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

Bruce’s 25^th birthday.

Convalescent Camp.

---

.
NX27395
Sgt B.  Sanders.
H.Q. COY
A.I.F.
24 JUNE 1945

Dear Dad.

          It is Sunday & I am still adrift. Tired of waiting but there’s really no hurry, I guess, the show up top is ver ( so say the papers) & I guess the gang are resting with a pick & shovel in their hands. And that anyway is better than complete idleness.
My incoming mail will be  topsy-turvy until I rejoin the gang.
That 5 year announcement had our hopes in the air , ‘ though we should have  displayed more sense, knowing what thoughtless statements some of those birds produce. Building trades look like being a priority. We may hear something definite soon.
The Okinawa show brings our friends right on to Nip, our big hope now is for more of these surrenders.
The Yanks have an abundance of movies here & for a mile or two walk we can see plenty of shows, some good.
I guess Sydney is quite chilly. Wonder how the weather will be for our leave? Practically fourteen months since we came off leave. How long can they purge us? I’m not going to open up on our dear strikers but you can judge what we think of the whole business. A man is just a sucker!
Well, I think the “ years” are taking their toll so I’ll close down & simmer. Love to the girls & Junior. Trust you & they are well.

Cheerio,

Bruce.

---

NX27395
Sgt B.  Sanders.
H.Q. COY
A.I.F.
26 JUNE 1945

Dear Dad,
Your welcome letters of 17^th came to-day. Quite a speedy service to one’s direct address. Even to here only took seven days.
I fear the blades must have fallen out on the way as the gum on the envelopes had given way.
Well, I certainly have had a good rest & still am, for that matter. I hope to get back soon . things should be quite alright.
Hanna was the chap to whom I referred. I saw him yesterday in hospital.
Sure sign of an easing of the situation is that the rumours have commenced circulation again. There are some good ones.

27 June. I interrupted to do some washing, almost every second day in this climate.
We went to a show last night, U.S., it fills in the time.
I’ve heard nothing from Poss or the other lads except second-hand info. I shall be very pleased to settle down with them again. The Pl. received commendation from several quarters & you can guess how gratifying that is.
The news is good so let’s hope old Nip cracks under the pressure.. he’s sure going to cop plenty.

Now, cheerio Dad, hope all are well.

‘Til later, Love,           Bruce.

---

 NX27395
Sgt B.  Sanders.
H.Q. COY
A.I.F.
6 JULY 1945

   

Dear Dad,

          I am back with the boys & your letter of the 24^th was waiting.
Also a surprising letter from Mr. Roads asking me to let him know if I wanted to work for him, full-blown tradesman & said he could keep me very busy.
So I gave it thought & with the long service business under way, I have written to-day & asked him to  claim. I am going to try & get out now.
The boredom & messing about has been too much for me. I just feel tired out, so here’s hoping.
I’m so bad I kicked a bottle of Fosters over  & broke it & that’s tragic.
Well, you’ve certainly had some trouble. You’d better ease up a little on the work.
Arch Anderson was hit but will be O.K. the rest of the lads are alright.

Now Dad, cheerio & love to all,    Love, Bruce.

---

 NX27395
Sgt B.  Sanders.
H.Q. COY
A.I.F.
12 JULY 1945

Dear Dad,

          Seeing Mick Donovan & Dave Anderson writing furiously just now, I feel shamed & so, pen a line  as I wend my way to the  bush to report to the above Coy, you can guess why.
Dave sends his respects. He is quite well & like most long term men, hoping for a release.
I am  honestly hoping Mr. Roads can click with Man Power. One’s thoughts now are continually on civie life & consequently, peace of mind is rare – in fact the metal disturbance is evident in the boys’ faces and their nerves.
In fairness , I must say the unit is taking the first opportunity to re-instate me as W.O. though unfortunately in a strange company. To be honest, I am more concerned about the release.
Poss, Alf & the lads are O.K. Alf is trying for release as a butcher. I wish him luck.
I acknowledge the scissors’ arrival in Bet’s letter.
The cake has not arrived but will probably come eventually. Hard luck. However I am eating little probably for want of work.
I saw quite a few healthy Nips brought in this week & really pleased to see it for I believe that is a good sign. Some, also were not so healthy – hunger etc & the “gentle” treatment of the natives has its effect.
Last night we had a pleasant sit-out in the open, two of our officers, a gramophone, two engineer visitors – very pleasant until one Alec threw a stick into the bushes & caused us to fly for an Owen . Rather upsetting.
Quite a few of our lads have made it back to Aust.
The news arouses interest. Sumatra appears to be in the softening state for Lord Louis. The other Borneo shows are going very well – the comparative figures for enemy killed  to ours are almost incredible in view of our being the attackers.
Some people think Nip will see the light within six months but that is too glorious to hope for.
Now, Dad, goodnight. Love to all at home,

                                      Cheerio,

                                                Bruce.

