25 DECEMBER 1941

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

DECEMBER 25 1941

W.A. DIVISION. KEEP YOUR MOVEMENTS SECRET

NX27395

Sanders B.

Sgt. B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F

ABROAD.

25/12/1941

Dear Dad & Mum,

Christmas Day & its been raining since Sunday evening. I was lucky enough to get a good night’s sleep in last night & then this morning we were flooded & the tent nearly collapsed, the lights in the mess hut went & the wireless with them. The A.I.F. announcer was just saying,” its 12.30 a.m. in Sydney on Xmas Day in Sydney” & then he passed out.

Anyhow, we’ve prospects of a good dinner so that will warm us up , the boys all received a hamper & it is quite a good one, peaches & cream, choc, toothpaste & brush, pudding, boot polish & other small presents. No mail has arrived this week so we are hoping for some. I suppose the planes go by a longer route now. Did I thank Bet & Vera for their postcards?

Our crowd were on guard on Tuesday night & I only left the guardhouse once during the night & sure enough, over I went in a slippery patch. You should see my uniform. Some chaps went right into slit trenches, they were in a mess as most of them were full of muddy water.

Just now, there is thunder, lightning, hailstones. Its terrific. I should hate to be out on bivouac in this. The boys in Syria have six blankets & sometimes it is too cold for them to get out of bed, so we’re told, no wonder the Germans do not like Russia.

I went to the cinema with Bob on Saturday, he is quite well & had a letter from Vera last week. Peculiarly enough, the “ Great Dictator” was showing on Tuesday night, you remember I saw it with Mum at the Plaza last Christmas Eve.

Our mess looks quite homely under the circums, some green bushes for decoration & if I am not mistaken, sweets on the table, a rare sight.

One of the worst points with this country, is the shortage of wood, most floors are of concrete & that is not too warm. Oil is used quite a lot as fuel in various ways, it gives us a hot shower most evenings. The country is free from trees for miles, the orange groves are the only places where they grow.

We were out on a hike, the other day and came across a farmer, sowing his seed in the old fashioned way, just casting it from a bowl, then we passed two shepherds , just boys, playing a weird flute, one feels in an old world when out in the hills with no signs of civilisation, just these primitive people. I sometimes wonder what they think of us, I had a chat with the guide in Jerusalem & he remembered when the Turks were in possession of the city last war and then the British. He was an Arab & would not say much, he did not seem to think highly of the Jews, but I suppose that feeling is mutual judging by the British Police Force in the country. All the Palestine Police live in forts I understand.

Well, dinner is over & it was excellent, turkey & all the trimmings, the O.C. came in & all our Company Sgts had a drink to the occasion.

I had a game of League on Sunday, it is a good way to fill in time, the boys are all keen on a game & we have some fun.

Well, I guess I had better close, so cheerio & I hope you are all well, love to everyone,

Lots of love,

Bruce.

Censored by J.R. ADAM. WRITE ON BOTH SIDES. IT’S A WARTIME ECONOMY.

17 DECEMBER 1941

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

December 17th 1941

NX27395

Sanders B.

Sgt. B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F

ABROAD.

Dear Mum & Dad,

At last, I’ve been all the week writing a letter to Pam between duty and night exercises & I’m slipping this one in now while I’ve a free night. The mail came in yesterday with a letter from Mrs White & May but yours came tonight, that is the one dated 30^th Nov. & I was pleased to receive it. Pleased you mentioned Pam. I was wondering how she was as I had not heard since 10^th.

I shall enclose the photo which I mentioned in Bet’s letter , to-day I had one day’s leave in Jerusalem & was able to see most of the beauty spots and places of interest. Souvenirs are a great temptation but genuine articles are hard to choose & fairly expensive. I arranged at one shop which seemed reliable to send a handbag to Pam. So if she mentions the receipt of it, ask her for a look at it. I purchased it from some very pleasant people & hope I’ve not been duped, it should be pretty good quality, but of course, I would not know. The delivery will not be for some weeks, of course, as air mail was out of the question. Forgive me not sending everyone something. I think I should save some cash and worthwhile articles are expensive. I am sure you understand and agree.

Incidentally, the saleswomen have quite a unique style , they were apparently European refugees, very polite, even offering a glass of tea after the purchase was made. Good strategy.

