NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
20 Feb.44.
Dear Dad,
Have just had a few hands of cards after Sunday dinner & with the rain just starting, I am deferring my washing ‘ til I see how heavy it will be. Yours of 6th came through the week.
As I told Bet , I was very pleased to see Rev. Smith last Monday & have a few minutes chat. It was jolly nice to see someone from the hometown.
Padre Tiller had a service just before lunch & it was very nice. He gives a sensible address & is an understanding chap.
I expect Bob has told you quite a bit of the doings up here. I saw him about Nov. last.
Grandma’s letter arrived & I shall answer it to-day.
Re. The R.S.L. I was thinking of it this coming leave.
Things have been very quiet to-day & since I last wrote . we’re hoping to see some pictures to-night but whether we will or not?
Our spare time is hard to fill now with everyone rather restless. Patience ( with cards) has gripped a lot of us & any outsider would surely think we were crazy & maybe he would be right.
We have some terrific discussions on all sorts of topics but are just about all stonkered for fresh angles. There is only one solution, I reckon, & that is for all of us to have a good leave.
So, for now, I shall close. I hope all are well as I am.
Cheerio & love to all,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear May,
To briefly acknowledge yours of 17th ‘though there has been practically nothing eventful since I last wrote.
I do hope you are well again & that this month is a happy one for you.
Is the chap Marks with our Bn yet? I cannot recall the name so far?
Your news of Vera is interesting. I have heard nothing from home. I’ll be quite on their doings & hope for the best. Dad must be having a hard time , washing etc. I guess little Margaret has had her trouble fixed by now.
We saw “ Stage Door Canteen” last night & really enjoyed it – grand entertainment. Gracie Fields sang “ Lord’s Prayer” & Menchin played “ Ave Maria”.
Everyone was envious of the fortunate soldiers in the show & all hope we’ll soon be doing similarly.
Well, May, for now I’ll say so-long, hoping to hear soon that you are well & about.
Cheerio. Love to Beatrice & to the children.
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear May,
To briefly acknowledge yours of 17th ‘though there has been practically nothing eventful since I last wrote.
I do hope you are well again & that this month is a happy one for you.
Is the chap Marks with our Bn yet? I cannot recall the name so far?
Your news of Vera is interesting. I have heard nothing from home. I’ll be quite on their doings & hope for the best. Dad must be having a hard time , washing etc. I guess little Margaret has had her trouble fixed by now.
We saw “ Stage Door Canteen” last night & really enjoyed it – grand entertainment. Gracie Fields sang “ Lord’s Prayer” & Menchin played “ Ave Maria”.
Everyone was envious of the fortunate soldiers in the show & all hope we’ll soon be doing similarly.
Well, May, for now I’ll say so-long, hoping to hear soon that you are well & about.
Cheerio. Love to Beatrice & to the children.
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
I’ll make this a birthday greeting to make sure – best wishes & have a spot with me.
One of our boys, Jock McGuire, is in 103 Aust. Con.
Depot. Ingleburn. Could you send him L5 . he is on a restricted drawing rate. His No. is NX57989, Pte. I told him if he was stuck for a bed, to call. His folks are in
The bank a/c is very pleasing. I should look about for an investment.
Things are quiet, I’ve had a couple of sets of tennis & otherwise, done little.
We are all hoping for a quicker end to this scrap. The news is magnificent isn’t it.
Now, cheerio Dad, & love to all. Hope they’re well.
Love,
Bruce.
Convalescent.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
14 May 44.
Dear Dad,
A very quiet day is drawing to a close & I am fairly settled now with a comfy bed. The new camp will be good when everything is straightened out.
The trip was uneventful, ‘though we had a couple of days in
Bob was just over & seems quite well. Now has a good job in the Officers’ Mess.
There were the usual surprises as regards promotions & so on. We fellows have given the game away & are not worrying. We are together having as good a time as possible in this isolated forest.
Rob Davis seems to be set in another unit, with our approval.
The boys are scattered with all sorts of complaints so I guess we’ll be topsy-turvy for a while.
The torch is very handy.
Several letters from various people were waiting. Two of them from you & one from Bet. I think my fan mail from now on well be meagre after my neglectful performance on leave, but I can start off from scratch next time & look around for a lass. Quite a few have been married but quite a few others have severed connections.
