SYDNEY ANZAC MARCH EARLY 2000s

RECEIVED ON NING

Hello Lynne,
I am new to this type of thing, so will start with an e-mail, as I have never created a blog before. First things first.
My name is Simone Wood and I have a twin sister – Nicole Dorward. We are grandaughters of James (Bluey) George Watson of the 2/3 Pioneers. He was also part of several other battalions as his brother kept calling him. James passed away last year, and there are only two member of this Battalion left in the Melbourne group. That is Stan Owler and Frank. We will be meeting the Sydney Pioneer members and families on Monday, are you part of this group? If so, will you be attending this meeing/gathering?
Nik and I went to Canberra War Memorial to find out more information about our Pa only two weeks ago, but they will be posting that information to us as they have it filed in Archieves. We had hoped to have this information prior to this gathering, SayLaVe?

If anyone knows anything of Bluey, do let us know and we will pass it on to Simone and her sister or post it on her Ning Page.

2/3 PIONEER BATTALION SOCIAL NETWORK

For those who would like to update info on their Pioneer or create a page of their own. follow this link.

http://secondthirdpioneerbattalion.ning.com/

FROM AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL SITE

2/3rd Pioneer Battalion

The 2/3rd Pioneer Battalion was raised in May 1940 at Glenfield, near Liverpool, with men mainly from the Sydney area. The battalion did its initial training at Glenfield, before moving to Cowra in September for further training. In March 1941 the 2/3rd moved to Darwin, where it became attached to elements of the 7th Division. In September the pioneers returned to Sydney and in November left Sydney as part of a convey going to the Middle East. The 2/3rd sailed on the Queen Mary, the same ship that brought them home 14 months later.

The battalion arrived in Egypt in the third week of November and travelled by train through Palestine, spending Christmas in Qastina. In January 1942 units from the 7th Division began returning to Australia. However, the 2/3rd moved to Syria and became attached to the 9th Division. The 2/3rd fought alongside the 9th Division for the rest of the war.

By July 1942 the battle in North Africa became critical for the British Eighth Army, with German and Italian forces reaching El Alamein in Egypt, about seventy miles from Alexandria. The 9th Division was rushed from Syria to the Alamein area and held the northern sector for almost four months as the Eighth Army reinforced for an offensive under new a commander.

The 2/3rd moved to Bir Abu Shinena, part of the “Alamein box”, at the start of August and became attached to the 24th Brigade. The pioneers replaced the 2/28th Infantry Battalion, which had suffered heavy casualties, and went into reserve. They helped defend the area and improve the defences before the Allied counter-attack in October.

The battalion played a prominent role in the heavy fighting around areas known as the “Saucer” and the “Blockhouse”. The operation was carried out at the end of October by two battalions from the 26th Brigade, a battalion from the 24th Brigade, three companies from the 2/3rd Pioneer Battalion, and a number of British tanks. The 2/3rd was directed to attack 3,000 yards directly north from the Saucer and take up a blocking position in the dunes near the coast. In the early hours of 30 October the pioneers had travelled only halfway when they were blocked by supporting artillery bombardment. Forced to leave their heavy weapons and ammunition behind in trucks, the pioneers continued on. At the break of dawn, however, they found themselves in another saucer, subject to enemy fire from three sides. But they had achieved their goal and virtually sealed-off the enemy in the coastal salient.

For the next two days the Australians defended their exposed positions. Many of their front positions were either captured or ground down by repeated German attacks. In the main Saucer, however, the Germans had less success, even though the eastern part of the Australian defence was pushed back south of the railway line. Fighting continued for the next couple of days and German forces were worn down. By 5 November Axis forces were falling back.

Between August and November the battalion suffered 28 men killed and 46 captured. Alamein was a vital, although bloody, success for the Allies and one of the war’s turning points. The 9th Division, however, was recalled to Australia to face a new enemy – the Japanese. The 2/3rd returned to Australia in early 1943.

After leave, the battalion underwent jungle training on the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland but would soon return to action. As part of the move to capture the Japanese base at Lae the 9th Division landed at Red Beach, north-west of the area, in September. Following Lae’s capture, the Australians made another landing at Scarlet Beach, near Finschhafen. The 2/3rd rejoined the division and in October participated in the successful defence of Scarlet Beach when the Japanese counter-attacked. When the fighting was over, the pioneer’s reverted to their engineering role, working on the Satelburg Road and other locations on New Guinea’s northern coast supporting the Huon Peninsula campaign.

The 2/3rd returned to Australia in March 1944, disembarking in Brisbane. After leave, the battalion reformed at Ravenshoe in May and did not go into action again until the final months of the war.

Devised towards the end of the war, the OBOE operations were designed to reoccupy areas of the Netherlands East Indies with the 9th and 7th Divisions making amphibious landings on Borneo. The 9th Division landed on Tarakan in May and on Labuan Island and Brunei Bay in June. The 7th Division land at Balikpapan in July.