 

---

NX27395
 WOII B.  Sanders.
C. COY
A.I.F.
18 JULY 1945

Dear Dad,

A line in answer to yours of 8^th which took about six days to reach me, here in the scrub. As you see, I am up again & in a new coy. Joe Stevens, of whom you wrote earlier, is a Pl. Sgt. Here & is quiet well.
No further word has come from Mr. . Roads ‘though it is a little early to expect any, I guess. I am hoping very much that he is successful for I have , more or less, commenced to dream of civilian pursuits & so the army is the last priority. Of the five year  release alone, I do not hold much hope for a few months so an industrial release is my strong hope. It is not inducive to peace of mind to be in the scrub here with so much time to think – no lights at night- and wondering what will eventuate. Maybe you could ring the “Boss” & ask his opinion on the business.
Should I return soon, souvenirs will not weigh me down. I have a map & little else. Some fellows have many bonzer articles, quite a few swords & pistols. Odd Japs are still being picked up by patrols & most make a break for it.
I was in a half-daze the other night & a booby went off. I was certainly rudely awakened. The cause was a goanna.
One becomes very Red Indianish following pads on the alert. Its amazing in what places huts are located & evidence of habitation.
Re Jock McGuire, he has moved from Ingleburn & had probably done so when you wrote. He was on his way back but may have tossed them on the five-year angle before leaving the mainland.
You remember Daphne Smith of Minter St. she is now Mrs Hammond.
The padre still gets up to the boys here & last visit took back a gold Nip tooth – he said one of his parishioners had asked for one & he was going to see if she was serious.
My watch is going well. I have been very fortunate in this regard.
There are some large monkeys about, some the size of a boy & they cause a bit of consternation when a scout spots them. Any movement on patrol is treated as Jap, ‘til it is proved otherwise.

Now Dad, I shall close. Trust all are well.

  Love,  Bruce.

---

NX27395
 WOII B.  Sanders.
C. COY
A.I.F.
22 JULY 1945

Dear Bet,

Very pleased to find your letters in with Dad’s. the one of last Sunday came to-day & I see you’re free from Manpower. What follows now? I hope you’ll be bale to teach me a  great deal about dancing for you seem to be well in practise.
Of course I have first to get out and as Dad has probably told you I am hoping Mr. Roads can speed my release – I am very weary of soldiering.
I guess you’ve noticed up top ( of the page I mean.)
The scrub here still yields some Nips, but few resist with arms so that the prisoner tally is growing. However, the majority will not surrender & have to be exterminated. The lads have some excellent souvenirs, hara-kiri daggers, swords, flags, watches. I came back too late for any pickings but am not so very disappointed.
There are many huts & humpies in the hills, some in very peculiar places & in most of them there are Nip boots – the type with big toe separated from the rest of the foot- & other oddments of clothing. The scrub is difficult to traverse & one can easily become lost.
Quite often one is startled by monkeys of various sizes, as they hop along the tracks. One fellow has one as a pet but I am not popular with that particular monk and he can bite!
Chinese boys play here & some chaps have them washing clothes- the little blighters smoke when they can get cigarettes.
Dad enquired about the building book. Well, I should like it here, having decided to assault the civie front as soon as possible. Mr. Roads remarked with pleasure on my Tech. Course progress so I intend to put my best foot forwards. Just a matter of a clear go.
Well, Bet, Sunday evening in this scrub is a duller affair than any place I have known. Not that any evening differs. Still, I may soon be back to a place near films , stretchers & that will be acceptable.
The cake which Dad sent has not come to me but may be held at our dump – jolly unfortunate, but still, I have been blessed with good luck in other ways so will certainly not complain.
Dad mentioned a Stevens boy in our Bn. I am not certain just which one it is. The one in this C. Coy is a Sgt. & bunks near me.
Now Bet, best wishes for whatever course you pursue. I hope you are well & happy. Let’s know how you are getting on.

Cheerio,Love, Bruce.

 P.S. enclosed is one of our local papers & shows that although the campaign according to the newspapers is ended, quite large figures are still appearing to the Jap’s detriment.

       

---

NX27395
 A/WOII B.  Sanders.
C. COY
A.I.F.
27 JULY 1945   

    

Dear Dad,

          I intended to write earlier in the evening but Padre came over & said a Confirmation Service was being held 7 so I went. Your letter of last Sunday found me to-night on my return.
I guess, you’ve gathered, I am no longer in the bush.
The early portion of the service was very comforting & when the little Chinese girl was brought before the Bishop, the contrasting tenderness of the lovely child moved me so much, I almost had to check a tear. Must have been in a weak moment.
Then the address by the Bishop was given as though all present were C.E. & some very interesting points were made. I queried my right to attend when our padre invited me, but he said it mattered not at all – I am pleased I overlooked my Non-Conformist religion. There was much food for thought.
The chapel is in a large building & is well laid out. Just another of the comfortable changes in this spot to most others in which we have been.
I am somewhat disappointed in the points system laid down by the long-service releases – my youth & lack of dependants deprives me of so many points that I shall be down near the bottom of our list. My frank opinion is that there should be no points but as things are, well it will be some time.
My new job is going very satisfactorily. I’ll have to do a lot of chipping in the camp this week for minor breaches, clothing & so on, but most of the fellows are sensible & those who aren’t cannot break my “ hardened” heart.
A Comforts Parcel (A.C.F.) was issued to everyone to-day & proved an excellently selected one, including 1 pkt of Gillettes .  Also came a parcel for Bob, addressed to our Coy, probably from some District Comforts Fund so I shall use it as it would probably never reach him. Vera could tell him.
I am a mass of perspiration & sleeves have to be rolled down.
Please apologise to Margaret for my oversight in missing her birthday. Hope she is well & happy.
Incidentally, Poss is only two points better off than I, so unless Mr. Roads comes good, we’ll let Sydney know when we arrive.
So Churchill stands down, a job done as probably only he could have done it – but we’ll see how much British Labour is in advance of ours.
My home is the Orderly Room with the Sgt. Clerk & we are comfy – very nice to sit at a table & of course, the stretchers, but they do creak.
I hope to go to Poss’ camp for a fish dinner to-morrow evening- and a jug of beer- hope I am free.
Well Dad, so much for now. I’m quite healthy. Restless but working to occupy my mind & almost succeeding.
Hope all are well, Love,Bruce.

