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 31st 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.
Winston Churchill.
Stalin.
Australian General Hospital.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
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.
Company Sergeant Major.
Arguments.
Officers.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
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.
Company Sergeant Major.
Arguments.
Officers.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
Dear Dad ,
Received your letter yesterday. Things are much the same & I am still doing the C.S.M. job & no trouble in handling it.
I have finally decided to apply to-morrow for a course in Building construction & will get stuck into it as far as is possible.
Two of the Sgts in our tent are working on courses and by perseverance are doing well. The drawing is the handicap but we shall see.
I shall have to have instruments like those which I loaned to
Several things I will need if you can parcel them up firmly are :-
Mt exercise books on Carpentry & Joinery. Stages 1 ,2 & 3. Theory & Trade Calculations. Not the rough note books but the ones written decently in ink.
Also any celluloid set squares – one 45degrees & one 60 degrees. As for a board, I shall investigate here & think I will be able to do some good & avoid having my own sent up.
Pencils- I shall need- some HH, HB & Bs if there are any such in my drawers.
The cardboard scale rules will also be needed.
If there are any sheets of that large size paper which have not been used, they will be invaluable.
As for the instruments, let them hang for a while as I may do some good through friends.
That’s a heck of a lot, but I’ve committed myself now & must give it a good spin.
So much for work. It will be a good thing if I can stick to it. Might mean a lot someday.
If the air mail cost of the notebooks is not prohibitive, please send them so & take the expense from my account.
I shall not need the book on Building Construction, only on Carp & Joinery ( Theory, Drawing & Calc).
Bob was down on Monday to watch the celebrations. He seems to have a good job & is settled.
No, I did not strike Sister Ward. I wonder what hospital she is in?
Vera’s letter came yesterday.
We had pictures on Wed. night & a really good comedy. The butcher has just killed a pig for the boys’ mess to-morrow.
Well, Dad, I’ll close at that. All those things are mixed up in the bottom drawer of the chest in the girls’ room. I don’t want to get anything valuable up here, if I can avoid it, no certificates or things like that.
So now, cheerio & love to the girls. Hope all are well as I am.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
Dear Bet,
Just a note whilst on orderly duties. Things are going well & with the boys I have had a pleasant couple of days timber cutting in a forest. We were able on both days to buy 15 lb. of steak & some bread & what a glorious lunch it made.
The pictures were on last Saturday , not such a hot show. Another Hopalong Cassidy & Emergency Squad. The newsreel on the invasion of France was a graphic portrayal. A pretty tough show it seemed.
Again to-night, we had a delightful supper, this time of scones & coffee.
The guard was some show to-day. Their equipment scrubbed & pugarees. They looked A.1. & the band is playing well.
The boys are all O.K. & plugging along.
Well, that’s all for now so cheerio & look after yourself. Love to Dad, Vera & Margaret.
Happy Days,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
Dear Dad,
Your letter arrived yesterday coming regularly now.
Things are quiet but alright. We saw a good show last night & there is a band concert to- night but I am doing a little work for next week’s syllabus.
Clough is in hosp. With the bug. Just a habit with us now.
The weather has been really pleasant lately. To-day was lovely & sunny & is still warm.
The news is really good, isn’t it? There have been some swell newsreels on the invasion of Normandy, a tough show, o think!
No further new of the course which I hope to get into properly. Anyway, there has been a bit to do.
A couple of days recently, our gang had a timber job in a forest & it was very nice. We bought steak in town & had a grand meal on both days.
Well, there’s little to tell so I’ll say goodnight, hoping all are well.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr Bn.
A.I.F.
18 Aug.44.
Dear Dad,
Your letter arrived yesterday. Pleased all are well.
So far no further word of the course but just as well for this week has been very busy & next promises to be equally or moreso.
The work is interesting & how the memory needs refreshing. The boys are pulling their weight in good style which makes our efforts worthwhile.
