wish for ?

Our “ Digger’s Desert Daily” tells us that New Guinea is fairly quiet, at present but poor old Stalingrad is still taking it. What a glorious example of courage & determination!

The rise in pay is in our books now. I am really quite amazed at how much I actually receive. A very good screw but no matter how good it was, it still does not pay for the loss of learning an occupation. I am thankful I, at least, have a trade.

Well, I must draw to a close & hope you are well. I only wish I could send you a snap as I am getting quite fat. Such a change from when I arrived in the Desert.

Good night & Lots of love,

Bruce.

P.S. Love to Vera, Bet & Marg.

24 SEPTEMBER 1942

1942 – SEPTEMBER 24

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

24 Sep. 42.

Dear Clyde,

I see it is over a month since I have written, time does fly in some ways. However , nothing eventful has happened.

My old B. Coy C.S.M . has gone to O.C.T.U. which is excellent news. He has been a W.O.11 for two years & is very efficient & Brian Hughes , my ex Pln Sgt. Is now C.S.M.

At present , I am still at school but it will soon end. I hope we all do O.K. it is a good boost for the Bn. In amongst these Tobruk veterans.

I don’t believe I told you about the first & so far, only, Stuka Parade which I saw some weeks ago. Fourteen of them & they dropped their bombs half a mile away. It was interesting to watch from a distance.

Yesterday I purchased a pair of Desert Creepers, rubber-soled suede boots. They are comfy & are the thing for night work.

The latest mail we have had is that written in June. It’s a pretty slow service & I guess you know how the arrival of mails boosts the spirit of the boys, this once included. Let’s hope some comes shortly.

I don’t suppose you have had any bombs to delouse yet. I hope you never get any in Old Sydney anyway

We had a few bottles last night. The boys got on to a case of Canadian beer. Its guaranteed 9% alcohol. I think I shall be a teetotaller from now on. Still we had a good sing-song & that is the only break we have on the entertainment side.

There’s no more I can say just now, Clyde, except to express the hope that you are getting along O.K. & that Eileen & the children are well. Please give them my love.

Be good,

For the present,

Cheerio,

Bruce.

---

Company Sergeant Major.

Warrant Officer Class 2.

Platoon

13 SEPTEMBER 1942

1942 – SEPTEMBER 13

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

13 Sep.42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

Not much to tell but I am quite O.K. having just done my washing & am awaiting lunch which, we have been promised is going to be good. It is Sunday & the afternoon is free but I still have a lot to learn for the exam which will come.

The weather was quite cool for several days but is warm again now.

I cut my foot in the surf some days ago but it is just about O.K. now. Every scratch turns into a “ wog” sore here and they are far from pleasant. My face is clear now, for the first time since I hit the Desert.

Still , if one gets no worse than a “ wog” sore , one will be fortunate.

I have met some bonzer chaps from other Battns here and their reminiscences are interesting. Several of them have had months in hospital with wounds & most of them have done a lot of patrol work which seems to be the Australian’s specialty.

And what a variety of walks of life. Uni. students, schoolteachers, travellers, station managers, jackaroos & carpenters & now, all Sgts together.

I have anew officer now & he is a gentleman which is a grand thing. His name is Banks and we should be a happy platoon under him. My old boss Mr. Adams is now 2I/C of A. Coy & I believe he is a Capt. , a rank which he fully deserves.

I have not seen my old crew for several weeks now, but I know they have kept out of trouble so far.

The news which we are hearing of New Guinea is depressing. Let’s hope things sparkle up somewhat. It will be of interest to all to see what effect winter has on the show in Russia.

The sea presents a glorious sight at sunrise & sunset. Often I have read of the blue Med. It is a real blue although a deal treacherous & so I am not doing too much swimming just here.

---

Battalions.

Second in Command.

Captain.

Mediterranean Sea.

 

26 AUGUST 1942

1942 – AUGUST 26

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

26 Aug 42.

Your Aug 10 cable just arrived very nice to receive, B.

Dear Mum & Dad,

Another week has gone & so , being free for the afternoon, I am on my letters. I daresay you are as pleased to receive these as I am yours. & I hope the few cables I have sent arrived.

I think all yours to June 28^th have come & one from Clyde which I was glad to see.

