AN AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER'S LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY AT HOME IN SYDNEY IN WWII.
1944 – OCTOBER – DECEMBER
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
6 Oct 44.
Dear Dad,
Answering yours of last Sun. to-night we have said cheerio to several more of the old originals, who have been discharged to farming & I must say the old morale is not the highest. Quite a wrench to see the old cobbers go but again a pleasure to see those who have been in the lot, fair so well.
Our platoon has seen four old hands go in the past week & you can imagine the effects on those having to soldier on.
My ankle is still somewhat sore & the M.O.
has had me get a bar tacked one the sole of my boot to alleviate the strain. It was sprained so I am off sport for a while.
I have been warned for a school commencing on the 30th inst. A C.S.M.
& R.S.M.
school lasting until the end of Nov. it would appear I have possibilities of going at least one step further, but , after the school, we’ll see.
Poss also is doing an M.G.
school nearby & we should be able to see each other frequently. Let’s hope we click on leave also.
No further word of the course & with a school in the offing, I daresay it will be out of the question.
However, I procured a copy from the course from another chap & have completed Drawing Lesson 1.
Due to er- disturbances on the bar- our hours are reduced to 1830 ‘til 2100. Not long enough to get into trouble.
Last Sunday , several of went in to town to go to church & Mr. Ridley, a Military Cross winner of last week, Baptist, spoke at a service in the Hut.
He gave a very forceful speech – striking one- & at the conclusion, he called for “ Stand up for Jesus”. After the first verse , his challenge was such – and I very much dislike emotionalism- that the three of us rose at his request along with many others.
Our padre is a very sincere man & we are going up for is chat tonight.
I am quite certain I am not introducing any drastic reforms for in this game, as it is now, to keep up a continually happy attitude is difficult when all are so tired of the same monotonous routine.
Nevertheless, the service aroused me, & I could see, several of my fellows, so that we are the better for it , if not so very noticeably.
Our previous padre was a High Church man & at one communion , which I attended, he had gongs which seemed terribly unnecessary.
This fellow is much the reverse but his stay is only temporary.
Young Alf Pallister is our next Lance-Corporal, we hope. I submitted his recommendation to-day. Let’s hope fortune smiles on him.
We saw a good comedy last night. Just the thing for the troops. And some good newsreels. Two comediennes turned a laugh – one said the Yanks kiss a girl as if they own her- the other said the Aussies kissed ‘em as if they didn’t care who owned them.
We’d like to demonstrate the above- let’s hope the opportunity comes soon.
Now I’m off so cheerio, Dad, & love to all,
Love,
Bruce.
Medical Officer.
Company Sergeant Major
Regimental Sergeant Major.
Machine Gun.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
16 Oct.44.
Dear Dad,
I’m off on a bit of a stunt to-morrow so just a note before.
Things are very quiet , only a fortnight before I go to the school.
You’ve had some hot weather. Here it is warming up. Cricket is in swing but I am resting my ankle still.
Life is very monotonous but by Xmas I hope I know whether or not leave is coming.
We keep moving pretty well though not terribly pushed. Went to the pictures last night & saw a good comedy. Really the only entertainment. Beer is only two bottles per week. Some of the married chaps are economising & we others score a few extra sometimes, but not often
Rather brief, but as I said, life’s mighty quiet & so I’ll close. Hope all are well . I am O.K. & still hoping.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
2 Nov 44.
Dear Dad,
In answer to yours of last Sunday which came here despite the long address. Pleased to know all is well.
We are just warming up on the course which opened on Monday &, so far, I have not been chosen to instruct but should score to-morrow. However, I feel quite confident & the instructors are helpful ‘though the hours leave no time for anything but schoolwork.
Poss & I hope to visit his lady friend at the hospital on Sunday. It will be a welcome change if we are able.
Yes, all the Reveilles arrived & yesterday the cake came- we shall delve into it to-night.
We have been able to have three or four jugs nightly, just enough to peck one’s appetite. No comparison with Bonegilla Victorian brew, though.
A film was shown of the Scots Guards on parade & we have been told that their standard is to be ours by the conclusion of the Course. Maybe.
Poss & the others seem to have their courses well in hand.
Rain has been consistent & still is.
This Military Law is quite a handful. One should be somewhat of a bush lawyer.