The books should arrive in plenty of time and Pam has procured some pencils & paper so I should have ample gear with which to start. And once I get going I will be able to decide what I need.
Regard to Joy & fella if they are still there.
We saw an excellent comedy on Wednesday evening. And we have led quite a “ physical” week, medicine ball, basket ball & football. I’ve all sorts of sore parts but hope to have a game of soccer to-morrow.
The weather is absolutely delightful; & glorious for sleeping.
Hegerty has not pressed his complaint. Seems to be undecided as to what course he will take.
Clough is in hospital with the bug & his fiancée has been visiting him daily, so I guess his goose is cooked.
Due to the initiative of one of our Coy members we are getting ample fruit, milk, sausage rolls & coffee, all of which takes pennies from the pocket but they are well spent.
Well, I’ll toddle along & believe it or not, do some preparation for next week. The C.O. has returned & things are humming , much sparkling up.
So, love to the girls & I hope everyone & yourself are well. I am feeling very fit right now.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. B. Sanders.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn. A.I.F.
Dear Dad,
I’m answering your letter right away as I’ve been terrifically busy for over a fortnight, getting into the more complicated work on the guns & have had to study hard to master problems which are fortunately becoming clear now. Another reason is that I want to get this work taped & then I shall need little time to prepare for lessons when I start my building course.
I expected an answer before this, to my application.
What a bonzer week I have had for sport. Am now feeling really fit & last Sunday, one of the Bn. Soccer men had to pull out with a crook leg & I saddled up & had a very enjoyable game which we won 5-0.
Fortunately Harry Templeton has rejoined our Pl. & brought a pair of football boots, my size, which makes all the difference. I am still wearing the blue shorts which Mum sent to Cowra or Darwin. They have worn amazingly well.
Then on Tuesday , the platoon League comp opened & we played the
And in between times we bounce around the basket ball field so we are getting into good nick.
Young Alf Pallister is playing good, hard football & has a regular place in the Bn. Team.
The farm business is very satisfactory apparently. As for Bet, if her money cannot be released, then, if you consider it advisable, you could take a loan from mine for her needs.
The gesture to Uncle Alex suits me, so I leave it to you.
I have not heard from Clyde. Most peculiar.
The France show is wonderful & Christmas should see a vast change in the general situation.
The books arrived quite O.K. & were interesting to peruse. Pam was able to get me 6 sheets of proper size drawing paper & a scale rule so all I need is the course. I only hope they soon send it & then I shall have more chance of finishing it.
So now, Dad, I’ll sign off & hope you & all are well.
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H,Q, Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F. 2 Sep.44.
Dear Dad,
In answer to your of last Sunday , I am going pretty well. Got a lacing in our Pl. match against 5 Pl. on Thurs. we won 5-3 but I was an R.A.P. case- the abrasions are healing ‘though & the twists & turns straightening out.
Played A Coy on Tues. & won 6-5. It was close. I fared a little better. Too much at once I think.
Anyhow, stunts will interrupt sport for a while to come so our bruises should heal.
The cheque arrived & I am posting it to-day to the bank.
Sorry to hear of Clyde’s antics. Beyond me.
Good show on the tobacco. Its not too plentiful for the boys here either.
The weather is really fine now, just a little lazy.
No further word of the course. I could use a couple of celluloid set squares. Goodness knows how much opportunity I will have to work. Its just a matter of luck.
Well, I’ll say so-long & hope all are well.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
Dear Dad,
In answer to your letter of 3rd inst. I hope Vera is well again & yourself.
I’m afraid we overdid the football last week. So many games on alternate days. I twisted my ankle & have some bad abrasions but want to saddle up for the next platoon game as we are leading at present.
We were out on a stunt for four days last week & it was quite successful . the boys did their job well & the weather was O.K. ‘til the last night when most were soaked.
The country was a delightful change, open with lovely deep grass & beautiful landscape. Such a difference to this unending scrub.
I doubt if there will be much time for the course as no further word has come but nothing is lost by the attempt. The carpenter is making me a board & box for my gear which will be handy.
