BRUCE SANDERS - 2/3 PIONEER BATTALION WORLD WAR II - A SOLDIERS LETTERS HOME

11 NOVEMBER 1941

NX27395
Sanders. B.
Sgt B. Coy
2.3 Pioneer Bn.
A.I.F.
ABROAD. 11/11/1941

Dear Mum and Dad,

                   Jolly Pleased to receive your letter, you must have been too early for us on  the Saturday & I was tricked on the train business, also I still do not know how the note got on board but it came too late, as we were on our way.

                   I am still O.K. although quite a lot are down with flu & seasickness, plenty of work for the V.A.s.

                   The weather is warming very quickly now and we are in shorts, the steward does our washing, average sixpence an article but it is worth it, as we are on picquet & other orderly duties, most of the time.

Did you see the menu I sent, we are doing alright.

                   To-day, I met a Lt. Knight from Hurlstone Park.

The new padre gave his first service on  Sunday , rather painful, as a matter of fact, I was reprimanded for talking, I’ll have to behave but some of them give me a pain. Still, I think he will be alright, outside of preaching, as he does take an interest in the boys.

                   Quite a lot of flying fish swim around here, they flit across the water & dive in again, I used to be a little doubtful, when I was told of them.

                   The trip was very interesting for the first few days but is rather monotonous now. A boxing tournament is in progress at present but I’ve only seen a couple of fights and they did not get beyond the first round.

                   I was just talking to Bob, he is doing alright although I do not see much of him.

                   We have had a Comforts Issue & two more pair of sox for my kit ( just as well I did leave some at home) some sea soap & a book like that one of Dad’s, the little red one.

                   The cake was very nice.

                   Well, there’s little more I can say, Armistice Day to-day, maybe Adolph will take a hint.

                   I am feeling 100% & hope you are all the same.

                                      Cheerio, & Lots of love,