I have not spoken to Bob for over a week, just saw him from a distance yesterday, we are kept fairly busy and I suppose he is the same.

Old Sydney will be blacked out, I guess. I hope you miss trouble, things are moving fast down there, anyhow, we’ll clean the whole business up, this time. I hope then there’ll be no more Jap threats to worry us.

You’ve been having some hot weather , we are using all woolens & flannels now & it is fine weather for training, practically every day sees rain & that makes the going heavy.

This morning, on arrival in Jerusalem, five of us got on to a conducted tours & went around all the historical spots. The Garden of Gethsemane with 2000 years old olive trees & right next to it, the church of All Nations, which has many domes each dedicated to some great nation. We went to the Mt of Olives on which the Ascension took place & saw a footprint in a stone which was allegedly the spot on which Christ stood, the print having been impressed by the feet of thousands of pilgrims, placed on the spot. On we went to Bethlehem , passing the Well of the Wise Men & on xx. In the envelope, Rose Mary from the Jerusalem War Memorial, if it not broken to pieces.

arrival we saw the Church of the Nativity which belongs to several different Churches of the Christian religion. Monks are in attendance & in every church we entered there was a strong smell of incense & usually a few wailing priests, apparently praying. The guide pointed out the spot on which the manger, the birthplace of Christ, was said to have been , now covered by the church.

We then went back into the old city of Jerusalem to the Church built on Mt Calvary & in which is the tomb of Christ, known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also divided for different churches, Russian, Roman, Armenians & so on. There is a pillar, said to be the one at which Jesus was scourged & R.C.s pay homage by kissing the pillar. On an image of the Virgin Mary, there are presents of jewels & precious stones said to be valued at 2-3 million Pounds & they look it. The mosaic work is wonderful also.

Well I’ll overweigh this letter if I go much further so I shall describe more next time. In the meantime, love to Bet, Vera, Clyde & family & I hope you are all well as I am, toodle-oo- Keep smiling,

Lots of love,

Bruce.

6 DECEMBER 1941

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

December 6 1941

NX27395

Sanders B.

Sgt. B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F

ABROAD.

6/12/1941

Dear Dad & Mum,

Your welcome letter of 16^th arrived on 2^nd inst., the mail is an irregular business, it seems, comes in any old time, quite a few chaps have had no letters which is very disappointing to some. At 9d a time, its an expensive business, so I’ll write at least once per week, then you’ll know what to expect.

I am quite settled now, the weather is fairly cold, we have four blankets now & I am wearing woollen undies for the first time, what changes we have had in climate. For the past week, it has rained every day & the ground is very muddy, not so hot for marching.

Yesterday, I had another go at rake in the Sgts. Team, we played Bill’s gang & were stouched 20-0, at Union, I had not played it before but I enjoyed it, plenty of aches to-day but they’ll wear out. Those blue shorts came in handy for that.

The boys have been promised turkey for Xmas dinner, of course they wanted to know the catch, but it should brighten things up plus a bottle of beer per man or 30 cigs.

So old Puss had to go, eh, hard luck but she’s better off.

Bill tells me Boyo is on a sweet cop, quite a bludger’s job , in fact, I do not know just where.

I was talking to Bob yesterday, he is quite well & being kept busy, there is a mixup regarding his stripes, he has them up but they have not come through orders yet so I do not know what is what.

I had ideas of saving some cash here but it goes like wildfire, however, once I get settled I should be able to store a little. Some chaps are on Cairo leave but it required aboutŁ14 in the pay- book & that seemed too much to me. Lots have had leave to various places, one or two days so I am hoping to get some in a week or so, to visit, well, I’ll tell you after I’ve been, as those are our instructions, one can describe the places after one has been, not before.

The boys are not over-pleased about the squad drill & so on that they have to do but I suppose you did the same old thing over and over again. It is monotonous & the duties keep their time occupied but I think everyone gets the same.

When one is free at night the talkies provide a good break . 6 & 1/- & a daily change of programme, I’ll go along tonight I think, although a storm is in progress so it may be sloppy. They come out at 10 p.m. so one does not miss much sleep.