Now, Dad, I’m going to delve into some more stuff. So cheerio & love to the girls- regard to the visitors.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
8 Nov. 44.
Dear Dad,
Our night off & thank goodness, a little cooler than the last couple of days which have been very trying with the long hours requiring concentration.
Gladys Moncrieff’s lovely voice can be heard nearby & is very calming.
Your letter came today & pleased to hear you had an overhaul & are O.K.
The school finishes on Dec. 6 & 7 now having been extend a week.
The warmth of the weather attracted many chaps to the “pub” & I had to be content with two glasses, but very welcome.
On Sunday , Poss, Albert Henderson & I visited Sister Coombes whose mother went to the same school as Poss’ mother. It was a really enjoyable afternoon. We had to hitchhike, but were fairly fortunate. The sister put on a delightful asparagus tea & it was also a change.
She is a remarkable woman about 28 years of age & with the sparkliest eyes I have even seen. Quite a disciplinarian in the ward , too.
Her brother was one of the Aussies rescued from the Jap. P.W. ship which was torpedoed by our chaps. He is now at home having been picked up & cared for by the Yanks.
What a wonderful surprise for his parents who have heard nothing since his capture inMalaya.
After leaving the hospital, we met Dave in town & visited Cloughie at his fiancee’s home. She is a beautiful girl, tall & so calm & composed & really does look capable of handling the erratic Maurie. I think he is very fortunate.
To finish the day, we did an open- air show. Saw “ Sundown” & then walked about two miles home, passing on the way, innumerable lasses in uniform but all escorted. Some fellows do quite well & there are some pretty kids, ‘though others are somewhat terrifying.
The W.O.11 whom I thought I may have replaced was boarded A2 only so I may not get the expected boost until someone gets an O.C.T.U. or something of that nature.
There is a flea plague ‘round these parts. Really bad.
I was able to submit Lesson 1 of the Theory of my Correspondence Course & am interested to see what comments come back.
I sent the Drawing Lesson 1 a fortnight ago, so should be here soon. Pity I waited so long for I find it extremely interesting. The drawings of which there are usually two per lesson, take about 8 hrs each so you can see, one’s time would be fully occupied.
I can just hear that Mr. Roosevelt is to remain President, probably to our advantage.
Now, Dad, I had best do some study. I shall write to Bet later in the week. Best wishes to Vera & Marg. I trust all is going well. Love to both & to Bet. Regards to the visitors.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
Pen & watch are still working O.K. Very good?
Prisoner of War.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
11 Nov 44.
Dear Bet,
Briefly to answer your letter & say that things are O.K. to-day, we had three brief exams. Two on instruction & one written. I feel quite confident & it gives me a good start for the next three weeks.
We had a game of cricket just now & I did enjoy it- a rough pitch & a rough & tumble game. In my enthusiasm I knelt to smite a ball & copped it fair on the cheek bone. Quietened me somewhat.
Alan sounds like a nice guy.
Yesterday, we were able to spend a half hour in town & plied each other with ice-creams & milk-shakes. Some change!
My course is under way & I am putting to-night in on it.
In the evenings here, the radio wafts through the trees & is very soothing . too bad the fleas are not soothed.
Now, Bet, I’ll close & hope you are O.K. & happy.
Love to all,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
15 Nov.44.
Dear Dad,
Free evening & fortunately your letters arrive on Wednesdays. I have just spent nearly two hours on a Tech. Drawing- they take such a long time but I do enjoy them. However the main thing is the school just now & the weather has been hot with consequent drowsiness . Last Saturday we had an exam & I fared O.K. if I am able to keep up to that standard I will do alright.
I think Sat. fortnight sees the final. Poss did O.K, was 4th in his wing & Mac was very close to him. Poss was 5th in the stoppage test held to-day.
The stay here is proving economical with so little time to waste. I didn’t bother queuing up for the beer to-night. Did some washing instead.
Your visitors are having a long stay. Tom must have some alibi.
Bob wrote me & seems O.K.. was to return to his unit this week.
Time is passing, not much more than a month to Xmas. I wonder what will happen.
The “ Tirpitz” show was a good one for the R.A.F. wasn’t it ?
Good news came from the unit, that our Coy Commander – the one with whom I had the trouble recently – has been boarded with war neurosis – hasn’t heard a shot fired. Not that we care, we are so pleased to be rid of him. Possibly my original Pl. Comd. Will receive his crown.
Well now, Dad, I’m off to a little more bookwork so cheerio to the girls & the visitors. Hope you are quite well & looking after yourself,
So- long,
Love,
Bruce.