I guess we haven’t been hit yet by the realisation of what one’s life is for. Everyone seems fairly contented. The only way to be, what say you?
And now,
Cheerio now, Dad & I shall write soon. Love to all. I hope they are well.
Tootle-pip,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
21 May.44.
Dear Dad,
Your Sunday letter came on Thurs, must have struck a slow trip as some letters have been arriving next day.
Betty’s letter was here when I returned from church. She said Grandma’s party was nice. I thought my telegram would have arrived.
Apparently the one to you was misinterpreted.
Hegerty has some heart trouble. It beats very rapidly at odd times – he had had a week’s no duties & sees the Doc. to-morrow. May get him out ‘though he says not.
I am quite comfy now & look like being busy for a while.
We have had two film shows so far, open-air.
Did I tell you how our Sig. Cpl, Eric, whom you met, wore out that globe? A carriage of A.W.A.S. was attached to our train & they had signal colours, so , being dark, Eric started a long distance conversation in Morse Code with my torch. It was entertaining.
Well, for now, Dad, I’ll say cheerio. I’m feeling fine & hope you & all are the same.
So-long,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
26 May 44
Dear Dad,
Taking an opportunity to write, the week having been quite busy in various ways.
Poss went to hospital this week, so we shall know just what his heart is up to shortly. He may be classified medically.
Pity the chap misinterpreted the telegram, maybe later, I hope.
The nights are very cold, but the days fairly warm. I have resorted to the habit of letting one of the boys launder my clothes. I almost have to in order to get time for everything.
Old Harry Templeton, one of our old crew. Was camped nearby & invited us over for a quiet evening. I left the middy there & don’t expect to see it again, so I have procured a “Lady Blamey” from one of the lads, that is, a bottle cut down & a handle placed on.
Other than that night I have had one beer. Not as good as the
Had a vote yesterday. Knew very little about the candidates.
The winder on my watch will not change the hands now so I shall try & get it repaired here if possible.
Last Sunday, several of us went in to a nearby “town” to the evening service at the Methodist, well- there were about 70 soldiers, ten ladies & no “civie” gents. And the ladies turned on cakes & tea for all – an excellent effort for so few helpers.
It was a nice change. We had church in the morning as I mentioned before.
And now Dad, I guess bed wins so off I go, hoping you & the girls are well. I’ve plenty of everything, even a little wooden seat for the pictures, but if the armistice is signed, send me a telegram quick, ‘ cause I can think of better things than this ( secret).
So cheerio,
‘Til later,
Love,
Bruce.
Your letter arrived yesterday.
Civilian.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
Friday evening & relaxing in the mess with Hegerty. As you see, I have an ordinary pen for a change.
Frank was apparently under closer supervision than he thought in the hospital for word came back for him to be boarded but he prefers not to. However , I think his ideas may change & he certainly should find out something definite.
Your letter arrived yesterday.
A parcel came for Bob from Gunnedah Comforts Fund & so Arch Anderson gave it to me. If Bob has 32 days’ leave, I guess he will be well over a month from now, getting back.
What a job !
Those photos are just general ones of the Bn. I am not in any of them but I knew some of the chaps. I purchased them mainly to remember the type of work we did. The swords are connected with the parachute as we brought them out & presented them to the airmen.
The barge reminds me of the boys a little more than I, of the hardest work they have ever done.
I would like to know the facts of the Linklater who was killed, so that I could write to beryl if it was her brother. He was an airman in N.G.
I had a kick to-day after parade. May have a game to-morrow. Soccer this time. This rugby is definitely a game for the husky men.
Last night, Heg & I went in to the local town to see “ Desert Victory” again. Its some town. By comparison, Kempsey is a city. We waited about half an hour on the queue eating peanuts at 1/- per bag & apples at 3d each. Soft drink 1/3
The admittance is 1/11 so everyone gives him 2/-. I reckon he’d make a profit.
At long last, the big show has started successfully. I think we can hope for big things, but costly.
Think what might will be thrust at
Did Bob get any of his leave credit from
Italians.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
Thanks for the cake & telegram, both of which arrived a couple of days ago, also your letter.
I am on guard at present & had forgotten my birthday ‘til Heg reminded me.
Last night was extremely cold & conditions not the best for letter writing. To- night, we intend having a little celebration being our enlistment anniversary as well.