In order to support the landing at Tarakan, Australian troops first landed on Sadau. A detachment from the 2/3rd worked as gun crews on the landing craft that took the men ashore. When the 26th Brigade landed on Tarakan, the pioneers were assigned to the 2nd Beach Group. On 4 May the battalion relieved the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion and began patrolling the Tarakan township and around the Pamoesian oilfield. The next day they began clearing the Japanese from high ground to the east of the town.

On 5 May two companies from the 2/3rd advanced eastward along John’s Track and found two Japanese positions – called the “Helen” and the “Sadie” – on each side. The positions were overcome with persistent attacks from the pioneers supported by heavy artillery, naval concentrations, and napalm air strikes. They were finally occupied on 14 May. At the same time elements of the pioneers reached the coast and captured the Japanese defences. Corporal John Bernard Mackey was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his involvement in the fight for the Helen.

By the end of June the fighting was over on Tarakan and Japan surrendered in August. The 2/3rd gradually thinned, as men were discharged or transferred. In January 1946 the remaining troops returned to Australia and the battalion was disbanded shortly after.

My Grandfather George Eric KENNEDY NX46815 joined the 2/3rd Pioneers in Newcastle in 1940. He was attached to B Company as a Corporal and travelled to the Middle East with the Battalion on the Queen Mary. Prior to this the boys built military camps in Cowra as well as the top end. Pop served in Syria before being transferred to El Alamein where he performed tasks such as the removal of mines with some of the British Engineers prior to the major battles. I am led to believe that he was seriously wounded in the early stages of the El Alamein offensive (October 1942) after the vehicle in which he was travelling hit a landmine. Pop survived with serious injuries for 3 days before help arrived, keeping alive a British engineer who had lost his arm during the explosion. All others on board were killed. I am led to believe that the area in which they had been blown up sustained some serious artillery fire for the 3 days prior to being found. Pop suffered a fractured spine and was subsequently placed in a plaster cast for 3 months and was discharged in 1943 medically unfit, having to learn to walk again. He returned to Australia on the Hospital Ship WONGANELLA.
.
Due to his injuries Pop found it hard to maintain a full time job, however worked after the War in the Agricultural Department. He lived on the North Coast of New South Wales at Bangalow where both he and his wife Ruth raised two son’s. Pop passed away in 2005 aged 88 and was always proud of his Army Days. I now have his medals and a lot of other small momento’s including his discharge papers and a very rare copy of the first edition of the 2/3rd Pioneer magazine which lists all the original members. I would be happy for anyone who is a decendant of these men to contact me for the little information that I have. Pop never spoke much about his experiences but I am very proud that he served overseas and I miss him terribly. He was the President of the local RSL Club for over 40 years and was immensely Proud of his position.
.
Lest We Forget
.
Peter KENNEDY (Grandson)

Hi
I have been trying to reach the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion Association but have been unable to find a contact.  My father-in law Noel Eldershaw MacDougall passed away on 7th July at the age of 92.  He fought bravely with the 2/3 Battalion after enlisting in Armidale with the Light Horse with Mr Peter Tindal, Mr Brian Hughes, Mr Mac McKenzie and Mr. Fitzgerald all of Grafton and was later transferred to Cowra.  These men remained closest friends all their lives.
Mr MacDougall lived at "Marengo Ebor", the property held by his family for over a century. He was a wonderful stockman and a gentleman – true legend in the area.  No one knew the Chalundi bush like he did. He loved his land, his cattle and his horses (both work horses and racehorses) but unfortunately had to live in the Dorrigo Community Health Centre for the last years of his life. He was well looked after there but he always yearned for his bush and his dogs. 
Mr MacDougall was married to Lesley Shannon (deceased) of Mackey and had three sons, Alister, Angus (deceased) and Graham and ten grandchildren.  Kirsty, Peta, Henry and Stuart (Graham’s children), Minnie, Tim, Sarah and Harry (Angus’s children) and Scott and Ryan (Alister’s children)
A funeral will be held at the Anglican Cathedral in Grafton at 10am Tuesday July 21st.
If you would like more information please contact me.
Regards
Robyn MacDougall

His funeral will be held at the Anglican cathedral in Grafton on 21st July at 10am. 

Hello Robyn, I shall try to find the phone numbers for the men who write the PIONEER Newsletter. I am sure they would like to know of your father-in-law’s passing. I knew Brian Hughes well when I was growing up and I am frequently in Ebor, Dorrigo and now live near Grafton. I would like to attend the funeral as a representative of My Dad and will do what I can to let the official Pioneers know. My condolences to you and the family. Yrs Lynne. P.S Thank you for the story. This is what my father was hoping we could gradually put together so that none of them is forgotten and so that their stories do not begin when the war began nor end when it ended. Yrs.