We have been told that, for discipline purposes, we are classed on active service, but it takes time to sink into some heads. Two courts- martial are pending now , one for leaving his sentry post & one missing his defaulter’s call. They still seem to think they can play the goat but sad to say they’ll wake up too late. Peculiarly enough , any efforts to advise them ,on our part, are greeted with contempt. I believe I mentioned the chap on the transport who copped two years, even that did not impress some. Most of the chaps are playing their part, plenty of healthy moans , but they are taking everything , I am pleased to say the old No. 5 section are not causing any trouble. Two of them got lost in Jerusalem & were A.W.L. but I hope they get off O.K. as they are good men.

Payday last Thursday , I drew Ł4 Palestine & that means Ł5 Aust. In my book, so when I think I have about Ł20 in my book, I suppose I shall actually only have about Ł16 . I must watch my step.

Well, for the time being, I’ll close, maybe some mail will arrive tonight.

Best wishes to Vera, Bet, Clyde & family & love to yourselves,

Cheerio,

Bruce.

P.S. I wrote Clyde on 19/11 so tell him, in view of stamp situation, I’ll answer when I receive his letter & he can get the news from you.

7^th Dec. Noel Kirkpatrick came over to-day, he is as big as ever and quite well.

---

Movies.

Absent Without Leave.

29 NOVEMBER 1941

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

November 29th 1941

NX27395

Sanders B.

Sgt. B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F

ABROAD.

29/11/1941

Dear Dad & Mum,

Just a line, as Xmas mail closes in a day or so, everything is going alright, plenty of duties & route marches so we are all stiff & sore, especially after a game of League, I haven’t played since I left Petersham.

I am in Palestine, so I suppose you will have an idea of the country, it rained yesterday & made things muddy but to-day is lovely. These Gyppos are a sticky lot, we are told they’ll pinch anything, so that means picquets.

An old Tech. Cobber came over to see me & I went to Bill Mc Carthy’s mess for dinner, he is a non-drinker & non-smoker & very keen on his job. I hope to see Noel Kirkpatrick tomorrow.

There’s a jolly good picture show here, or so the boys say, I may go over tonight when I come off guard. The programme changes each evening & the shows are fairly modern, 40 mils admission, that is 6d

These oranges are certainly the goods & some of the grapefruit are quite nice, the sugar is in large grains, quite different to our stuff.

I received a letter from Pam & Bet yesterday, dated the 10^th. We are entitled to two 3d letter cards per week, which go Air Mail, we have to put the stamp on. All other Air Mail is 9d & ordinary mail, free. Each letter censored by our “pips” now & maybe further on.

You did not mention the menu I sent.

Our Pioneer Sgt, an Irishman, is having the time of his life with a dozen “wogs”, who have to assist him. Few of us can understand him alone, and when they all get together, it is a heck of a row.

There is a laundry service, run by Jews, I think, about the only cheap thing they do run, I had about eight articles done for 55 mils. I strolled up to some Jewish cafes in the camp to buy a torch & gave 200 mils for a measly little thing which won’t work now. I thought I was paying half a dollar & I was paying 5/-. What a mistake!

Well, I hope this reaches you for Xmas, all the best wishes to everyone & to Grandma & Auntie. I’ll write to them later. I might say Bill is looking extra well, in case they’re interested.

Cheerio & keep smiling.

Lots of Love

Bruce.

Censored by Colin Knott.
*App 5 cents
*Officers

24 NOVEMBER 1941

24 NOVEMBER 1941

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

November 24 1941

NX27395
Sanders B.
Sgt. B. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F
ABROAD. 

24/11/1941

Dear Mum & Dad,

We are here, safe and sound & into the route marches already, also getting used to the smells & habits of the locals, who are as much of a nuisance as when you saw them last time, Dad. Jolly amusing to see the overseer lash into them with the whip & and anything else he could grab, yells & screams everywhere & plenty of encouragement from the boys.

Sounds alright, being paid three or four thousand mils per fortnight, fortunately it is fairly easy to understand the money part of it. As we had been told the oranges are jolly good but the other articles on sale do not appeal to me , after viewing the vendor’s dainty habits etc.

On our arrival in camp, Bill Mc Carthy, Rhoda’s husband was here helping us to settle down. I did not recognise him for a moment but he had his M.M. ribbon up & I woke up when I saw it. Noel Kirkpatrick is somewhere here & I hope to see Gordon Craig when I have an evening free.

I must admit I feel a bit of a “ rooky” up against all these old hands but they are a good lot. Many of them praise the Provost Companies for their work, you may remember Dudley Woods was in them. The 1^st are also highly thought of , for their work, so we have a good example before us.