So you know by now, Mr. Churchill was here not long ago & some chaps saw him. A veritable bulldog was their description.

At present I am in quite a whirl, studying the intricacies of machine gunnery. As you know, I , at no time had a mathematical mind & it is very handy on this job ( if I had one).

There are some bonzer figs around here & just ripening. I suppose you were round about these parts, Dad, last show & may remember the “country”. The white sand is tough on one’s eyes but at least the sea is handy just now & I am in every day.

I have not seen Kirky since your letter arrived so do not know what he’s up to.

Has any more news of Les Rose or Nev. Wood come to light. I have not heard of any of them over here, nor of Bert Douglas.

At present, I am with some chaps from Gordon’s unit but they do not know him, probably from another company.

There are some amazing tales told by those who were in the earlier shows here. One section was overrun by Jerry tanks & the corporal had his nose flattened by a set of tracks which made everyone wild & we are told they chased the tanks out with sticky bombs. One chap was quite crooked on himself because he left the pin in when he stuck it on the tank.

So far the parcel from the Chapter has not arrived. Everyone is minus a few parcels & letters.

The Germans have been dropping pamphlets again such as “ the Yanks are in Aussie. You are in the Desert. Why?” and “ Wouldn’t you like to be in Darwin instead of here?” the boys want to send some back to tell them we know jolly well the Yanks are in Sydney & also to ask him why he is here.

The last two days have been very hot & the nights are glorious moonlight. Quite decent weather.

Well, for this time, cheerio. I hope you are all well. Should be summer by the time this arrives.

Love to everyone & all those colds gone,

Lots of Love,

Bruce.

---

World War 1.

18 AUGUST 1942

1942 – AUGUST 18

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

18^th Aug. 42.

Dear Dad & Mum,

Your letter of 28^th June came last night & I was very pleased to receive it & to know you are well. Betty’s of the same day also came & one from Pam with a photo enclosed. It is very nice snap too.

Surely you have had some of my letters by now & a couple of cables which I have sent. Your birthday cables have not yet arrived, peculiar isn’t it?

We had an idea some of the chaps like Boyo had come back. Tough luck for them. I have not seen Gordon or Bill yet but they are somewhere about here , I think.

I am glad you have seen Mrs Kirkwood although as you see by my address I have been moved from most of my cobbers & Kirby now has my old section, poor boy! I may have an opportunity to slip over & see him but at present I am pretty well occupied looking after some Vickers chaps whilst they & I are being trained. Something interesting at this stage of the game even though I am jolly sorry to leave my pals.

I hope the bad leg has healed up O.K.

You might tell Betty not to write about milkshakes, at least not while I am here. I have ordered a bottle of cordial, costs 12 piastres & that’s 3/- but it should improve the water a little.

Betty might give my best wishes to Ken Brown if she sees him. I hope he is doing alright. As you no doubt know by now, I am in the Desert and how. I realised just what a desert it is as I crawled out of my “ slitty”this morning & watched it in the receding mist, the same view all around.

The boys have some unique ideas for shelters. I sleep in mine , just for safety’s sake. & it is only about 2’6” wide so ,by morning, I am practically buried in sand, but, as it is clean, it matters little, so long as the scorpions & lizards keep away. One of the boys caught a nice 3” scorpion in his bed last night. I knew by the utterances he made.

So far things have been fairly quiet for me, only a couple of air raids although there are plenty of ‘planes about & I cannot distinguish Jerry’s from ours too well. I am learning quite a few sounds which would, I suppose, be familiar to you , Dad & they are very startling at first but gradually become a matter of course.

There is , however, in my mind nothing like the whistle of a bomb & some amazing antics take place when it sounds & there is nothing so welcome as a hole in the ground.

I think you get more news of the developments in these battles than we, so I shall certainly not risk the censor’s displeasure by mentioning any events.

Gen. Morshead was at our spot the other day & seemed very businesslike, said little of importance. For once, when asked about the food, I felt obliged to say it was quite good & it is . makes a big difference.

We get a bottle of beer, sometimes twice a week. You can imagine how nice that is. I must admit I spend quite an amount on chocolates & tinned fruit, when the chance comes but I consider that well spent.

