NX27395
Sanders. B.
Sgt H.Q.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
5 JAN 1945
Dear Dad,
In answer to your letter, still plodding on & not over-enthusiastic about things in general. Work is on again after the holiday & is rather hard to take with some chaps on leave & us here.
The potato situation is the same up here, very scarce.
We had a good comedy here last night. Bob Hope in “ Road To
The usual group had a few in New Year’s Eve but the supply is restricted . since then we endeavour to fill our time with games & time-tests with the guns.
I have submitted several lessons each in drawing & theory but have not received any correction yet.
A very enjoyable swimming carnival was held on Monday. Poss swam well, was in the winning relay team his heart trouble seems to be forgotten. Some of the lads delight in challenging the Snakes ( that’s we Sgts.) to everything the results are about even.
The heat is pretty terrific at times for basketball but the swim is A.1.
The mobile cinema showed a special Xmas film for the Forces, rather corny, I thought, except for the Noale Choir which sung a poem to the tune of an old hymn – it was really inspiring. Harold Williams was the Soloist.
Well, I’ll say cheerio, Dad. Trusting you, the girls, Gran & aunt are well.
Goodnight,
Love,
NX27395
Sanders. B.
Sgt H.Q Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
12 Jan.45.
Dear Dad,
Your letter came yesterday. We had a Boxing Night so I did not write.
Fortunately we’ve had quite a few days of interesting speed work on the guns & hope to match some other shows to- morrow. The lads are handling excellently & surprisingly keen.
Liquor is very scarce & perhaps just as well, although a daily bottle of beer would do us good and be enjoyable.
I daresay you’ve received my wire for tennis balls. The idea is that we have made half a dozen courts, just dirt but with 5 ply bats. We have grand games very similar to ordinary tennis. We have improvised nets & the lads are flat out playing . the hitch is balls- they wear quickly & very hard to obtain. I hoped, if the situation was explained that Jack Moynihan or someone down there could help us out. The game is cracker to keep their minds ( & ours) occupied & is great exercise. The balls we have are just about done.
I am lucky in having those “ sneakers” in which to play. Sandshoes are unprocurable up here making it hard on the chaps’ feet.
And we are still at our deck quoits & basketball – the gang is nicely tanned & not in bad nick.
The leave situation is unchanged. We are hoping.
To-morrow is a big gymkhana & Sports Day as a preliminary to a Div. Show. We compete against several other units & would like to win with the guns. In our Bn. Trial to-day, the two guns got into action beautifully in 1 min 41 secs which is smooth going & there was no panic unless it was me & I am not actually in the show. The new fellows are excellently trained & mixing well with the old hands. There are now three Sgts. In our Pl.- Poss, myself & Albert Henderson, who is an extra good N.C.O.
Some of our lads are only 19 – born 1926. It seems incredible. And most of them reckon I am at least 28 so I think I shall apply for a board on war neurosis. They are good kids & we become almost like mothers in some things. We also wonder if our antics at that age were as crazy as theirs. Some of them can talk.
Well, Dad, I’ll close at that. Best wishes to Grandma & Aunt. Hope things are better. Love to the girls. Its mot much use writing this meagre news again to them. So cheerio,
NX27395
Sanders. B.
Sgt H.Q.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
20 JAN 1945
Dear Dad,
Pleased to hear from you on Wed, since then we have been moved to a spot for the Div. Sports which were held yesterday & turned out to be an enjoyable day.
Our group held the lead up till the woodchop, when two others headed us. In the elimination last Sat. our guns were downed but put up a creditable performance.
To-day brings a country race meeting & a few athletic events.
Last night we saw Bob Hope in “ Ghost Breakers.” Had a good laugh.
Altogether, the stunt has been a worthwhile break.
A personal item, over which I am not too happy & that is, my name has been submitted for a M.G. School, Feb 1 to middle of March making my leave outlook delicate. Of course, the knobs will not listen to any reasons for not going despite my previous successful courses so I seem to be trapped.
I’m afraid I’ll be driven to some drastic words, one of these days. There are quite a few alleged officers around here who need a mighty lot of instruction. One instance, the O.C. of the last school I did was court-martialled for playing up with an A.W.A..S. and – he submitted reports on students’ characters. One can derive a great deal of confidence by comparison of oneself with rats like that.
Thanks for sending the balls. They will help along wonderfully. The game is very popular & keeps the gang occupied.
That’s about all now, Dad, so I’ll close, trusting the girls are well.
Cheerio & love to all,
Love, Bruce.
NX27395
Sanders. B.