Royal Air Force.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
22 Nov.44.
Dear Dad,
Pleased to receive your letter to-day. Things are as usual, only nine working days to go in the school
I was able to put Sat. night & all day Sunday ( less an hour at church) on my drawings & I am finding it much easier & am getting better results. I hope the lessons which I submitted will soon come back so that I will know just what they want.
Sunday night we went to the Open-air theatre & I was surprised to meet Jack Coleman from H. Park. He is now in a 9 Div. Unit. His news was that both Len & Ron Parry are in N.G. & Len contemplates marriage on his return. He has been there about 20 mths now.
Poss is faring well & should score good marks in his course.
News came down through the week that one of our old gunners was shot in the groin with one of the guns. We have heard no further news. These accidents are becoming disturbing.
I rarely bother with newspapers, just listen to the news & other times, usually find plenty to do with the course. That is, the Building Course. I am finding the Drawing really interesting & that, I think augurs well for the future when the time comes.
As for Xmas, well, I’m hoping . we certainly need some sort of a break else we’ll go nuts. However, wishing is all we can do so that’s that.
Now, Dad, I’m off, so love to the girls & Aunt & Grandma.
Cheerio & Love.
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt B Sanders
H.Q. Coy
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn. A.I.F.
29 Nov 44.
Dear Dad,
Lunchtime before we go out for an afternoon on the range & your letter, and one from Clyde has just arrived.
I’m jolly pleased to see him finally out & sincerely hope he settles in to G.T.
I expect to be back at the unit on Sat. night, the exams are on Friday & Sat. mornings.
The usual routine has been on since I last wrote . I managed some more drawing last week-end & am improving on the pencil.
We saw an excellent comedy on Sun. night, “ My Favourite Wife.” Everyone was in a very good mood.
Then, as we were walking home, there was a scurry & through the crowd flew some unfortunate on a pushbike, out of control. He must have pulled it up eventually.
Two of my pl. who came out of N.G. with us have been sent south, almost off their nuts, due to various causes. It is pitiful to see stout men go like that.
Xmas is drawing near. I wish the blighters would tell us , one thing or the other. Its no wonder chaps go dingbats.
I’m afraid I can’t recall any chap named Freshwater, possibly know him by sight.
Now, Dad, I shall sign off & hope you are well & the girls.
Cheerio & Love ,
Bruce.
Garden Island.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
10 Dec 44.
Dear Dad,
Glad to hear from you on Wednesday & I’ve not felt like writing since.
This morning we had a delightful hour swimming in our pool & a thorough clean-up of the tent just now.
My ideas as previously stated seem to have been upside down & I guess this Xmas will be similar to the last, the only thing different will be our beer, little that it is.
Frankly, I am of the opinion that we are just bunnies, played with by such persons as Menzies & Harrison & coy. The lads would like those gents to lead them in to the next biff as they seem so keen to see Aust. Represented on the front line & not mopping-up.
However, in spite of all our joy in this place, the boys turned on a tip-top parade this morning.
The weather is real summer now & everyone looks fit & tanned.
Saw a good film in town last Tuesday, “ My Son, My Son.” We may be able to see “Rats of Tobruk” soon.
Our destination seems to be pretty obvious with all the statements being made. Apparently no need for security. The situation must be well in hand.
Could you send L20 up when possible – I think I’m going to need a little & want to have a reserve in case. It will be useful here & I probably shan’t need any elsewhere.
Poss came 4th in his course with 84%. A good effort!
Pleased to see you stepping out. One needs a break from routine.
A few new fellows joined us recently. Some very quiet & well-mannered boys of 19. I could hardly realise when they gave their date of birth as 1926? Seems wrong. One older chap remembered me from the building game ‘though I cannot recall him he was a tuckpainter named Wood, Clyde may know him.
How’s that safari jacket, I was looking forward to trucking around with that.
I just knocked off for a game of deck tennis – it was good fun. The swimming is great – nearly half an hour walk but most of the chaps run the greater part of it.
V 5 6 4 4 2 8
7 2 6
Well, Dad, that’s the lot for now. Things are just middling but I suppose we asked for it.
Oh yes. Beryl Linklater, the Manly girl, is engaged- looks like I’m leaving my run too late.
I hope Bet gets settled alright with a good crew. It will be an experience.