This ink is rather doubtful, just like nearly all “ wog “ products.

According to our daily news sheet, the war is on in earnest, practically everywhere. Let’s hope they make a job of it shortly.

Well, I think I had better write my other letter before that sun settles, as it soon will.

Goodnight & love to Vera, Betty & Margaret. Look after yourselves & Keep smiling. I am A.1. physically, so that’s a lot.

Bruce.

Two of Betty’s letters just came & one from Clyde plus some papers which will make good reading.

---

Slit Trench.

1 AUGUST 1942

1942 – AUGUST 1

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

1 Aug, 42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

I have gone over a week between letters but I am sure you will understand just how we are placed even though it is not dark till about 9 p.m., we have not much time these days by the time we have “ bathed” & eaten & cleaned the old gut.

I am quite well now after a touch of diarrhoea, which is far from pleasant . Unfortunately, I have another sore on my lip & so have to rid myself of it now.

The evenings are very pleasant after the wind has died down a little & the flies have gone to rest, I sleep lie a top, although I flew out this morning about 4 a.m. when I heard a few crashes not too far away. Sound carries a long way in the desert & so it may not have been as close as I imagined.

Some mail is gradually trickling in. two of yours of 4^th & 25^th May came to-day & I was very pleased to receive them. You mentioned sending a cable early in May. Well the letter came first. I have not received any cable from you yet. I believe I mentioned the arrival of two from Pam which were very nice to get.

Thanks to Bet for the snap of her & Joan. They both look very well. She is growing into a pretty girl. I was disappointed to hear that she had left the position. I do hope she has found a suitable one by now. It will be very important for her.

We sometimes fall to thinking what we will do after the army frees us but it is a long way to look ahead. Still, Dad, you may have some ideas or connections. At the rate we are going I am going to be rather old for tech. Still we shall see.

I saw Bob two days ago. He had been running around on some job but was O.K.

Canteen supplies are quiet good now. We get Aussie 3d chocolates for 41/2d & tins of Fruit Salad 1/9. The N.A.A.F.I. charge double the Aussie canteens on lots of articles.

We are very thankful for the Fund which we built up in the Coy for without the supplies it buys we would be very hungry. The issue is hardly sufficient to exist upon, in my opinion.

4^th Aug. here I am again , but little more to tell. I was greatly surprised a few days ago when a big bomber flew overhead about 400 feet up or less . Everyone thought it was a new type of R.A.F. plane until it banked & we saw the black cross on it.

Just as well it did nothing wrong. We didn’t know the difference.

Well, for the time being, cheerio & love to everyone,

Lots of love,

Bruce.

---

Royal Air Force.

20 JULY 1942

1942 – JULY 20

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

20 July,42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

There is very little to say. You should know by my last letter that I am in Egypt now & still having a quiet time. I’ve had a tummy-ache for a couple of days & am having a rest, such as the flies permit.

Fortunately the heat is not too great here although the wind sends the dust flying. Red & I have a cosy little humpy of spare canvas and poles & other odds & ends.

We had our share of the odd bully & biscuits for quite a while & everyone was pleased to see some spuds & other changes.

There is a shortage of small change also & I am becoming a sort of a section bank, carrying about L10 Aust. All the time. I should hate to lose it.

I did some washing yesterday, the first for over a week, in four mugsfull of water. Quite a good job too thanks to Kitchen’s Velvet Soap. Anyhow I’ve given up undies for a while & the only time I use a shirt is to keep the flies off.

All the lads are slimming . I have to know my trousers to hold them up now, I suppose that is what the Army calls fighting fit.

We’ve a lot to learn about aeroplanes yet but our education is progressing daily. I can not distinguish ours from Jerry’s but have decided that the old hands know.

The other day we were gaping at half a dozen, fooling about in the sky & then the Tommies drifted off to their trenches. We didn’t bother until we saw a stick of bombs fall from one chap about 600 yards away. So, now, when the Toms go to ground, we follow.

Well, I am a little bit late but Happy Birthday to Bet & the enclosed is for her if it gets through.

Cheerio & Love to everyone,

Lots of love,

Bruce.

---

German.