Sgt H.Q.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
26 JAN 1945
Dear Dad,
In answer to your letter & thanks for the tennis balls which are excellent, much better condition than I had hoped for. The games are in full swing & the boys make the most of it.
Next week I go to this school, cannot get out of it. Alf came back yesterday. He did very well with 78%.
Things are quiet here. We’ve been trying the new team out at the guns & some of them shape excellently. Just now, I am on guard.
Several of us went in to a church in town near which we were bivouaced last Sunday & the service was one of the brightest I have attended for ages. A loud-spoken , red-haired padre kept things going & made the singing vigorous. The boys really enjoyed it.
Now, Dad, excuse the brevity, but that’s all there is so cheerio, love to the girls & trust Aunt & Grandma are well.
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
1 FEB 1945
Dear Dad,
The rain has been extremely heavy & so no mail has come through for a day or two & this may be delayed.
Little change has taken place & we are still in a quandary. As per the address you will see I am in a different company & have been spared the school, to which Albert Henderson is going.
The rain has caused the curtailment of most of our activities ‘though the tennis was going great guns.
The news is magnificent isn’t it? We now have a broadcasting mike which gives us music & makes the surroundings far more pleasant.
Fortunately the library is excellent.
My orderly room Sgt. is Jack Daniher from
I received my first corrected lesson from the Course yesterday & the only comment was “ an excellent start”.
Our crew went into town to see another Bob Hope show which, as usual, sparkled everyone up.
Well, Dad, so much for now. I hope the girls are well & the Pile H folks,
Cheerio,
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
9 FEB 1945
Dear Dad,
Both your letters came on Wed when we were out in the bush, apparently the earlier one had been held up by the rain, which has upset many things.
The stunt was not too tough ‘though we were all soaked at the finish & mighty pleased to see trucks arrive after having resigned ourselves to the prospect of nine weary miles.
I have settled in the new coy. & expect the boost next week. Capt. Adams is the O.C. You remember , he was my original platoon Comd. And the 2 I/C is Capt. Banks, who was my original M.G. officer so I have been fortunate.
Re. Vince’s request, I am not sure I could do any good for him & if he is still affected by any nervous disorder, the move would probably be unwise for quite a few of our gang have left with that trouble. I think it best if your write me your opinion & then I shall see what may be done.
I can very well imagine his reluctance to return to
Nev. Wood is a Lieut. Somewhere around here.
Well, the situation is still obscure. Some have returned from their leave & we still wonder.
Films are on to-morrow evening but the rain makes it hard to endure.
Our padre is back after his leave. I am displeased with his action in going just before Christmas. I think he could have waited a little longer. He has not been in the Army long & does not seem to understand the state of our spirits.
So, goodnight Dad & I trust all is going well. Love to the girls & yourself,
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
15 FEB 1945
Dear Dad,
I have been doing some sewing on a pair of gaiters & then cleaned my rifle & the time is now 9-40 p.m.
The job is going well & no trouble so far. My promotion has gone in but is taking quite a while . One never knows how things are these days.
H.R.H.
passed by yesterday & as usual, everything was cleaned up as it never had been before. And he only drove down the main road slowly, the troops to attention on the sides. He had escorts on. We are not permitted to near them.
Another of my old pl. went out today. Six months leave without pay in the mines so he should be set.
The weather has been fine for three days & very sultry. The boredom is overwhelming. I do wish they would do something. Some still get away on leave but still the chaps who are new this year , very dimly viewed by the old hands as you can guess.
I saw Bill McCarthy passing in a truck last week. I was marching & feeling it, having had a drop the previous night.
Now, Dad, my eyes are lazy after my needle efforts in the lamplight & so I shall close, still hoping & mighty thankful for the good news from all fronts.
Cheers to the girls &
His Royal Highness.
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
25 FEB 1945
To-day has been warm- quite warm & just what was needed for the crew to clean & dry their gear after three days “ stunting” which ended up in pouring rain, the last night being spent huddled up in a groundsheet & wondering why?
On my return, I was informed of the rise & I’m sure you’ll be pleased. After three & a half years as a Sgt.
Some of the fellows have seen Bob around & say he is as fat as can be.
Re. Vince, I shall enquire to-morrow but there is little can be done from this end. He would probably have to get on to the drafting officers at various camps on the way up & ask to be sent.
I don’t like the sound of Nip’s 1,000 lb. mortar bomb. Must be deadly. The general news is excellent , though there’s a long way to go yet.
Frank, Dave & co are plodding on . Must be crook for Dave wondering whether or not he’ll be able to marry. General opinion is that something must happen soon – we cannot go on like this.