MARK GLEASE (grandson of A.K. BYRNE) is planning a trip to Egypt and would appreciate info on sites to visit and areas of interest to 2/3 Pioneers.

Hi There,
A group of us that are descendant of 2/3 Pioneer battalion diggers here in Melbourne march on behalf of the unit every Anzac day. There is a fir tree dedicated to the unit on the main walk to the shrine and we also every 12th of May hold a service there and at the eternal flame to commemorate the life and death of Bluey Mackey VC. We only have a couple of original serving diggers from the unit left and have been trying to build a network of decendants down here.
In September we will be making a pilgramidge to Cowra to try to find the last survivors of the unit and their descendants in the hope that we can keep maintain and preserve the well known passion of the group.
Any help or contact would be much appreciated.
Darryl Wilson, 2/3 Pioneer Battalion Association – Melbourne Branch (or remnants there of).

GDay
My dad Gordon Schomberg was in the 2/3 pioneers and is still alive and living on the central coast N.S.W. I would be very interested in helping in any way I can. As the youngest child and dads girl I was the only one to follow in his footsteps, becoming a corp in signals corp at the old Kelvin Grounds Barracks. Please if I can help don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully
J Schomberg
Daughter

My grandfathers name was Alfred Keith Byrne, went by the name of Keith Byrne.
Joined the battalion from Paddington in 41, travelled to the middle east and was wounded in the Left heel. After returning to Australia, he rejoined the 2/3 PNR’s for the trip to PNG, however was injured loosing a finger and subsequently separated from the PNR’s after arriving in PNG. He was attached to a field hospital in Port Moresby, and became a stretcher bearer for the rest of the action.
He lived in Dundas near Parramatta with his wife and daughter until he died in the 60’s. Was a member of the Parramatta RSL.
This is all the info i have unfortunately.
regards,
Mark

(Mark Glease)

AS COMPILED BY BRUCE SANDERS BEGINNING ANZAC DAY 2000 AND CONCLUDING WITH HIS DEATH IN JUNE 2005.

JOIN THE 2/3 PIONEER FAMILY AND FRIENDS COMMUNITY.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN THE ROLL.

ASI TAP	AGE DEC’D YR OF DEATH	SURNAME BIRTH AWARDS	GIVEN NAME ’NICK’	NX OR ? RANK COYS POST	ENLIST OCCP’N	CAMPS	SHIPS	ACTIONS	DIS CHAR OCCP’N	POST DISCHARGE	WIFE DAUGH SONS ETC
		ANDREWS	JOE	D				TA Wd
		ANGEL	A.E.	D		CO
	1989	ANNERSELY	REG C	NX 50993	MERRYLANDS	L G CO DA M K	Q1 Q2 AN	AL NG		SPRINGFIELD TOONGABBIE	WIFE DAPHNE
		ANNIG	GEO
		APPLEDORFF	BERT P	90716	CREMORNE	M B K R	Q2 AN SC	AL NG TA		BROOKVALE
		ARANDALE	J.J.	42048		M	Q1
	1997	ARCHIBALD	JOHN A	82423 D. A.	BONDI	B	Q2 AN SC	AL NG TA		PENSHURST
		ARCHIBALD	B.P	82432		K R		NG TA
		ARKLEY	A. V. ’BLUE’	33909		L G CO DA M K	Q1 Q2 AN	AL NG		NEW LAMPTON
		ARMOUR	N
		ARMSTRONG	JOE	HQ	MEREWETHER BUTCHER
		ARMSTRONG	N.F.	177710 COL. G.	MANLY			TA		CARLINGFORD. MANLY
		ARMSTRONG	R.G.	94820 D		K R	AN SC	NC	KIA
		ARMSTRONG	REG. M.	45827	WARATAH	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		NEW LAMPTON
		ARMSTRONG	T.S.	D		CO
		ARMSTRONG	V.J.	VX54383 D		M K R	Q1 Q2 AN	NG
		ARNOLD	C		DOCTOR	M K R	Q1 Q2 AN	NG		CONDOBLIN
		ARNOLD	A.W.P	B		CO
		ARTHUR	W.E.	SX7346		M	Q2
	89	ASHCROFT	ARTHUR E	88804 SIG	HURSTVILLE	M ’B’	Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		HURSTVILLE
	73	ASHLEY	CHAS ’CHIC’	80147 CPL	HARRIS PARK	M ’B’ K R	Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA	PARRA COUNCIL	PARRAMATTA
		ASHTON	KEN			DAR
		ASHTON	ROLEY J	125716 HQ	YOUNG	R	SC	TA		BURRAWA?
		ASHTON	R.K.	D		CO
		ASPINALL	EVAN	54728 SGT A	GUNDAGAI	L G CO DA M K R	QQ1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA
		ASPINALL	L	178622 A	BONDI	R		TA
		ASTLE 10.1.22	DEVON G	VX87260 L/CPL G	15-12-41 MOTHER V PENGULLA	R		TA		RINGWOOD VIC
	81	ATKIN	RICHARD L	31989 D. SIG	WILLOUGHBY	CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		ARTARMON	NANCY
		ATKINS	T.O.	D		CO
	79	ATKINSON	F.A.	30640 CPL		CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN	AL NG WD
		ATKINSON	L.G.	75217 SIG		R		TA
	1984	ATKISNON	ROBERT	43951	NORTHMEAD	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA. WD.		PARRAMATTA	PHYLLIS
		ATKINSON	W.F.	57766 A		CO DA M	Q1	AL
A4		AUBERSON	J.F.	31755 5 PL		L G CO DA M		Q1 Q2 KL SC	AL NG TA
A4		AULD	H	32723		L G CO DA M K	Q1 Q2 AN KL	AL NG
	1988	AURISCH M.I.D	G. BEN	32963 WO2 C	LEICHARDT	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA Wd	COUNCIL SUPERVISOR	LEICHARDT
		AUSTIN	W.T.	QX 24452
	1995 aged 73	AVARD 6-12-1922 ROTARY AWARD	LEN J	127628 C	31-10-41 LUGARNO	K	AN KL	NG	3-8-44 SYDNEY BUILDER	RIVERWOOD	JEAN
	1989 aged 72	AVARD 20-9-12	WM G	33136 C	WIFE INVERELL	M ’B’ K		AL NG WD		LUGARNO	J
		AVARD	W. G	88745 C		M ’B’	Q2 Q1 AN	NG
	1989	AXON	KEN H	65308 CPL C	MOSMAN	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA	FORESTRY	GUNDEROO	MAVIS
	1991	AYERS	JOHN K	SX9088 CAPT A A/A	MILLSWOOD SA	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA	LAND	ADELAIDE	PEG
	1996	AYERS	K R	28203		M K R	Q1 Q2	AL NG TA
		AYRES	E.J.	A		CO
	1991	AYRTON	ERN C.	40376 TRAN SPORT	NARRABRI	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN SC	AL NG TA	S.C.C	BANKSTOWN	MARY