Technorati Tags: EGYPT,WORLD WAR 2,TOMMIES,AUSTRALIAN ARMY,2/3 PIONEER BATTALION

8 JULY 1942

1942 – JULY 8

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

8 July,42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

Some mail came to-day after a very long spell & at such an opportune time. March 29^th & April 14, 20 & 26^th were the letters. Two cables from Pam & one from Auntie & a couple of letters from May . We are hoping for some parcels. They would come in nicely.

I am quite well & should be as I was one of the lucky ones who had Beirut leave. I was with Ivan Willis most of the time & we had a very happy time, quiet, but it was a grand rest.

Fancy Boyo in Burma, not so fortunate as the majority eh? I think Gordon & Bill are near me now . May see them yet. I saw some of Bill’s cobbers yesterday. I have not seen Bob for some weeks.

We are all pleased to hear the optimistic note re. The Japs. Quite a relief & let’s us settle down to finish the job here.

I hope Betty is doing well at her work. Her letters sound very enthusiastic & determined. I shall answer them at first opportunity.

I hope Clyde fared well at the school. He should be quite at home on any Engineering problems judging by those I have encountered.

Thank Vera for her note, also. I shall try & drop her a line soon.

I don’t think you’ll need that window protection now. I hope not.

I nearly forgot my birthday which I celebrated in Beirut. Nothing unusual. I think we went to Jim Davidson’s show in the Grand Theatre. “ All in Fun.” Not bad & free to us.

The American University is a swell turn-out & the Y.M.C.A. have all facilities there for the boys on leave. Good meals, pleasant grounds, rooms and, usually, concerts.

We saw the Kiwis Concert party there & it was an excellent show. Most of these shows are free & on the whole leave I only spent about L70 Syrian which is about L10 Aus. & out of that I bought torches & photos & other odds & ends.

The Univ had a shop which stocked all the well-known Continental & American grocery lines & so on. Nice to look at from an interest point of view.

There were few students there as the Uni. was in recess for a period.

The town was a little better than Damascus but there are always “ wogs” & the smell that goes with them.

We stayed at the Leave Camp, right on the beach & spent most of our time there. It was very pleasant, good food & I have not slept so well for months. I was able to forget stripes for a happy week & I slept with the boys for a change.

Each night there were films & we were able to curl up in the sand & watch them. They were old but we did not mind. Some of the newsreels were not so old, sad to say, showing the Yanks on parade in Aust. Then the A.I.F. returning home & then to cap the lot some shots of A.I.F. in Syria.

One of the Bathurst March was full of interest as we had not long before had a wow of a hike over some tougher hills than that though not so long.

Ike & I saw “ Balalaika” again. It is a beautiful picture we saw at Damascus & I had seen it at Summer Hill long before. We had a grand time because he is like me in tastes & is quiet. He is only about 19 or 20 & hails from Victoria & is a good soldier. I am sending Pam a photo of the pair of us in a Beirut Park. Its rather a gruesome shot but ask her for a look at it.

Well, I shall finish now & hope you are all well. I am quite O.K. had a touch of tummyache for a few days buts its gone now & my only troubles are a couple of “ wog” sores.

Best wishes & Lots of love,

Bruce.

---

Sister of Bruce Sanders.

Sister of Bruce Sanders.

del.icio.us Tags: BURMA,BEIRUT,BALALAIKA,YANKS,AUSTRALIA IN WORLD WAR 2

13 JUNE 1942

1942 – JUNE 13

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

13 June. 42.

Dear Bet,

Here I am again and how are you? I suppose you’re doing alright with your teeth fixed up & I hope a new position.

You have had some fun with subs & so on. I hope you have kept out of their way.

No more mail has come in for about three weeks. I wrote to say that the socks had arrived. I have just posted a snap to Mum & Dad & hope it will arrive. I sent Pam one also. Have you seen her lately. How is she getting on as a teacher?

I am in a grand spot just now, within walking distance of snow, which may sound unusual in June in this country. I am so used to walking over hills now that the flat country seems difficult to negotiate.

We had a march several days ago & it was a “trouncer”, about 22 miles the first day & nearly all uphill. We were very pleased to strike some streams flowing from the ice in the distance & ease our feet in them.