Some keenies are playing football in this heat. Too early in my opinion.
Next Wednesday is to be a big night in our mess . About forty visitors & we’ve saved our grog so it should be O.K. the morale is low & therefore inducive to indulgence.
Last night we saw a good comedy & had a bonzer sleep after the scrub.
Now, Dad, love to the girls. I trust all is well. I am quite O.K. thought I might have been too soft for marches but they have been no trouble.
Cheerio,
Love,
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
3 MARCH 1945
Dear Dad,
Saturday afternoon & raining heavily. I am not answering any other letters to-day. Everything seems too dull. I hope they do something soon. Its over a year since I left N.G. & that’s a long time to be training.
The pleasing thing this week, my course started flowing back & all the drawings I submitted have returned, the last of them this morning – so far none under 80% & an average of 83% which is very pleasing. The theory is also going well. How long my enthusiasm will survive, I do not know but I’m going well just now.
Very pleasing about Joe Suzuki. Must have been quite a trial for him.
If Vince is there, please tell him there is nothing to be done here as the situation is now. His best plan is work on the staging camp drafting officers who will probably shoot him on here & if he reaches the Div. He should have no trouble getting in with me.
As a matter of fact, the gaiters were not being mended but were an old pair of long Yankee, which I was cutting down.
I hope some tennis balls are available. The game is very popular. Bn has eight good rackets now & if it is fine to- morrow, I hope to have a game in Dave Anderson’s team to-morrow against a neighbouring unit. Not much hope of the weather brightening however.
Wed. night was a good show. The visitors were well cared for & sent home in trucks. Many of us were not well.
Well, the news is great. We’re definitely on the run home in
Now, love to all & yourself.
Bruce.
How’s my bank situation , should have a good leave if ?
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
8 MARCH 1945
Dear Dad,
I am writing beside a swift flowing creek in which we had a swim before a delightful cold lunch, just finished. This route march has developed into a pleasant picnic, ‘though I guess we will be tired enough at the close of the day.
Yesterday, I had the good fortune to play tennis, with real racquets. Dave Anderson struck form. He is a pretty player, my partner & I were downed but it was good fun & a novelty.
Your letter came yesterday. The mail has been upset a bit lately.
The job is going well & I have progressed considerably with my course. Pity I shall have to forego it when we go, but it has been of value – proves that one will be able to go for something.
Had a game of soccer on Tuesday, in the mud, so there was not much hard work.
The weather , especially at
We are still in the air. Can’t foresee a thing. Must have the Nip in a quandary also.
The European show is going well isn’t it? Everywhere, we are on top. Imagine the end will come quicker than expected.
Jack Daniher had a mate from another show over to the mess, one of the Clancys. He later drove his truck off the road on the way home. She was some show !
Well, ten minutes to go & I had better start saddling up. Must get back for the pictures to-night. Haven’t seen a show for a week.
Home & so I’ll finish off.
Hope all are well.
Love,
NX27395
Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
17 MARCH 1945
Dear Bet,
It was nice to hear from you & I see you are having quite a fully occupied time. I shall expect you to teach me quite a deal about dancing next year.
Yes, my new job has boosted me, so look out , young lady, for I must be severe now.
Life here is unchanged. Seems much more than a year since I commenced last leave.
Rain has been continuous for days & is still going. We sat the films out in it the other night, to see “ Ali Baba”, Eddie Cantor. Last night , Poss, Dave, several others & myself went into town, had a steak & then saw
“ Thunderbirds”. It was a good show.
Well, Bet, I have written Dad & so, as I can say no more,
NX27395
W.O.II. Sanders. B.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
17 MARCH 1945
It is of Bert James’ grave at Finsch. He was
Killed on Poss’ birthday, the day we came out.
Dear Dad,
I have found it difficult to write this week, so little to tell & the rain has been continuous for days with the result that our clothes & boots are all wet & there’s little can be done about it.
Bob will not do as you suggested he might in your letter much as it would please him & me.
I daresay the water service would be a tremendous improvement, well justified.
In the M.I.D lists just announced, several of our fellows have been mentioned . One Lt. , two W.O.s & two Sgts. One fellow from our Intell. Section. It is very pleasing as they all deserved recognition.
I made a new will this week naming you as my executor with special consideration to be given to Bet & in the event of your decease, I named Bet as sole benefactor. Do you think that will cover the business?
Could you give me the exact state of my account? I don’t think I shall alter my allotment, my increased drawing being 4/6. One’s rank is not permanent until confirmed & that may not take place for a couple of months.