FOR EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED AND CODE GO TO THIS LINK.   http://brucesanders.wordpress.com/a-s-i-t-a-p-the-roll-of-the-23-pioneer-battalion-aif/

http://secondthirdpioneerbattalion.ning.com/

AS COMPILED BY BRUCE SANDERS BEGINNING ANZAC DAY 2000 AND CONCLUDING WITH HIS DEATH IN JUNE 2005.

ASI TAP	AGE DEC’D YR OF DEATH	SURNAME BIRTH AWARDS	GIVEN NAME ’NICK’	NX OR ? RANK COYS POST	ENLIST OCCP’N	CAMPS	SHIPS	ACTIONS	DIS CHAR OCCP’N	POST DISCHARGE	WIFE DAUGH SONS ETC
		ADAMSON	C.F.	NX27929		M	Q1 Q2
	1990	ADLINGTON	ROBT C	VX 121171 HQ	WAGGA	R	SC	TA		COROWA
	2001	AINSWORTH	R.R.	154980 A	BEXLEY	R		TA		BEXLEY
	1979	AITKEN	EDW J	26961		L G CO DA. M	Q1	AL		CHARLES TOWN
		AKERSTON	W.J.	WX 22060 B		R		TA	to 53AA
		ALBURY	E.H.	134302 C	RYDE	R		TA
		ALEXANDER	A	WX 52928 A
		ALEXANDER	C.E.	VX 53734		M	Q1
		ALEXANDER	J.F.	1775			AN	NG
		ALEXANDER	GEO P	33601 B		L G CO DA M	Q1 Q2	AL		NEWTOWN
	1988	ALEXANDER	RON P	VX 130701 LT A	MELBOURNE ENGINEER	K R	KL SC	NG TA		BLACKTOWN	WIFE ADA
		ALLBON	A	VX 79605 D		M K	Q2
		ALLEN	H.H.	46386 LT		R
		ALLEN	H.R.	VX 52766 L/CPL A		M K R	Q1 Q2 AN SC	AL NG Wd TA		PASCOE VALE VIC
	1971	ALLEN	JACK	53188 CPL 6PL	NEWTOWN	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		GREENACRE
	1986	ALLEN	RON C	VX 118531 A SIG		R	KL SC	TA		PASCOE VALE VIC	SON. RON
		ALLISON	A.J.	79605		R		TA
	78 1998	ALLSOPP 8-11-1920	ALBERT C	NX 53827 C	14-10-1941 FATHER. TAMWORTH	R		TA
		ALLWORK	H.C.	59263 5 PL		CO DA M	Q1
	1965	ALMOND	S ’SCORCHY’	50659 6PL	BONDI	DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA
		ALSOP MID 1995	A.K.	SX 33118 BHQ		R		TA
		AMEDE	VINCE W	111587		DA M K R	AL NG TA			CROWS NEST
		AMPHLETT	K.W.	VX 131217 HQ		R	SC	TA
A2	84 1998	ANDERSON	ARCH	54750 SGT C	27-6-1940 F. MO FIVEDOCK TELEGRAPH POINT	G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL Wd NG TA Wd		CREMORNE WAMBAD	WIFE ELIZA BETH
		ANDERSON	A. FRED	56784 MG		DA M K	Q1 Q2 AN	AL NG		GRANVILLE NEWTOWN
		ANDERSON	C.F.	WX 22242 L’CPL B		R		TA
		ANDERSON	CHRIS N	55631 SGT BAND	WIFE. WEST RYDE	L G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		WEST RYDE
A2		ANDERSON 1916	DAVE B	54751 SGT C. SIG	27-6-40 FATHER FIVE DOCK ACCOUNTANT	G CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		NEWPORT	DAU. HAZEL D.1 S.1
		ANDERSON 3-10-1913	DOUG K	SX 20445 C	23-1-1942 FATHER SA EDINBURGH	R	SC	TA
A1	78 1983	ANDERSON 4-3-1905 E.D. M.I.D.(3)	JOHN A ’ANDY’ ’MOLLY’	35033 C.O. LT COL B 21C	WIFE. MAROUBRA ACCOUNTANT	SH L G CO DA M KL SC	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG TA		WAMBERAL	WIFE PEG SON ALEX
	1965	ANDERSON	KEITH W	32438 C		L G CO DA M K	Q1 Q2 AN	AL NG	MP NSW	BONDI	KATH
		ANDERSON	W. S.J.	QX 53879 HQ		R	SC	TA
		ANDREWS	HAROLD J	81393 COOK C. B.	BALLINA	M B K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG Wd TA
		ANDREWS	J.E	34120 5 PL BAND		CO DA M K R	Q1 Q2 AN KL SC	AL NG