The beer on the way was too expensive to be enjoyable, 100 piastres for a ½ pint tin of Lion, an American beer that is about 1/5, some drink, eh?

There has been quite a lot in the papers about how the Yanks are doing in Aussie. If they are as good as the papers say, the war is practically finished.

I have not been to the pictures for a month or so now. Leading a quiet life. It is not dark until 8.30 p.m. & so one can read & write & clean one’s boots etc.

My watch stopped for about a month & then started again and has been going well ever since. The band which I bought on final leave is still in use but I will soon have to use the one I bought in Damascus. Not a very good one but the best available.

Have you seen Nev. Wood or Bert Douglas? Nev. has not answered my last letter yet so I imagine he must have gone.

Well Bet, time to say cheerio, hope you are enjoying yourself, love to Dad, Mum, Vera & Marg & yourself,

Be good,

Love,

Bruce.

27 MAY 1942

1942 – MAY 27

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

27 May. 42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

At last some more mail has arrived & four of your letters came along with one from Clyde & some from Pam. We were all delighted after five weeks & you seem to have had the same experience.

I was very pleased to hear from Clyde & hope he is doing well.

Some of the lucky ones are back, all the better for Aussie. They’ll stiffen the others.

Pleased to hear Bet’s teeth are in. I hope she has no trouble with them. I shall try for a re-model this week. Its about time.

I have not met Gordon but may do as he is near me now.

Clive Onley has done well. I suppose he is in Queensland now.

We are at a different spot now & a daily dip in the Mediterranean is not bad. The beaches are stony & not many breakers but its great change. Of course the insects are plentiful but as reveille is 0530, one does not stay up late. The people are better & appear much cleaner although we would not mind striking an English-speaking country for a change.

Have you heard of Nev. Wood yet? I thought he would have hit Hurlstone Park by this.

I heard of one of the Baptist boys copping it in Malaya. Harold Badman.

Has Bert Douglas ever shown up. Its beyond me, the way some chaps disappear.

The papers have come this mail. Have all the Singapore news & it is hard reading. Seems like another tough deal for the Aussies.

The weather is glorious, now, darkness does not fall till about 8 p.m. & we sleep with our tents open & catch the sea- breezes.

Well, I’ll close & hope everyone is well. I am quite O.K.

Cheerio,

Lots of love,

Bruce.

---

Betty Sanders. Bruce’s youngest sister.

LiveJournal Tags: HURLSTONE PARK,MEDITERRANEAN SEA,BAPTIST,SOLDIERS,MALAYA,WWII,2/3 PIONEER BATTALION,SINGAPORE

17 MAY 1942

1942 – MAY 17

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

17 May,42,

Dear Mum & Dad,

Well, we’ve had a warm week & plenty of exercise, in fact, yesterday’s march was the toughest I have yet struck. Even so, Ivan Wallis & I had enough energy to go & see “ Balalaika” again.

We did about 16 miles over the stony hills & they were solid after being up all night before. It was some fun though & the boys went very well.

One bivvy we had was in a lovely cool valley with ice-cold water running through. We even had jelly in one meal.

There were a lot of women working on the roads. They carry baskets of spoil on their heads & quite outdo most of the men on the job.

Last night we had a round of strawberries & cream. Cost about 2/- but it was lovely. Tea tonight again had jelly & fruit salad. Just the thing for this weather.

We have had no more mail yet. Must be a ship in soon.

The country is very different now to what it was in winter, quite pretty in lots of parts. We had a look through an Arab village during the week & I climbed up the minaret , all stone and just wide enough to take one man. There was an excellent view of the countryside from up top.

Bob was up a while ago and is quite well.

Well, there is little to report. Things are normal & I am quite O.K. though plenty tired & ready for bed.

I hope you are all well & might hear from you soon. Hope my letters are reaching you.

Cheerio & greetings to everyone.

Lots of love,

Bruce.

10 MAY 1942

1942 – MAY 10

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

10 May. 42.

Dear Dad & Mum.,

Mothers’ Day & another week gone. We have been reading about the Naval Battle near Aust. Everything is peaceful here still although we have plenty to do to keep us quiet.

No more mail has come in since about three weeks but we are hoping.

We had a couple of very hot days last week, terrific but to-day has cooled off. Such a change from a month ago.