Nothing eventful has happened since last writing. Several of us fronted a pre-selection board for officers, consisting of a Brig., 2 Lt. Cols & a Major. I was classed B, which, I understand, recommends a further interview in nine months’ time so I guess I shall remain right where I am for a long time . it was worth a try, anyway. A couple of chaps including our C.S.M. were A & so they may leave shortly.
Our Lt. Has returned & we are hoping to settle down although quite a number of alterations have & will occur.
I guess Auntie is kept busy.
Some canteen orders came from the R.S.L. per Mrs Townsend of H. Park.
As for the rule, I was able to buy one in the “ town” so I can get along O.K. with it, thanks.
We now have a wireless operating & get all the news. The Tokyo Raid may mean a lot. Should worry the Nip.
Last week, we had a jaunt in the jungle. Not too strenuous except that I planted my finger on a stinging tree & do they sting. I can still feel it, three days later.
I am going to cut the cake for afternoon tea. It will go nicely.
Saturday night, we had pictures & Sunday was a lazy day for me. Didn’t even have a kick.
The food is excellent, still, & just as well as little else is procurable.
We’ve seen several snakes in the last few days. Some black. I still don’t like them, or the leeches.
Well, I’ll sign off now, hoping you and all are well. Love to Margaret.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Bet,
Your letter was a relief & I expect you feel so, yourself.
Dad told me the shop closed which is a good thing. I hope everything straightens out quickly.
Don’t let it worry you now, but don’t just forget what you have learned.
From way up here, there is little I can do or say to help you but Dad can & so , Jonny & you must realise that these things upset him terribly. You see, there are more people to think of, than just ourselves. Let him help you & it will make him happy as well as being the only sensible thing for yourself.
I have written to Dad to-day & I guess you will see the letter. I haven’t been doing anything much, pictures on Saturday night. Saw “Tugboat Annie Sails Again” & “shot in the Dark”.
Padre held church parade yesterday morning but I could not go into town with Heg. To church last night as I went on guard & am still on.
To-day is very dreamy, sunny, really lovely. And very different from last night, which was very cold. There are lots of ‘possums & kangaroo rats around here. One was in the tent & I shone my torch on him. He meandered up & down for a while & suddenly – shot across the tent into one chap’s blankets – nearly frightening the boy to death . The animal scooted under the tent flap & the chap flew out of bed.
It was an amusing moment in a cheerless evening.
We had a session with the leeches in the jungle last week. I don’t like ‘em.
Well Bet, for now that will be all & so I hope you’re O.K. & keeping smiling. Lets know how you are faring.
Lots of Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
In answer to your letter to say the cake was bonzer. Thanks also for the telegram which came on Monday.
I think the bug is in me, as I have aching joints & head & a slight temp. however , I don’t want to miss next Monday’s shoot with the guns so I shall wait. It may not be.
Hard luck about the pen. I hope you find it.
The news is really colossal, isn’t it, & from both directions . We may see the end sooner than expected , but I guess we had better hold our hopes in check.
I forgot about Aunty’s & several others’ birthdays. I’ll have to blame the fever.
Glad to know you had a quiet, easy week-end. Really good news isn’t it?
Last night I had collecting the beer money & the boys were fairly well-primed – I could barely drink one. Anyhow my ear was thoroughly pounded for quite a time.
The C. of E. Chaplain-General spoke to a parade of protestants – not very much understanding of the fellows who enlisted early but have not been fortunate – or otherwise- to get overseas. His other point was regarding post-war responsibilities.
He had three rows of ribbons ( I think it was three) including last war service &
There was a magnificent concert on Tuesday night – one of the finest I’ve seen- entirely male , including a vocal quartette. They rendered “ Jerusalem”, the stage being set up as a chapel – altar, candles. It was lovely.
An excellent baritone amongst other renditions gave the “ Lord’s Prayer”. The cute , six-foot “ girl” was a real comic.
So I see we get another 1 ¼ of Star ribbon. I only hope we have an opportunity to show it off in the right place.
Well, I guess that’s my limit so I shall sign off.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
Had a letter from Clyde to-day. Seems fairly well.
Love to the girls. Hope they are well.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
Once again spelling ‘tween the white sheets & feeling like a bludger. The bug has struck & after all this time I can now have malaria put in my paybook.