Now, cheerio & love to all.1944 – OCTOBER – DECEMBER
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
6 Oct 44.
Dear Dad,
Answering yours of last Sun. to-night we have said cheerio to several more of the old originals, who have been discharged to farming & I must say the old morale is not the highest. Quite a wrench to see the old cobbers go but again a pleasure to see those who have been in the lot, fair so well.
Our platoon has seen four old hands go in the past week & you can imagine the effects on those having to soldier on.
My ankle is still somewhat sore & the M.O. has had me get a bar tacked one the sole of my boot to alleviate the strain. It was sprained so I am off sport for a while.
I have been warned for a school commencing on the 30th inst. A C.S.M. & R.S.M.school lasting until the end of Nov. it would appear I have possibilities of going at least one step further, but , after the school, we’ll see.
Poss also is doing an M.G. school nearby & we should be able to see each other frequently. Let’s hope we click on leave also.
No further word of the course & with a school in the offing, I daresay it will be out of the question.
However, I procured a copy from the course from another chap & have completed Drawing Lesson 1.
Due to er- disturbances on the bar- our hours are reduced to 1830 ‘til 2100. Not long enough to get into trouble.
Last Sunday , several of went in to town to go to church & Mr. Ridley, a Military Cross winner of last week, Baptist, spoke at a service in the Hut.
He gave a very forceful speech – striking one- & at the conclusion, he called for “ Stand up for Jesus”. After the first verse , his challenge was such – and I very much dislike emotionalism- that the three of us rose at his request along with many others.
Our padre is a very sincere man & we are going up for is chat tonight.
I am quite certain I am not introducing any drastic reforms for in this game, as it is now, to keep up a continually happy attitude is difficult when all are so tired of the same monotonous routine.
Nevertheless, the service aroused me, & I could see, several of my fellows, so that we are the better for it , if not so very noticeably.
Our previous padre was a High Church man & at one communion , which I attended, he had gongs which seemed terribly unnecessary.
This fellow is much the reverse but his stay is only temporary.
Young Alf Pallister is our next Lance-Corporal, we hope. I submitted his recommendation to-day. Let’s hope fortune smiles on him.
We saw a good comedy last night. Just the thing for the troops. And some good newsreels. Two comediennes turned a laugh – one said the Yanks kiss a girl as if they own her- the other said the Aussies kissed ‘em as if they didn’t care who owned them.
We’d like to demonstrate the above- let’s hope the opportunity comes soon.
Now I’m off so cheerio, Dad, & love to all,
Love,
Bruce.
Medical Officer.
Company Sergeant Major
Regimental Sergeant Major.
Machine Gun.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
16 Oct.44.
Dear Dad,
I’m off on a bit of a stunt to-morrow so just a note before.
Things are very quiet , only a fortnight before I go to the school.
You’ve had some hot weather. Here it is warming up. Cricket is in swing but I am resting my ankle still.
Life is very monotonous but by Xmas I hope I know whether or not leave is coming.
We keep moving pretty well though not terribly pushed. Went to the pictures last night & saw a good comedy. Really the only entertainment. Beer is only two bottles per week. Some of the married chaps are economising & we others score a few extra sometimes, but not often
Rather brief, but as I said, life’s mighty quiet & so I’ll close. Hope all are well . I am O.K. & still hoping.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
2 Nov 44.
Dear Dad,
In answer to yours of last Sunday which came here despite the long address. Pleased to know all is well.
We are just warming up on the course which opened on Monday &, so far, I have not been chosen to instruct but should score to-morrow. However, I feel quite confident & the instructors are helpful ‘though the hours leave no time for anything but schoolwork.
Poss & I hope to visit his lady friend at the hospital on Sunday. It will be a welcome change if we are able.
Yes, all the Reveilles arrived & yesterday the cake came- we shall delve into it to-night.
We have been able to have three or four jugs nightly, just enough to peck one’s appetite. No comparison with Bonegilla Victorian brew, though.
A film was shown of the Scots Guards on parade & we have been told that their standard is to be ours by the conclusion of the Course. Maybe.
Poss & the others seem to have their courses well in hand.
Rain has been consistent & still is.
This Military Law is quite a handful. One should be somewhat of a bush lawyer.
Now, Dad, I’m going to delve into some more stuff. So cheerio & love to the girls- regard to the visitors.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
8 Nov. 44.
Dear Dad,
Our night off & thank goodness, a little cooler than the last couple of days which have been very trying with the long hours requiring concentration.