The news to-night is again excellent, wonderful efforts by all. Fancy Super Forts in Ivo Jima so soon. A very costly effort.
This week on a Newsreel , I saw the
Poss, Dave, a couple of others & I went down to the “village” Show last night & saw a comical programme, a good night out but a terrific return ride over a road pitted terribly.
Well, Dad, I close & trust all is well. Special good wishes to Vera at this time. Love to Bet, Marg & yourself
Mentioned in Dispatches.
NX27395
Sgt B. Sanders.
A.Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
17 MARCH 1945
Dear Dad,
Well, the old soldiers go down again. A new W.O. marched in this week & as I was only acting rank, down I went smartly, so I look like holding a record for three stripes. Now I am being messed about somewhat. I want to get back to the old Pl. but have to wait awhile.
The worst aspect of the business to my mind is that the new chap has been A.I.F. for the whole two years & ten months.
The whole affair has re-affirmed my opinion that we old N.C.O.s have been too quiet & accepted too many slights through the years. We owe these knobs not a thing. They’re as selfish & unprincipled as I’ve seen- condemning chaps for playing up when their own antics are of a worse nature.
Fortunately, the ranks of those who were promoted in my place were confirmed & so, a lot of good has come of my temporary boost. Alf Pallister is a L/Cpl.
I hope V. & family are well, my telegram doubtless arrived.
As for Auntie’s postcard, I’d certainly like to give that thermometer a tickle, but I shan’t. there’s no material available & probably will be none.
Quite a batch of lessons rolled in from Tech but I am a bit restricted for drawing. I’ll see how things go.
When the instruments arrive, I hear that Vaseline is suitable to preserve them & avoid rust.
Well, Dad, this is rather a scraggy effort but I’m in a scraggy mood.
By the way, remember my mentioning Frank’s aunt, with whom I spent a night at Maroubra, their phone no. is FJ2506, so ring them & introduce yourself & convey my respects.
Cheerio now & love to the girls . hope you are all well. Frank looks & is quite well. His aunt’s name is Miss Burns.
NX27395
Sgt B. Sanders.
H.Q Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
17 APRIL 1945
Dear Dad,
Forgive the lapse in writing. There were various reasons not least being lack of news & boredom therefrom.
However at this minute, our scene would make an amusing spectacle – the rain is colossal ( to create an argument,
Albert said he was going to write a letter & I cried him to shame then started myself.
Odd bits of my gear are dry – two drawings I have just had returned from Tech. Suffered slightly. I shall post them to-morrow,
I am with the old Pl. now.
Sorry to hear about Morgan Parry- a very decent youngster.
I am not using my pen because if I open my box, it’s a moral to fall in the water.
Too bad Bob will not be down. I trust V. & babe are well.
Quite an unexpected break, the insurance.
I see Pam & her brother share the correct view. Its only too true.
The Tech. Course was progressing very well. The last two efforts drew 80% & 79% keeping my average over 80%.
Well, Dad, so much for now. I may add a couple more notes to that cloth that Aunt Maude has but not this time.
I saw Gordon Craig last week. He was O.K.
Now , love to the girls & yourself.
On paper provided by the Salvation Army, AC.F. , & Y.M.C.A.
.
Australian Comforts Fund,
Young Mens’ Christian Association.
NX27395
Sgt B. Sanders.
H.Q Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
15 MAY 1945
Australian Red Cross Society.
(UNOFFICIAL)
FOR SAFETY.
IN YOUR LETTERS DO NOT REFER TO-
The name of your ship or other ships in the convoy, or its escorts;
The date of sailing, ports of call , or probable destination.
The description of troops , the location of your Unit, or any other information which, if intercepted, would be of value to the enemy.
Hullo Dad,
The M.O. X-rayed my chest yesterday & pronounced the wound free from complications. It hit nothing vital & so I can reasonably hope to rejoin the gang within a fortnight – I hope, earlier.
Peculiarly , I have had no real pain at all – the hit itself was like a good belt with a bat. I consider myself very fortunate for I must have presented an ideal target, as he had, a minute or two earlier, clipped a little out of my gunner’s ear.
Poss had a nasty thrill early in the show when a 75 mm shell landed less than 3 feet from his head & was a dud. Four of our N.C.O.s were right on the spot, so again fortune smiled.
Your letter of 6th came. Also one from May & one from
I daresay May will rest on her laurels after this effort. She should take steps.
My pen & watch are operating. The pen is somewhat buckled by the heat.
My mates sent it out. At the time I wasn’t staying to collect anything.