I was crook for a week or so but was hanging off as I am very keen to get the Pln. Going on training, most of our N.C.O.s being elsewhere, temporarily on various tasks. Yesterday was to be a special shoot & I have put a lot of work into the preparation but- on Sat. I was shipped off.
The boys are doing well. I can really see the benefits derived from last year’s school.
Incidentally, Hegerty came across the report from Bonegilla last week & it was tip-top giving me a lot of confidence.
The treatment is effective & I am feeling fairly O.K. now. The slightest thickness in the head. Be up to-morrow I expect.
The cake was excellent.
Naturally , nothing happens in my present location. The nurse & girls are, as always, very understanding & wonderful to see at work.
So long as I can get a reasonable book to read, I guess I can stand a week here, but , I hope, not much longer.
A wireless handy & so the news comes regularly & it is good, isn’t it? So nice of old John Curtin to re-assure overseas people that Aus. Troops will again leave the shores , but, of course we all know they must.
Anyhow, not this week.
So now, Dad. I’m off & hope you are well. Love to the girls.
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
Just a note to let you know all is well. I should be back with the gang this week. The rest has been good but, as you know, as soon as one begins to feel well, then the inactivity becomes too much.
I have read all sorts of stuff & the Red Cross Library is magnificent. There have been some good Bulletin articles recently. They are very A.I.F. minded but their efforts don’t seem to bear fruit mainly because they are so hostile to the present Gov.
Your letter of last Sunday came only one day later than usual. Pleased to know all are well.
Having to work such long hours seems so ridiculous when viewed beside other war jobs. I think
Aunt’s letter came. I shall answer it tomorrow probably.
The weather is treating us kindly , neither too hot nor too cold & bonzer for sleeping. I fear I might down one of these A.A.M.W.A.S. if they persist in waking me at
I am enclosing a note which I should like to reach the League. The matter is, I think you’ll agree, urgent & only just, all things considered. As for the Militia question, I guess I am undecided.
Now Dad, I’ll close so all the best to the girls. I hope you are all O.K.
Cheerio & Love,
Bruce.
NX27395
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F. Australia.
Dear Dad,
Your letter & Betty’s came to me in hospital & I am now back with the unit, taking things easy & feeling O.K. except for slight headaches.
Poss is still carrying on, cannot make up his mind, Eric is headed for
Two excellent parcels from May came to-day, very nice choice of articles.
So far I have not had to draw a pay & still have a couple of pounds on my present rate. I have ten pounds in the book.
For the unit anniversary at the close of the month I may have to draw for I daresay it will be a fair show.
I am on a 48 hr guard, worse luck, although it is possibly better than going out on a stunt, which I avoided as I do not want to bring malaria on again for awhile.
The football teams are turning up well & some tip-top games are being turned out. Quite some money is laid out too.
Poss & I & several others went in to the local theatre last night & saw Andy Hardy’s “ Double Life”, a swell comedy.
To-night there is a mobile show but also a drizzle, still a lot have gone. Being a guardsman, I am not permitted.
I have been having ample rest lately. Tonight means broken sleep but I’ve stored up plenty.
I guess that’ s all I have to say, Dad, so I’ll sign off.
‘Til later ,love to you all,
From ,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
16 July. 44.
Dear Dad,
A peaceful Sunday evening , almost too much so. It seems peculiar. When things are lively, we long for the quietness & now we are just about at the end of our tether with boredom.
Since returning from hosp. I have had a real spell. Poss has also been in camp & Dave returned from hosp. A couple of days ago. Ken Lyttle is also back. He is the boy who stays with the R.S.L. treasurer at H. Park.
With the gang out of camp, we have had no definite duties, so we put in some work on mess tables & seats & I’ve some blisters to prove it.
I see little to be gained by having the badge up here.
The fuel supply will make things more comfortable.
I did not know Margaret’s birthday date but I shall write her a letter.
The weather has been unpleasantly bleak lately & very cold in bed. We went in to the local theatre last night & stood in a queue for an hour & then were the last to get in , having seats on the steps & far from comfortable. It fills in the time.
There has been a lot of marriage talk amongst the gang. Maurie looks like going before we move & Dave, on his next leave. Eric, possibly any time, as he is most likely in
The fighting is going the Allies’ way, maybe
Now, I’ll sign off with love to the girls. Hope all are well.
Had an Xray recently and i was ok
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