Gladys Moncrieff’s lovely voice can be heard nearby & is very calming.
Your letter came today & pleased to hear you had an overhaul & are O.K.
The school finishes on Dec. 6 & 7 now having been extend a week.
The warmth of the weather attracted many chaps to the “pub” & I had to be content with two glasses, but very welcome.
On Sunday , Poss, Albert Henderson & I visited Sister Coombes whose mother went to the same school as Poss’ mother. It was a really enjoyable afternoon. We had to hitchhike, but were fairly fortunate. The sister put on a delightful asparagus tea & it was also a change.
She is a remarkable woman about 28 years of age & with the sparkliest eyes I have even seen. Quite a disciplinarian in the ward , too.
Her brother was one of the Aussies rescued from the Jap. P.W. ship which was torpedoed by our chaps. He is now at home having been picked up & cared for by the Yanks.
What a wonderful surprise for his parents who have heard nothing since his capture inMalaya.
After leaving the hospital, we met Dave in town & visited Cloughie at his fiancee’s home. She is a beautiful girl, tall & so calm & composed & really does look capable of handling the erratic Maurie. I think he is very fortunate.
To finish the day, we did an open- air show. Saw “ Sundown” & then walked about two miles home, passing on the way, innumerable lasses in uniform but all escorted. Some fellows do quite well & there are some pretty kids, ‘though others are somewhat terrifying.
The W.O.11 whom I thought I may have replaced was boarded A2 only so I may not get the expected boost until someone gets an O.C.T.U. or something of that nature.
There is a flea plague ‘round these parts. Really bad.
I was able to submit Lesson 1 of the Theory of my Correspondence Course & am interested to see what comments come back.
I sent the Drawing Lesson 1 a fortnight ago, so should be here soon. Pity I waited so long for I find it extremely interesting. The drawings of which there are usually two per lesson, take about 8 hrs each so you can see, one’s time would be fully occupied.
I can just hear that Mr. Roosevelt is to remain President, probably to our advantage.
Now, Dad, I had best do some study. I shall write to Bet later in the week. Best wishes to Vera & Marg. I trust all is going well. Love to both & to Bet. Regards to the visitors.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
Pen & watch are still working O.K. Very good?
Prisoner of War.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
11 Nov 44.
Dear Bet,
Briefly to answer your letter & say that things are O.K. to-day, we had three brief exams. Two on instruction & one written. I feel quite confident & it gives me a good start for the next three weeks.
We had a game of cricket just now & I did enjoy it- a rough pitch & a rough & tumble game. In my enthusiasm I knelt to smite a ball & copped it fair on the cheek bone. Quietened me somewhat.
Alan sounds like a nice guy.
Yesterday, we were able to spend a half hour in town & plied each other with ice-creams & milk-shakes. Some change!
My course is under way & I am putting to-night in on it.
In the evenings here, the radio wafts through the trees & is very soothing . too bad the fleas are not soothed.
Now, Bet, I’ll close & hope you are O.K. & happy.
Love to all,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
15 Nov.44.
Dear Dad,
Free evening & fortunately your letters arrive on Wednesdays. I have just spent nearly two hours on a Tech. Drawing- they take such a long time but I do enjoy them. However the main thing is the school just now & the weather has been hot with consequent drowsiness . Last Saturday we had an exam & I fared O.K. if I am able to keep up to that standard I will do alright.
I think Sat. fortnight sees the final. Poss did O.K, was 4th in his wing & Mac was very close to him. Poss was 5th in the stoppage test held to-day.
The stay here is proving economical with so little time to waste. I didn’t bother queuing up for the beer to-night. Did some washing instead.
Your visitors are having a long stay. Tom must have some alibi.
Bob wrote me & seems O.K.. was to return to his unit this week.
Time is passing, not much more than a month to Xmas. I wonder what will happen.
The “ Tirpitz” show was a good one for the R.A.F. wasn’t it ?
Good news came from the unit, that our Coy Commander – the one with whom I had the trouble recently – has been boarded with war neurosis – hasn’t heard a shot fired. Not that we care, we are so pleased to be rid of him. Possibly my original Pl. Comd. Will receive his crown.
Well now, Dad, I’m off to a little more bookwork so cheerio to the girls & the visitors. Hope you are quite well & looking after yourself,
So- long,
Love,
Bruce.