ACTIONS

AL=ALAMEIN

NG=NEWGUINEA

TA=TARAKAN

CAMPS

DA=DAMASCUS

L-LIVERPOOL

G=GLENFIELD

CA=CAMPBELLTOWN

CO=COWRA

R=RAVENSHOE

MILITARY TERMS

CPL=CORPORAL

COY=COMPANY. NAMELY –A. B. C. D. COMPANIES. 

HQ =HEADQUARTERS

PL=PLATOON

Wd=WOUNDED

SHIPS

Q1=QUEEN MARY FIRST VOYAGE

Q2=QUEEN MARY SECOND VOYAGE

AS COMPILED BY BRUCE SANDERS BEGINNING ANZAC DAY 2000 AND CONCLUDING WITH HIS DEATH IN JUNE 2005.

ACTIONS

AL=ALAMEIN

TA=TARAKAN

CAMPS

L-LIVERPOOL

G=GLENFIELD

CA=CAMPBELLTOWN

CO=COWRA

MILITARY TERMS

CPL=CORPORAL

COY=COMPANY. NAMELY –A. B. C. D. COMPANIES.  HQ =HEADQUARTERS

PL=PLATOON

Wd=WOUNDED

SHIPS

Q1=QUEEN MARY FIRST VOYAGE

Q2=QUEEN AMRY SECOND VOYAGE

Due to re-location from Tweed to Clarence, there will be a break between posts. The Clarence residence incorporates a study area of considerable dimensions and a fine view over Big River Country. Bear with me till I am settled in. Many Thanks.

BRUCE SANDERS NX27395

Before enlisting, home, Ham and Beef Shop. 584 New Canterbury Road, Hurlstone Park.

Proprietor: FATHER. JOHN GEORGE SANDERS.

SCHOOLS

B.S. Married JOYCE BELL. Born 29-11-1926, Died 28-8-2001. from ROSEBERY at MASCOT. 23-10-1948.

B.S. lived

CHILDREN.

“SUPREMA PETO” = AIM FOR THE HIGHEST.

Motto – PETERSHAM INTERMEDIATE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

2/3 PIONEER BATTALION ASSOCIATION.

MAY 1940.

BORN ne’er soldier to be

Then Dunkirk thunder’d o’er the sea.

Britons fighting that all be free.

To join them, comes the call to me.

B.S.

WHY ?

“ Peace for the kids, our brothers freed,

A kinder world, a cleaner breed.” Anon. Soldier of the 8th Army.

Quoted at the unveiling of Alamein Memorial. 24 October 1954.

BRUCE WITH HIS FATHER JOHN  GEORGE SANDERS ON ENLISTMENT DAY.