I have lost the key which you gave me last year, cannot think how or where.

There is very little to tell. Things are so quiet here. We have to make our own fun mainly. The boys had a little last night & I ended up with my trouser ripped everywhere. All in fun!

Three of us were in Damascus looking around & saw “ Down Argentine Way.” At the Pictures. It was a good show. There was a Boy Scouts Parade on the oval which is on the side of the canal which runs through the town.

The trains do not go very fast & the urchins hang on behind and slide on

The rails with their wooden clogs.

We saw the window in the old wall from which Paul was reputed to have been lowered. You know the story. To reach it, we went through the street called Straight. Nothing to see but its antiquity & thousands of bullet holes in the roof which came to be during some riot.

My watch stopped to-day, the first time for six months which is not bad. All I have to do is find a reliable watchmaker if possible.

I am wondering how Clyde is going. Let’s have his unit please. Also Bet’s teeth. My repairs are still holding out.

Well, I shall close & hope you are both well & happy. I am quite O.K. except for a slight touch of tinea, nothing serious. Cannot get a day off with it so it cannot be much.

Cheerio & happy dreams to everyone.

Lots of love,

Bruce.

23 APRIL 1942

1942 – APRIL 23

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

23 Apr. 42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

This week has been a good one for us in mail & everyone has scored which is good-o. your letters of Feb 1,8, 15, & 23 arrived two days ago & to-day the one of Mar. 2 turned up. It was great to get them and to know how things are . I am very eager to hear how Clydeis doing . you said he was a corporal. That’s fine/ he should go well.

I have been writing each week & so it appears as if the mails are held up. I hope you have received some of mine by now. I wrote to acknowledge at least five cakes which you sent which arrived in very good order. Thank you.

I have quite a lot of Bet’s “ Women’s’ Weekly”s. thanks for them. Jake Young , the carpenter, has sent a few papers , he & his wife write some very nice letters.

It is quite a change having letters to answer instead of just talking about the very few unusual things which happen here.

It is good to hear that the works are progressing near you. Maybe it will replace the one we lost.

Bill Carter was the chap whom you saw with our colours. Fancy his being in the same unit. I’d like to have the job of bouncing him, any good , eh!

The Far Eastern business was far from pleasant but I read in a “ Bulletin” just now of the job the A.I.F. did against such odds & it was heartening even though pitiful.

We are all itching for some thing to happen & I suppose it will soon enough, funny, when everything here is perfectly peaceful & we are all in very good nick.

Last Sunday our chaps, with no training other than their daily work, scored about ¾ of the athletic events against Tommies& Indians & of these B Coy won nearly all. Jolly good show.

The days are very warm now & we are all well tanned. Its great to strip off, if only we had a beach. Fortunately unlike Darwin, the evenings are cool & as yet the mossies are not much trouble.

We entertained a few N.Z. boys the other evening. Fine chaps who have been through the issue. They are well respected by all.

A small parcel from the Baptists came yesterday, very nice. Just between you & me, the books & pamphlets etc which the Meth.& C.E.send are rather useless. You can imagine what they are like. The last book was “Lily” Press as Pure as a Lily”. I do not think you could read it or anyone else over ten years of age. But I suppose they are trying to keep us on the straight & narrow. It is obvious that they have never been in the Army & certainly not a Sgt. In the Pioneers which has its own peculiar “ trials”.

One of the worst parts of this place is that there are no English-speaking churches & the church parades are still as painful as ever. There are some Christian churches but all are in Arabic and mainly R.C.

How are the Yanks doing? The papers here say some amazing things. Anyhow there must be a lot of Diggers back there now to put them in their place.

It is touching to read about the poor militia working so hard on New South Wales beaches, digging & wiring. These boys have been doing that for quite a while now & not on nice beaches near the old home town. We are hoping the A.I.F. will remain distinct from the rest after all, some of them have been in nearly three years, a bit different from being pushed in.

Well, it is getting late & I’ve another letter to write so I shall sign off.

I do hope Bet’s teeth are O.K. & that some of Bob’s letters have arrived by now. He was up last night and seems quite well.

Love to everyone.

Goodnight.

Bruce.

---

Clyde Sanders. Bruce’s only and older brother.