The overseas scrap is progressing extremely well, a great credit to all on the job.
I had a letter from Rose Beard , the English girl. She had received the “Khaki & Green” book which I sent.
Poss & I are off to town to the pictures to-night to see “ The Moon is Down”.
And to-morrow, I shall listen to our new Padre. Hope he’s O.K.
So now I’ll go off to Parade.
Hope all is well.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
A.I.F.
Dear Dad,
Pleased all are well. Things are O.K. here. Delightful weather & not being worked too hard.
My ankle is somewhat weak. Afraid I should have a spell but there are a couple of important games on & so I saddled up. We had a Coy. Game on Wed & after being down 11-3 with about 10 mins to go we went over twice & drew. A good, clean game. I scored the second try which is the first time I have ever scored. Out Pl. scored the three tries of our team.
We have quite a fair amount of time in the bush these days so opportunities are limited.
I am giving sport a spell so that my ankle can right itself.
The cake was excellent. The set squares arrived & will do for the present.
A letter came from
I only learnt last night that Dave Anderson’s Dad is in charge of some woodwork section at Cockatoo Dock. May be handy knowledge.
Two more of our real old hands have marched out to work on the land- it is a pleasure to see the long-timers strike it lucky.
One Sgt. Knew nothing of his discharge – was called up yesterday & told & he has gone already. What a shock!
Should anyone see Joe Suzuki, please wish him the nest from me.
Hilf Easton.
One of the boys saw Bob in hospital. He seems to have hopes of a B.2.
Regards to Uncle & Aunt. Some gathering.
Those dock estimates sound disgraceful.
Our paratroopers had a terrific time didn’t they but they’ll be through him soon, I think.
Padre held church this morning & all intend going to the town church to-night. We all go in per truck & then split our various denominations & re-group after the service.
Well, I’ll close at that, Dad, with love to Vera, Bet & Margaret – hope all are well as I am.
Cheerio,
Love,
Bruce.
to work on his farm. NX27395.
Sgt. Sanders. B.
H.Q. Coy.
2/3 Aust. Pnr. Bn.
Dear Dad,
I have not written to you for quite a few days but you’ll be pleased to know that the main reason was my being deeply involved in drawing – getting in some practise for the course which incidentally has not arrived yet.
The first couple of efforts were shaky but I have just completed a satisfactory copy of an item from one of my books & now, a chap who started the course for which I applied has given me some of his papers so that I can get some preparation in.
Pam was able to buy an excellent set of instruments in
The progress in
The Bank a/c is very satisfactory. I hope to have to draw on it for leave soon. I may have to draw before then as the instruments cost L4 & the drawing board & box L2-10-0 so that has been a bit more than my drawing rate.
Last Monday we had a formal mess with the 2 I/C & Coy. Comd’s present & it was a good show – Maj. Rosevear was very entertaining- there was an 18 gall. & a couple of bottles per man.
I don’t know about the Loan. I’m so much agin the Gov. these days with their strikers etc.
We saw the
Sorry about
This camp is proving quite expensive with milk & apple pies, peanuts & fruit, but I guess its money well spent. We still have films twice per week.
Well, Dad I’m just putting in a fast finish as the R.S.M. & I have had a chat for the past hour & you know it’s a good move to talk to the R.S.M.. so I helped him finish his ration of beer & a couple of plonks & now the gang reckon I’m trying to get on in the world. They’re playing bridge.
He is very enthusiastic & I , as you know, am a good listener, hence the dirty looks of my tent-mates.
Well to-morrow is Saturday & should be quiet so a late night will do no harm. The fellows with whom I was in hospital have gone again but I am O.K. other than for headaches so maybe sport is overcoming the bug.
Now, cheerio, Dad & love to all. See you before Xmas I hope.
Look after yourself, for I hear you’ve not been too well. Hope all are O.K. now,
Goodnight,
Love,
Bruce.
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