This diary started 23 March 2002 Saturday from 1982 diary donated by Russell Green who BS (BRUCE SANDERS) worked for from 1967 to 1992 for NEETA HOMES and war diaries , notes , memories.

Russell Green owes B.S. $11567.

_______________________________________________ 

2/3 PIONEER BN 2^nd A.I.F.  

“PIONEER BATTALION”- trained to fight as infantry or to carry out comparatively simple engineering work. WWII – Corps troops, not of a Brigade.

Hence triangular colour patch.

PURPLE = engineering.

“PIONEER” – to open or prepare a way.

“PIONEER” – one of a body of foot soldiers detailed to make roads, entrenchments etc in advance of the main body.

“PIONEER” – one who clears the way for others.

_______________________________

FORMED – GLENFIELD NSW JULY 1940

FIRST complete battalion overland to Darwin. 1941.

LAST complete battalion by ship to Middle East. 1941.

ATTACHED 6 Div Syria, 7 Div Syria, 8 Div Darwin, 9 Div Syria, Palestine, Egypt, New Guinea (NEW GUINEA), Tarakan, Australia.

Colour patch = Purple – engineering. White – infantry. Grey – A.I.F. -2^nd Australian Imperial Force.

Volunteered to serve anywhere for duration of war and 12 months thereafter.

That puts the skeleton of the letters in place. I shall now begin searching for any missing details and attempting to determine a way of arranging them which makes more sense. I shall close with this image of a XMAS card which I have just found on a floppy. I think the original was sent to the AWM with Dad’s other papers. As far as I recall, it was the card sent on the Xmas of his mother’s death and arrived, perhaps after she had passed away. I shall check for verification.

NX27395.

W.O.11. B. Sanders.

C. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.

A.I.F.

19 Aug 45.

Dear Dad,

          Writing is proving difficult but I must say something however on this really great day.

At long last , it seems over & I can imagine the depths of feelings to which you must be roused. Thousands have lost dear ones in this turmoil & you & we children have indeed suffered our loss – I feel this war & the consequent enlistment of Clyde & myself  did much to try Mum’s endurance & proved too much – again, I am glad that you will be free from the ever-present concern for my well-being.

I am finding waiting a little hard to accept – selfish, I suppose, but you probably understand-anyhow I do hope to be home before Xmas. Well before, I hope.

The P.W.s will rightly take priority now & in that , we all agree but expect to be next on the list. It has been along time without a break.

We are all proud & happy to have seen the show through. A gratifying feeling.

I think the atomic bomb was the factor & am mighty glad it came to light for when all is considered, the Jap started this war & his was the choice.

Your last Sunday’s letter came to-day.

The padre gave me morning tea after service & we, with a couple of others had a very nice chat. He is a good sport & has a sister whom attends the H.P. C. of E. Miss McAllister.

If ,as I expect, I am back in October, then the whole situation is excellent -  I should be able to settle down , have a spell & clean up by January & then into the toil. Lovely prospects!

Financially my position is very good & I should say, better than had the soldiering not intervened.

Physically, well we shall see. Probably just a matter of cleaning tropics & malaria out of the system.

Well, Dad, we’ll battle on & hope to see you soon. Cheerio, hope you are well & all the family.

Goodnight,

Love,

          Bruce.

_________________________

NX27395.

W.O.11. B. Sanders.

C. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.

A.I.F.

7 Sep 45.

Dear Dad,

            I have neglected to write this week because there have been pictures each evening ‘til now & being so restless, I went to each one. Wed. night the rains came & we were all thoroughly soaked.

A letter finally came from Mr. Roads. He sounds very confident so things look promising. As to a move, I know nothing – Mr. Roads seemed to think his application would claim me- we’ll see.

No answer from Fergusons. I hope they are able to fix me. I do want to start out looking respectable.

The matter of tools I have not considered much, but if Mr. Roads will give me his kit I shall purchase them from him.

With the latest orders I find myself blessed with over 100 days leave & that adds up to a tidy sun indeed.

And it seems likely  we shall have our other status up for the final leave, all of which should make one happy.

The whole surrender situation is promising to turn out satisfactory – the P.W. stories are grim generally but I trust McArthur to handle the show best.

The cook’s turned on two delightful meals of cooked local fish this week & an excellent change from the tinned stuff..

Often in many places, I have dreamed of the final trip home with no blackout & now, the paper says it is to be so. If it is in company with Poss & the other, then I’ll have no complaints.

For now, cheerio, Dad. I trust all are well. See you later.

Love,

            Bruce.

___________________

NX27395.

W.O.11. B. Sanders.

C. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.

A.I.F.

12 Sep 45.

Dear Dad,

          Still on this isle & hoping for each day to bring our mercy ship – the routine is hard to bear.

The censorship is off but that makes little difference to me, having usually had gentlemen to sign my correspondence.

