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

1944 - JAN - JULY

 3 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS FROM 1943

Casino.

Thursday.

.

Dear Dad & Mum,

          Just a line on my way through. I am having a nice trip & the country is looking excellent.

          I did not see May & of course had no time to go looking, apart from a short walk around Taree just to loosen up.

          Bob is coming up on the next train so is not far behind.

          I just finished your cake which was very nice.

          For now, cheerio.

          Will write later,

          Love,

                   Bruce.

20 Dec. 43.

           Don’t throw it away.

There’s a story to it.

I’ll tell you later.

We may be able to make d’oyleys or somesuch out of it.

                             Bruce.

Note accompanying a piece of parachute from New Guinea.

26^th Dec: 1943.

1584 New C. Road

Hurlstone Park.

Dear Bruce.

Thanks you telegram & letter. I got them in time for Christmas also the beautiful flowers. They are lovely. They included Christmas Bells. May got a pleasant surprise. She was exited. I have not seen Eileen. The girls came down yesterday We had a letter from Clyde & he said they were to have turkey and chicken so would not fair too bad. But he is longing to get home. But I don’t think it will be for some time yet. But we never know Billy Carter came back last week. Also his father. They have both been up there. I cannot understand Bob. I think he might be on his way home. I sent him a cake with yours. I hope he gets it. Bet has gone over to Manly for the day. She gets four days. But Dad only gets three. Little Dianne is still in hospital. We are not allowed to see her Ted is going  over today & he will see the Dr. I suppose she had a party & The trams are packed with people . They get through the windows. Well now. I hope the next Christmas will be peace. & all will be home. So I will close with love. Yours fondly

                Mum

NX27395.

Sgt. Sanders. B.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3  Aust. Pioneer Bn

A.I.F.

Australia.

31 Dec. 43.

Dear Dad & Mum,

                   Yours of 20^th came yesterday & very welcome. One from Clyde & May & a ‘gram from Mr. Roads.

Telegram delivery is no faster than ordinary mail & one of our chaps received word that his Mother was beyond hope. Very sad , as the news was over a month old & now, of course, he is in doubt.

Just now, we received a free issue of pudding, cream, cigs, raisons, matches – they really are pampering us. I shall wait ‘til Poss returns from the dentist, then we shall have another feast which is about all we have done since Xmas.

My teeth are excellent. Don’t know they’re in.

I hope Dianne has improved. She must have been very ill.

Just now, it is raining & we have only 8” logs ‘neath our bed so we are copping some splash. Otherwise this humpy is very comfy &, so far, waterproof.

Too bad the watch is playing up. Must have had too much change.

The blank sheet idea is certainly effective ‘though I’ll bet the censors  know the trick.

Tom Quinn & I had an opportunity yesterday to go for a looksee further on & jumped the chance. We had a rough trip & were thoroughly soaked. However it was the nearest thing to a ferry ride & as enjoyable.

When we beached we were gazing around & were contemplating going further , for a look, when something went bang & we saw bits of wood flying across the beach. We don’t know what it was, but I’d heard the sound before, so we started walking- back.

It was nice to look at some open country for a change but when we arrived at camp about 4 p.m. we learned that we had missed a baked dinner. Still, as  we have eaten like kings for t he past week, that was no cause for worry.
Maj. Anderson, I heard to-day is now Lt. Col. Of our show, which is pleasing to everyone & should bring a big improvement.

And now, as I am at present , just a passenger in this war, I have to close , for want of news. I am feeling fine & am quite fat, comparatively. I hope all are well.

Cheerio.

Lots of Love,

                   Bruce.

Lieutenant Colonel.

LETTERS 1944

                                                .                                                                                                                                                                               NX27395

SGT. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pioneer Bn.

A.I.F. Aust.

7 Jan.44

Dear Dad,

          I have been waiting for your wire & letter since Monday when aunt Maude’s word of dear Mum came but now I learn that Monday next will be the earliest chance of receiving any more mail.

As you know, Aunt did not know very much, but her letter was as nicely put as could be. I was , of course, upset on receipt of the news & for a day found it difficult to believe that I should never again see that dearest friend. Fortunately the feelings of sorrow, ‘though they will ever be present, are softened by the belief that a life of ceaseless toil & devotion to others, the most unselfish one could possibly live, has been rewarded , not broken by the One who inspired & guided it.

When I think of Mum’s unselfishness, I know that you feel as I , that the words the Bible gives us, came to life in her life. Her love, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, humility, meekness , purity were such as we have seen but rarely. And in that knowledge & in the faith which she & you have taught me, I find comfort & joy, thinking of a weary soul at rest in peace, awaiting  the re-union for which we all live & pray.

How each of us will miss her. I think , apart from the love we bore her, is gauged by the things she did for us. We will appreciate them now.

I feel for Betty particularly & have written her. In times like these, the loss of Mother is a little more tragic for a lass than perhaps in times of peace. I am writing to hear what has been done but know your letters will soon tell.

Regarding the allotment, I really think the best plan now would be for me to place it straight into my account  which would do away with any need for collecting & only require the submission of my bank book occasionally for entering. So, if you send me my Dulwich Hill bank account Number, I’ll attend to the change immediately on receipt.

