DIARY ENTRIES.

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.

1992 to 1999 for IMPALA HOMES.

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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.

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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.

 

 

 

1941:NOVEMBER 3

3rd NOVEMBER 1941

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