The points system has been calculated & a fine show for the young chaps- it means that fellows who have not been in a show will beat our youngsters who have been in the three. Good old Govt. Mr. Forde was shown on a newsreel this week, speaking on his return from  San Francisco & I should have liked him to have heard the reception accorded to his

“ fighting” speech.

We saw photos of some of our chaps arriving in Aust.

The star ribbons may be issued this week, our final spot of glamour.

So much for now. I’ll close, trusting all are well.

Cheerio,

            Bruce.

_____________________________

NX27395.

W.O.11. B. Sanders.

C. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.

A.I.F.

12 Sep 45.

Dear Dad,

          Still on this isle & hoping for each day to bring our mercy ship – the routine is hard to bear.

The censorship is off but that makes little difference to me, having usually had gentlemen to sign my correspondence.

The points system has been calculated & a fine show for the young chaps- it means that fellows who have not been in a show will beat our youngsters who have been in the three. Good old Govt. Mr. Forde was shown on a newsreel this week, speaking on his return from  San Francisco & I should have liked him to have heard the reception accorded to his

“ fighting” speech.

We saw photos of some of our chaps arriving in Aust.

The star ribbons may be issued this week, our final spot of glamour.

So much for now. I’ll close, trusting all are well.

Cheerio,

Bruce.

_____________________________

NX27395.

W.O.11. B. Sanders.

C. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.

A.I.F.

29 Sep 45.

Dear Dad,

          Your letters have come regularly but we 5 year men are in the balance here and not pleased with things. However we hope still.

To-day was disappointing as we saw fellows with much shorter service go on board, most of them occupational releases. The points system for the remainder is , to our hands, very unfair , but it seems to be in force & to stay. Poss & the others are like me, rather disgruntled.

A letter came from Fergusons to-day & I look like being lucky for one suit anyway. Also came a letter from Tech expressing the hope that I could continue my correspondence course but, as things are, I won’t until I get back & settled.

Rose Beard wrote from England – main comment on the lend-lease – adverse. Bob should be on his way soon if not already.

Jack Young , the carpenter, write & assured me Mr. Roads had applied for me & advising to stick with the Boss on the smaller buildings.

Glad to see the excellent work on recovery of P.W.s we have Japs working each day here. Scores of them , miserable is probably the best description to apply. They are servile- bowing- – & yet one can detect arrogance & treachery among them.

As we have frequently stated of date, our duty in the future is to remind our people of the atrocities which have been perpetrated.

I think it is quite evident that complacency will set in unless we do & say plenty.

As for the remarkable attitude of the strikers on the Indonesian question, one would be optimistic to expect anything better.

Fred Harrison is well up in the insurance game.

Well so much for now & I hope this letter-writing will be unnecessary shortly. Many problems come to mind re post-war but I had better leave them ‘til my return.

Could you take the stripes off the safari jacket & any shirts. It appears as if I shall retain W.O. rank & the shirts will have the patch showing where the stripes have been. Sun may take it out.

Cheerio, now. Trust all are well.

See you soon,

Love,

          Bruce.

__________________________

NX27395.

W.O.11. B. Sanders.

C. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.

A.I.F.

10 Oct 45.

Dear Dad,

          It does appear that Sunday will see our departure from Tarakan & very pleased we will be.

My rank has been confirmed so I shall leave this army as a W.O.11.

Yesterday the final Bn. Parade was held on the 2/48 Bn. Ground with the Force Band assisting. Of course there were few of the old Bn. Present – the C.O. Lt. Col. Anderson briefly addressed the parade & handed over to Brig. Whitehead, commander of the 26 Brigade who directed the ops on Tarakan.

The Brig spoke of the Bn’s efforts stating that the task of a Pioneer Bn. Is a dual one – engineering and infanteering & consequently, such units usually excel in one and rather lapse on the other- but as Force Commander he said the 2/3 Pioneers on Tarakan did both jobs well – in the John’s Track- Helen’s Hill scrap, he could pay no greater compliment than that none of his Inf. Bns could have done the job better.

So, we say, so-long to five years & more in a cracker unit & no regrets.

Poss, Dave, Alf & the others should all be with me on this trip. A fitting finale.

So cheerio, Dad. Hope you & all are well.

Love,

Bruce.

The Bn. Received a D.C.M. and M.C. last week for the Helen’s Hill task.

The 1945 letters leave some of the later months to be retrieved from PUBLISHER on Floppy discs due to duplication of Aug-December. Bear with me as I attempt this feat. I have found the pile of floppies which, I think, hold more images as well as diary and Lucky Fellow stories. I will post these as I am able to locate and convert. I shall then proceed to some active editing. Your patience is appreciated. Lynne. P.S. If Chris McCarthy reads this, I would like to have his contact details once more as they have vanished from my records. Thank you Chris and apologies for the seeming rudeness of neglect. 