Re my will , which is to Mum. I should like your advice at to what change to make. I really think if I name yourself, that would be best & then if the need arises, you could do as you see fit for young Bet. I hardly

Think she could handle things herself but I rally feel that she should have the benefit as she has the hardest task ahead. I should like to know just what you think & advise on this last matter. I may have overlooked some aspect.

If there is anything else to be done please let me know, insurances?

We have been having a very easy time for quite a while , too long really & are now keen for a job. Maybe we shall soon be able to have a chat . I sincerely hope so. Are there any other steps necessary for the Lodge business, fees etc?

And now, Dad, I shall close, hoping soon to hear from you. Of course the postal game could explain the hitch, I expect, but what matter?

Love to all at home  & may God comfort us all.

          For now,

                             Au revoir,

                                                Love,

                                                          Bruce.

I received a parcel from Beryl Linklater yesterday, which makes one from practically everyone I know, so one should be happy.

I do hope Bob has written, I’ve had no word here.

CENSORED BY K MCLEAN

                                                                                                                                                                                                                NX27395

SGT. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pioneer Bn.

A.I.F. Aust.         

10 Jan 44.

Dear Dad,

                   The telegram came yesterday, also letters from Bet, May & a couple of friends. I am very much hoping that your letter will reach me to-day for the others have not said very much ‘though Betty’s was a thoughtful one & I shall write to her soon. Mum’s & your last letter came & she seemed to be as usual by its tone.

I do hope all is well with you all, now.

This afternoon has been extremely pleasant. We have had a couple of rough hours in the surf  & then a wash in the river & now, I am feeling tip-top. Poss has a touch of dengue & is consequently very quiet.

There is plenty of aerial evidence of the Yanks superiority & it gives one a feeling of safety. News has been  scarce for several days but steady progress seems to be going on further up. The Yanks landing will bring things to a head. I rather hope they have the “pleasure” of annihilating the Nips whom they have cut off.

The gallantry of the  Marines on Tarawa in the Gilberts  , was equal to the finest & should silence all critics. I expect there will be similar tales when Montgomery & Co. do the European job.

We have been treated very well of late & still are. I just love my little dingus now, the roar of the waves & the fresh breeze. Sleep like a top,

The scene  to seaward is quite majestic & the waves breaking on the coral are beautiful. As I stand on this rocky point with all the dust behind me & no sign of anything but the boundless ocean, I turn in thought to Mother, as so oft before. And I think of what I’ve been told of how tired her dear body was & I am not tearful now, thinking of her pure & lovely soul in God’s boundless heaven.

Some of the lads know but some do not & they, in our sing-song the other night, sang “Mother”, but again the remembrance of an old text ,” Come unto me all ye who are weary & heavy-laden & I will give you rest.” Silenced the swelling within me & I joined the song in quiet thankfulness.

And I think of you & am keen to know just what is to be. For Betty & Vera also. Betty, particularly for she loses so much. The others have their own families to live for. I hope Bob has come to light by now.

In my last letter, I asked is you would send my bank account number, so that I can adjust the allotment. I mention it again incase the previous letter goes astray.

And now, I close & hope that soon the return trip will start.

Best wishes to all,

                   Hope you are well.

                                      Love,

                                                Bruce.

NX27395.

Sgt. B Sanders.

H.Q.Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn.

A.I.F. AUST.

26 Jan 44.

Dear Dad,

                   So glad to hear from you per the letter of the 9^th. I do hope things are progressing well now.

          Most of us have decided to join the R.S.L. on our return, so could you tell me what to do in that direction.

I received letters from Bet & Aunt Beat.

          If you have not sent my watch along, please hold it at home.

          Alf Pallister said his Mother, in yesterday’s letter, told him that she was sorry they did not give you more time, but the reason was that their man, in the shop, had left suddenly that day with consequent chaos.

I received a note from Bob saying he was in hospital awaiting transfer to the mainland as his skin trouble puts him out for island service. Unfortunately he put no address on his letter.

          We are very comfortable in this camp. Yesterday we had a thorough clean-up, fires everywhere & I have a good bunk. Two sapling s with base boards to lie upon & a couple of ammo. Boxes to get me off the ground. We think the shanty is waterproof.

The sea is very pleasant ‘though some are having ear trouble, & best of all clothing is a change daily job with the nice creek handy.

Aunt  Beat told me Bill McCarthy was at O.C.T.U. in South Australia. He just failed in the first exam & was given another chance. I hope he does well & gets them up.

          Our present padre is very popular . he is an old digger & I believe served as a Private in this was ‘til the church pulled him out. It is  a pleasure to listen to him. Tiller, by name & C of E.

          For the show up here, the new C.O. Lt. Col Anderson handed out 1 M.M. yesterday to a Cpl Moreau who has been a L/Cpl for ages & at last has two & an M.M. he got wild & hurled grenades ‘til the Nip shot through. Two other M.M.s were won near Scarlet Beach. “ Bluey” Minter who is back in Aussie & Pte. Brown who was also wounded so we have been recognised & it is an honour to see these chaps get their reward. Another M.M. just came through for Sgt. Payne, a stretcher bearer in the Desert Show.