Fortunately, since we left the tropics the tinea situation has eased & I am practically presentable again, the salt water baths must have made it worse I think & here the water although it is hard, is fresh.

The weather is quite pleasant in daylight but when darkness falls, we appreciate the three blankets & the wind is as keen as I have ever known it.

So far, no mail has reached us, it will be welcome when it does.

We are under canvas but there is a mess hit for us which will be O.k. if we can get some tables and chairs.

The children have picked up a lot of Aussie slang & worse, so that quite often, a dirty little brat will tell the boys where to go in strong language instead of the boys doing the telling.

Well, I shall call it a day & will write soon so I hope everyone is well as I am feeling good-o. Maybe we’ll be able to say more next time.

Cheerio & lots of love,

Bruce.

* Military Medal – MM

1941 NOVEMBER 11

11 NOVEMBER 1941

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

11 November 1941

NX27395
Sanders. B.
Sgt B. Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
ABROAD. 11/11/1941

 

Dear Mum and Dad,

                   Jolly Pleased to receive your letter, you must have been too early for us on  the Saturday & I was tricked on the train business, also I still do not know how the note got on board but it came too late, as we were on our way.

                   I am still O.K. although quite a lot are down with flu & seasickness, plenty of work for the V.A.s.

                   The weather is warming very quickly now and we are in shorts, the steward does our washing, average sixpence an article but it is worth it, as we are on picquet & other orderly duties, most of the time.

Did you see the menu I sent, we are doing alright.

                   To-day, I met a Lt. Knight from Hurlstone Park.

The new padre gave his first service on  Sunday , rather painful, as a matter of fact, I was reprimanded for talking, I’ll have to behave but some of them give me a pain. Still, I think he will be alright, outside of preaching, as he does take an interest in the boys.

                   Quite a lot of flying fish swim around here, they flit across the water & dive in again, I used to be a little doubtful, when I was told of them.

                   The trip was very interesting for the first few days but is rather monotonous now. A boxing tournament is in progress at present but I’ve only seen a couple of fights and they did not get beyond the first round.

                   I was just talking to Bob, he is doing alright although I do not see much of him.

                   We have had a Comforts Issue & two more pair of sox for my kit ( just as well I did leave some at home) some sea soap & a book like that one of Dad’s, the little red one.

                   The cake was very nice.

                   Well, there’s little more I can say, Armistice Day to-day, maybe Adolph will take a hint.

                   I am feeling 100% & hope you are all the same.

                                      Cheerio, & Lots of love,

Bruce.

1941:NOVEMBER 3

3rd NOVEMBER 1941

3 NOVEMBER 1941 NX27395 Sanders. B. Sgt B. Coy. 2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F Abroad. 3/11/1941 Dear Mum & Dad,                    Here we are & no complaints so far, as a matter of fact, the stripes have meant all the difference in the mess situation. We are in the same type of cabins as the boys, some of them, are in two bunk cabins, what a break, however the dining room is just like a large hotel saloon & the English waiters  are quite smart. I am enclosing a menu, isn’t it a surprise?                    Duties are , of course, plentiful but they seem to work in with mess and so on. There is, no doubt about the fascination of sea travel , when this business is over, I’ll do an island trip. It must be grand with the right company.                    Bob showed me the note, ‘ though how it reached him, I do not know, I was disappointed at not seeing you all but it’s too late now, I was watching for you. This bed is the best I’ve had in the Army, a real sheet and pillow, & believe it or not, a mattress. Some unfortunates are in hammocks, but, for once, the Pioneers are lucky. I had a letter from Nev. Wood to day, still going strong, one never knows, our paths may cross. There were photographers on the wharf & two of them took a close up of a group of us, so, when we reach our destination, maybe you’ll be able to get a snap, I do not know what papers they represented. A carpenter can find much of interest in these cabins & halls, there is some wonderful work, a credit to the builder. We have a slight roll up but no ill effects yet, I suppose later things may happen but it is just a lulling motion right now. The second cake is a good one, we are on it now. I cut the first slice with a soapy knife & wondered what was wrong till it dawned on me. Well I’ll get to sleep as I am still a long way behind & shall write in a day or so. Love to all,                                       Lots of love,                                       Bruce.