English soldiers.

Methodists.

Church of England.

Roman Catholic.

---

LiveJournal Tags: AUSTRALIAN WOMENS WEEKLY,WWII,BILL CARTER,FAR EAST.2 AIF,BULLETIN,JAKE YOUNG,BETTY SANDERS,BOB LATIMER,CLYDE SANDERS,ENGLISH SOLDIERS,TOMMIES,METHODISTS,ROMAN CATHOLICS,CHURCH OF ENGLAND

16 APRIL 1942

1942 – APRIL 16

4:08 PM, 2/10/2007 .. Posted in LETTERS 1942 .. 0 comments .. Link

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

16 Apr. 42.

Dear Dad & Mum,

Another week gone by & the weather is really warm now, as hot as it was where we were this time last year & a few mossies around as well.

I’ve had a day on the jumper bar to-day, first real I have had for a long time & a couple of blisters to show.

No more mail has come, that is , no letters since yours of 28 Jan. a few January papers arrived & were interesting looking back. I suppose this remnant of the A.I.F. is past news now with so many back in Aussie plus the Yanks. Anyhow we are still enjoying Aussie butter. It is certainly good.

Has Nev. Wood shown up in H. Park yet. I would not be surprised if he did.

We had another knock at cricket last Sunday & it was good fun. The pitch is just a pitch & the field is full of furrows & is half way up the slope of a hill all of which makes the game lively.

I am still on the Arabic class & making some progress, can talk a little, very little with the “wogs”. They are very keen to learn English & so we get on quite well.

Since I last wrote, I have seen two shows & the coy had another concert which went over quite well. There is not much for the boys to do at night & anything different is welcomed.

There are some bonny poppies on the hills though not too plentiful. I’ll pop a leaf or two in. they may reach you. Some chaps tell me the Arabs get some drug from them but whether true or not they are pretty.

Well, I shall close this letter & next time maybe I’ll have more to tell. I am extra well. We all are. I hope you are the same.

Bob is O.K. also Love to Vera, Bet, Clyde & family. I hope they are quite well and happy.

Lots of love & don’t worry,

Yours,

Bruce.

---

Hurlstone Park. The Sanders family home.

9 APRIL 1942

1942 – APRIL – 9

Letters written by Bruce Sanders of the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion , 2nd AIF to his family in Sydney during World War II.

NX27395

Sanders. B. Sgt.

B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F.

Abroad.

9 Apr. 42.

Dear Mum & Dad,

A little late this week but I’ve been on different things & we had a concert & I am making an effort now although there is little to tell.

We are in shorts now, & the days are glorious although sometimes there are cool winds, mossie nets are up again but few insects yet.

I saw “ The Story of Vernon & Irene Castle” again last week quite a pleasant show. A few nights ago Jim Gerald’s party gave a show for us, it was good, Jim Davidson has a snappy hand & the comedians put on an excellent turn, all the boys enjoyed it.

No more mail to light since yours of 25^th Jan. maybe some this week. I hope ours are getting to you.

We heard this week that a large number of chaps are back home, lucky blighters, although most of them certainly deserve it.

I am not putting stamps on now because we have been told that the letters will go as quickly as possible without them.

I am looking forward to hearing from Clyde. He has me wondering.

Some of us have started on Arabic classes. I do not know how they will go. It will mean a little homework, I think, as it is fairly complicated.

I am wondering to-night how you have spent & will spend your birthdays. I hope you have a happy time.

Last Sunday we had a game of cricket. Some fun. I hit a lovely four in the first “ dig” and that was my total for the day but it was good-o.

We were pleasantly surprised this morning when real Aussie butter was handed out, the first for about six weeks. It was lovely. I ate so much I was nearly ill. Wonder of wonders we’ve had jelly several times recently, quite unusual.

Well, I’ll say cheerio & hope everyone is well & happy. I am quite O.K. Good tucker, good bed & now Saturday afternoon work to keep me quiet so why should I complain?

Goodnight & lots of love to everyone,

Your son,

Bruce.

LiveJournal Tags: CLYDE SANDERS,ARABIC,WESTERN DESERT,2 AIF,WWII,2/3 PIONEER BATTALION,BRUCE SANDERS