          Peculiar point is that 4 of our 5 M.M.s went to C.Coy. they have a magnificent record.

          Well, Dad, I hope my shoes are all polished up. Might need those sneakers for a spot of tennis & certainly will need the pyjamas, so now, I’m off , feeling 100% & hoping you & all are the same & that soon we’ll be chatting together.

                   Love,

                             Bruce.

NX27395.

Sgt. B Sanders.

H.Q.Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn.

A.I.F. AUST.

26 Jan 44.

Dear Dad,

                   So glad to hear from you per the letter of the 9^th. I do hope things are progressing well now.

          Most of us have decided to join the R.S.L. on our return, so could you tell me what to do in that direction.

I received letters from Bet & Aunt Beat.

          If you have not sent my watch along, please hold it at home.

          Alf Pallister said his Mother, in yesterday’s letter, told him that she was sorry they did not give you more time, but the reason was that their man, in the shop, had left suddenly that day with consequent chaos.

I received a note from Bob saying he was in hospital awaiting transfer to the mainland as his skin trouble puts him out for island service. Unfortunately he put no address on his letter.

          We are very comfortable in this camp. Yesterday we had a thorough clean-up, fires everywhere & I have a good bunk. Two sapling s with base boards to lie upon & a couple of ammo. Boxes to get me off the ground. We think the shanty is waterproof.

The sea is very pleasant ‘though some are having ear trouble, & best of all clothing is a change daily job with the nice creek handy.

Aunt  Beat told me Bill McCarthy was at O.C.T.U. in South Australia. He just failed in the first exam & was given another chance. I hope he does well & gets them up.

          Our present padre is very popular . he is an old digger & I believe served as a Private in this was ‘til the church pulled him out. It is  a pleasure to listen to him. Tiller, by name & C of E.

          For the show up here, the new C.O. Lt. Col Anderson handed out 1 M.M. yesterday to a Cpl Moreau who has been a L/Cpl for ages & at last has two & an M.M. he got wild & hurled grenades ‘til the Nip shot through. Two other M.M.s were won near Scarlet Beach. “ Bluey” Minter who is back in Aussie & Pte. Brown who was also wounded so we have been recognised & it is an honour to see these chaps get their reward. Another M.M. just came through for Sgt. Payne, a stretcher bearer in the Desert Show.

          Peculiar point is that 4 of our 5 M.M.s went to C.Coy. they have a magnificent record.

          Well, Dad, I hope my shoes are all polished up. Might need those sneakers for a spot of tennis & certainly will need the pyjamas, so now, I’m off , feeling 100% & hoping you & all are the same & that soon we’ll be chatting together.

                   Love,

                             Bruce.

NX27395

SGT. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pioneer Bn.

A.I.F. Aust.

3 Feb 44

Dear Dad,

          A good mail to-day including yours of 23 ult. Which was  very welcome. I am answering it in the after-tea period, which is quite pleasant, midst the trees & with the sea in view, through the leaves.

I have just returned from the Pay-Sgt, having re-allotted the 8/- per day to my account. He expects two months to elapse before the money finally reaches the bank-book so I may have to draw on your generosity should leave overtake us before that. With such a large allotment, not very much accumulates in the paybook.

Betty’s parcel arrived & was in good order, I was surprised to see “ Captain’s Courageous” enclosed for I had read it & meant her to keep it at home.

I am very eager to collect a few records such as “Soldiering On” & “Khaki & Green”. The last of which I have ordered to be sent home. Any books of that nature dealing with the various actions are of great interest to me, but should Bet or anyone obtain them, please hold them at home as it is impossible to carry them here. “ Malayan Victory” is another which I would like, for I have read a few articles on that show & they were wonderful records of courage.

Having learnt of some chaps getting their people to keep papers & cuttings of interest, I am a little regretful that I neglected to do so, for there have been many  articles on this campaign, concerning our show, Scarlet Beach, Finschafen & Satelburg stunts.

Some people have received a copy of “ Khaki & Green” & one should reach you shortly. I have been  told that the Pioneers are mentioned during the record of Alamein. Should be of interest.

How did the parachute arrive? I hope to be able to have d’oyleys or something of that nature  made from it if it is not rotten after being buried so long. I didn’t use it myself. It was dropped on our post with ammo.

What is the farm situation. I understand its interest to us would be finished now.

The C.O. addressed the N.C.O.s to-day. I looked around. There were far more new faces than old. I am somewhat about fourth longest Sgt.

Mum’s Christmas cake came this week & was excellent.

I shall certainly send that wire when the time comes.

I think the niche was by far the nicest thing to do.

And now , Dad,  I shall close, hoping you are well, also Vera, Bet & Margaret. Clyde may be lucky but I shall be surprised. I am 100%.

Cheerio,

                   Love,

                             Bruce.

CENSORED BY K MCLEAN.

NX27395

SGT. B Sanders.

H.Q. Coy.

2/3 Aust. Pioneer Bn.