Royal Air Force.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
R.S.M. & C.S.M. Wing.
First Aust. Army. Regt. Trng. School
Aust.
22 Nov.44.
Dear Dad,
Pleased to receive your letter to-day. Things are as usual, only nine working days to go in the school
I was able to put Sat. night & all day Sunday ( less an hour at church) on my drawings & I am finding it much easier & am getting better results. I hope the lessons which I submitted will soon come back so that I will know just what they want.
Sunday night we went to the Open-air theatre & I was surprised to meet Jack Coleman from H. Park. He is now in a 9 Div. Unit. His news was that both Len & Ron Parry are in N.G. & Len contemplates marriage on his return. He has been there about 20 mths now.
Poss is faring well & should score good marks in his course.
News came down through the week that one of our old gunners was shot in the groin with one of the guns. We have heard no further news. These accidents are becoming disturbing.
I rarely bother with newspapers, just listen to the news & other times, usually find plenty to do with the course. That is, the Building Course. I am finding the Drawing really interesting & that, I think augurs well for the future when the time comes.
As for Xmas, well, I’m hoping . we certainly need some sort of a break else we’ll go nuts. However, wishing is all we can do so that’s that.
Now, Dad, I’m off, so love to the girls & Aunt & Grandma.
Cheerio & Love.
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt B Sanders
H.Q. Coy
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn. A.I.F.
29 Nov 44.
Dear Dad,
Lunchtime before we go out for an afternoon on the range & your letter, and one from Clyde has just arrived.
I’m jolly pleased to see him finally out & sincerely hope he settles in to G.T.
I expect to be back at the unit on Sat. night, the exams are on Friday & Sat. mornings.
The usual routine has been on since I last wrote . I managed some more drawing last week-end & am improving on the pencil.
We saw an excellent comedy on Sun. night, “ My Favourite Wife.” Everyone was in a very good mood.
Then, as we were walking home, there was a scurry & through the crowd flew some unfortunate on a pushbike, out of control. He must have pulled it up eventually.
Two of my pl. who came out of N.G. with us have been sent south, almost off their nuts, due to various causes. It is pitiful to see stout men go like that.
Xmas is drawing near. I wish the blighters would tell us , one thing or the other. Its no wonder chaps go dingbats.
I’m afraid I can’t recall any chap named Freshwater, possibly know him by sight.
Now, Dad, I shall sign off & hope you are well & the girls.
Cheerio & Love ,
Bruce.
Garden Island.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
10 Dec 44.
Dear Dad,
Glad to hear from you on Wednesday & I’ve not felt like writing since.
This morning we had a delightful hour swimming in our pool & a thorough clean-up of the tent just now.
My ideas as previously stated seem to have been upside down & I guess this Xmas will be similar to the last, the only thing different will be our beer, little that it is.
Frankly, I am of the opinion that we are just bunnies, played with by such persons as Menzies & Harrison & coy. The lads would like those gents to lead them in to the next biff as they seem so keen to see Aust. Represented on the front line & not mopping-up.
However, in spite of all our joy in this place, the boys turned on a tip-top parade this morning.
The weather is real summer now & everyone looks fit & tanned.
Saw a good film in town last Tuesday, “ My Son, My Son.” We may be able to see “Rats of Tobruk” soon.
Our destination seems to be pretty obvious with all the statements being made. Apparently no need for security. The situation must be well in hand.
Could you send L20 up when possible – I think I’m going to need a little & want to have a reserve in case. It will be useful here & I probably shan’t need any elsewhere.
Poss came 4th in his course with 84%. A good effort!
Pleased to see you stepping out. One needs a break from routine.
A few new fellows joined us recently. Some very quiet & well-mannered boys of 19. I could hardly realise when they gave their date of birth as 1926? Seems wrong. One older chap remembered me from the building game ‘though I cannot recall him he was a tuckpainter named Wood, Clyde may know him.
How’s that safari jacket, I was looking forward to trucking around with that.
I just knocked off for a game of deck tennis – it was good fun. The swimming is great – nearly half an hour walk but most of the chaps run the greater part of it.
V 5 6 4 4 2 8
7 2 6
Well, Dad, that’s the lot for now. Things are just middling but I suppose we asked for it.
Oh yes. Beryl Linklater, the Manly girl, is engaged- looks like I’m leaving my run too late.
I hope Bet gets settled alright with a good crew. It will be an experience.
Now, cheerio & love to all.