1945 – JUNE – AUGUST

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

1945 -JANUARY -JUNE

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

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 30^th 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 4^th in his wing & Mac was very close to him. Poss was 5^th 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 4^th 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 30^th 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 4^th in his wing & Mac was very close to him. Poss was 5^th 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 4^th 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 – JULY – OCTOBER

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

NX27395.

Sgt. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr  Bn.

A.I.F.

24.7.44.

Dear Dad,

          Your letter arrived yesterday. I guess you’re pleased that the financial business is completed. It is nice to see the bank balance going up. Though I dare to hope now, that before we next venture overseas a little withdrawal will be needed to cope with a spot of leave. Nothing definite, but hope. And I could enjoy it.

I feel quiet O.K. & have had an interesting couple of days doing the C.S.M.s job in his temporary absence. Struck a busy time but have managed  O.K. with much help from Poss , Dave & others. ex- militia fellows are joining us amongst them , N.C.O.s who therefore prevent our boys from going higher- a bad show but nothing can be done.

Finally ran out of money this week so am drawing a tenner ,as on the 31^st we hope to have a happy anniversary of the unit’s formation. Offrs & Sgts are expected to help out with fatigues & 160 gallons of beer plus sports , concert & supper. Looks good!

Young Alf Pallister is endeavouring to get special leave as his mother is to undergo a serious operation in early Sept. don’t know if he’ll get it.

Had Clyde written yet? Has me beat.

Your beer mate is mighty handy. We had quite a night on Tuesday. Managed about  four bottles each , a tot of rum, couple of whiskeys, thrashed out our grouches & I had my pocket thoroughly p——- in by a chap with whom I did a school in Syria. Of course I liked it, & who doesn’t like to hear a little praise, even under the weather as we very nearly were. Then we adjourned to the tent & devoured a drop of something which May sent up, allegedly medicinal brandy- some reckon it was hair oil.

Don’t worry ‘though, for such flings are rare & they provide a good outlet for pent-up feelings which one can plainly see in the boys.

Poss sends respects. He’s restless like all of us but mainly because he thinks he has the right girl at last. And the his heart must be worrying him.

The news has just come in & the Jap. Cabinet resignation is good news. No more so than that from all fronts. Really marvellous. It seems the plan of Winnie , Roosevelt & Joe is coming to fruition & we can hope for more than we dared a month or so ago. Maybe we’ll miss another stoush but that is dangerous talk.

One of out go-ahead lads has organised hamburger & coffee for the coy. To-night. We also have our daily pint of milk still.

Last night went to the open-air theatre & I saw a show which I had seen at the A.G.H.but practically any show is worth sitting out. One interesting short was showing the construction of Mosquito bombers in Aus. I’d very much like to be a carpenter at work on them. They are all on wood frame. And fast!

Well, I’ll trot along now, Dad, & will write to Vera to-morrow or Saturday.

Love to the girls & yourself.

Hope you are well & happy.

Cheers

Bruce.

NX27395.

Sgt. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr  Bn.

A.I.F.

1 Aug. 44.

Dear Dad,

          I have  just written to Bet & there is little left to tell.

Yesterday’s celebrations were enjoyable & the football really grand. I might go in for the soccer as the League has too many top-notchers. We have a good Bn. Team.

Tomorrow , our Coy plays B. in the final of the knockout & it should be a wow.

I am still doing the C.S.M. job but doubt if any rise will come from it. Seems to be too many spares & vacancies are filled up from outside.

It has been a busy period & with a company twice as big as a rifle show, I reckon I could easily handle the other after this.

I’ve had a couple of “blues” with the “pips”   recently & I guess a couple of them might have it in for me. All our chaps are the same. We’ve got some new stand-over blokes & we’re just not going to be stood over.

Well, I’m stumped so I’ll say goodnight. Hope you are well.

          Cheerio &

                   Love,

                             Bruce.

 Officers.

NX27395.

Sgt. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pnr  Bn.

A.I.F.

1 Aug. 44.

Dear Dad,

          I have  just written to Bet & there is little left to tell.

Yesterday’s celebrations were enjoyable & the football really grand. I might go in for the soccer as the League has too many top-notchers. We have a good Bn. Team.

Tomorrow , our Coy plays B. in the final of the knockout & it should be a wow.

I am still doing the C.S.M. job but doubt if any rise will come from it. Seems to be too many spares & vacancies are filled up from outside.

It has been a busy period & with a company twice as big as a rifle show, I reckon I could easily handle the other after this.

I’ve had a couple of “blues” with the “pips”   recently & I guess a couple of them might have it in for me. All our chaps are the same. We’ve got some new stand-over blokes & we’re just not going to be stood over.

Well, I’m stumped so I’ll say goodnight. Hope you are well.

          Cheerio &

                   Love,

                             Bruce.