As for the watch, on the landing, my craft was stuck in the mud & then the fun started. We dismantled the guns , so as to abandon the
The Nip in these parts seems to Know his soldiering. Not too many silly goings on yet, though one can never foretell his actions. He prowls a lot at night which is something I should dislike – the boys rely mainly on grenades on these occasions. Ours are the best grenades we’ve seen.
A couple of blokes are comparing steel helmets, with bullet holes right through them. The majority only wear felt & the Yanks think that is silly but in the scrub, weight counts.
We are blessed with one magnificent Sgt. Who is as strong as a bullock & he kept us with a brew at every opportunity. He’s a real fire-eater.
Young Alf Pallister will probably rejoin about the same time as i.
There’s not much else to say now. I soon tire of lying about, like to be on the go, but I’m endeavouring to be patient & really have no alternative. The padre & 2 I/C are here almost daily to see the boys & have been checking on reports of gallantry, of which there has been much.
So, cheerio for now, I trust all are well. I saw Bob on another island & he was very fat. I do not expect to see him around here.
NX27395
Sgt B. Sanders.
H.Q Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
20 MAY 1945
Dear Dad,
This will probably be a little quicker than usual so I shall just say I am on the mend & having absolute rest.
Saw Alf the other day & he is O.K. I was the worst of our little group. So we are once more fortunate.
And , pleased to say the day after I left the gang, two of my gang bowled two of the opposition. So we show a profit.
The heat is not very noticeable down here & the nights are pleasant for sleeping.
Cheerio, Dad, trust all are well,
NX27395
Sgt B. Sanders.
WARD 7 A.G.H
A.I.F.
28 MAY 1945
Dear Dad,
I’m back here for a rest. The wound( such as it was) almost healed , only a stiffness in the side remaining. A week should see me quite A.1. again.
Before embarking, I saw some of the boys who happened to be working on the pier & all were well.
Mail will be topsy-turvy for a while but Bob was in yesterday & so I heard you were off colour. You are , I hope, well now- its time you took things a bit easier now that Fritz has had it.
Bob is quite fat & seems to have no real worries.
Your telegram arrived but nothing since then.
The lads told me that when Ben Aurisch, one of the W.O.s was evacuated, the C.O. endeavoured to get a confirmation of that rank for me. However I have heard nothing & my absence will scotch it, I guess. That will not worry me as our little crowd is cracker. Some of the new kids are aces. When I was clipped, one young fellow was up with a Bren at the hip. Alf is probably back with them by now.
As I waited for nothing when I stopped this, I now find myself destitute of all gear – possessing only one set of greens, haversack & toilet gear. This is probably a good thing. I shall not accumulate so much rubbish again. A few handy things went west. A wallet, pencils, & other odds & ends. However one really does not miss them.
I have not previously mentioned, the trip from-------- in Aussie to ----- over here but my gang scored a mess orderly job for the trip – had its advantages too although the terrific heat in the kitchen upset some of the boys.
We old hands who avoided sickness had the laugh on quite a few of the kids - oh my, they were ill- & we had all that extra work to do.
The Yank padre was very decent – library, cards, & even films in the holds. He held a service on the Sunday, we using
Our main pursuit was tearing up on deck to bathe in the rain & many were caught in between showers with a coat of lather on. No women on board meant few restrictions. I wore u’pants only.
I had some fresh eggs this week – at a Yank show. I was not in the crowd on Tarakan who found about one hundred chickens & did them justice.
With the great battle elsewhere, our little island show seems insignificant. For my part I’ll settle down there ( when its cleared) & leave the rest to the Yanks & Co. it could be quite a pretty spot but what a clean-up is needed.
Well, I’ll sign off now & again I hope you are well. Also the girls & baby. Oh if you can get onto any razor blades, a pkt. Or two would be handy.
Cheerio Dad,
Love, Bruce.
NX27395
2/5 A.G.H
A.I.F.
2 JUNE 1945
Dear Dad,
Yours of 20th arrived & I hope your ailments have eased. The Army Telegrams are certainly peculiarly worded. They sound ominous. You’ve certainly had my later letters by now. I hope the exit hole will be completely healed in three days & then, with luck, back to the boys. Hospitals & other similar spots. I do not enjoy.
The Helen’s Hill show was featured & there seemed little exaggeration – some of the fellows went right in- and stayed there.
Bill McCarthy came over yesterday.
The good library & films help out here & our Major loaned us a jeep to visit around. It was a good outing.
I guess your are all watching the news as we are, wondering how the bombing will affect
Now, cheerio Dad, love to the girls , Grandma & Aunt,
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