AN AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER'S LETTERS TO HIS FAMILY AT HOME IN SYDNEY IN WWII.
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.
_______________________________________________
2/3 PIONEER BN 2nd 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. -2nd Australian Imperial Force.
Volunteered to serve anywhere for duration of war and 12 months thereafter.