---

NX27395
 A/WOII B.  Sanders.
C. COY
A.I.F.
4 AUGUST 1945

Dear Dad,

Your letter of last Sunday came yesterday. Since I last wrote a  little scrub hunting has come my way but now I am back at the orderly room table , comfortable. Most have gone to the pictures to-night but I have seen three shows this week & the sound is so poor that I am giving them a go-by.

The long service release business is under way – some are already back in Aust. My points score is almost the lowest of our group & so, along with Poss, Dave & the other single youngsters will probably be late arrivals. However the ball is rolling & I am , after much thought, really pleased.

I am settled in well with the Coy & have almost come to know the many newcomers. Regular routine goes on here & I must say concentration is difficult. One wants only to forget military matters but must bide awhile.

The evening is beautiful, the sky a lovely blue but very steamy.

Had a talk with the Padre to-day. He is a good old chap & has done a grand job getting around all the boys & in addition, christening ( & naming) two Chinese children, Mary & John. Then a third was brought & he named her Anne. The father is a Christian & can speak English.

As for the discharge angle, no further word has come from Mr. Roads & actually the five-year release would be preferable now. However, what comes I will accept. At present, the system is to do nothing until reaching Aust. When the discharge centre takes charge. I’ll watch my step. With my accumulated leave I should have plenty of choice & a nice cheque. It would be very nice to do a final leave with the gang. We’ll see.

There are the inevitable heartbreaks in that there are chaps who have seen all our shows but have not five years’ service. Still someone has to start.

I daresay Churchill is very disappointed but the English are looking to post-war now.

Now, Dad, I guess I am stumped for news so I shall close. Hope you & all are well & happy, you’ll probably see Bob quite awhile before me.

Cheerio,

          Love,

                   Bruce.

 

                 

 

                            

 

---

 NX27395
  WOII B.  Sanders.
C. COY
A.I.F.
13 AUGUST 1945          

Dear Dad,

          I finally come to answering your latest & the circumstances are wonderful aren’t they? We can hope to see the war at a finish within the week. And as well, my long service seems to yield results & I still expect to be home before October.

Friday evening was quite a show. The news was so wonderful-I went down to see Poss & co. about 11 p.m. & we had a chat over some accumulated beer finishing at 4 a.m. & so I made a belated appearance back at Coy about 10 a.m. Saturday. I had less than five bottles & was very off next day. Must be the tropics.

We, who have immediate hopes of getting away are endeavouring to adopt a patient attitude but my, what a strain!

After endeavours to have my rank confirmed, I have been informed that I will retain it, even as acting & so I should finish the war as I am.

Regarding Mr. Road’s efforts, it would now be better if I returned under the five year scheme thus being free to work in with a good leave – I did not anticipate such speedy action in regard to movement & so was impatient to get out. Some people cannot understand our desire to get away quickly but who can understand this business, not having been in it.

It seems to me the majority imagine we return as we went – overlooking the stress & strain & results therefrom. They cannot comprehend our unrest – not even ‘though we have been sixteen months with no associations but soldiers, faulty movies, many poor class, tropical heat & boredom indescribable plus an element of personal concern for one’s neck. But, in general, one is showered with expressions of wonder that one shows impatience.

Possibly the salient observation from these opinions is that one would do well to expect no understanding on one’s return. rather, launch out afresh & remember in silence.

Amidst these somewhat premature celebrations, it is good to hear many chaps here call a pause & remember  the ones who lie not far away- old hands & new- quite a number who would have been with us on our release & others not yet twenty- kids who have carried some hundreds of bludgers who reckoned this was not their concern, other than financially.

One mother wrote in sad wonder at the fact of her son – nineteen year old- being in the forefront of the fight as he very surely was - & was killed. The stark tragedy of such sacrifice seems to me to be evident to few , comparatively few people.

And now, those who took their chance along with those fellows are asked – why impatient and will doubtless be greeted with derision should they lose their self-respect to such an extent as to become a little inebriated. It seems we are judged & condemned  by the standards of those who have had no strain comparable to that undergone in this show. I anticipate trouble should any such criticism come to me from such persons.

Do not fear that I have become a victim of self-pity- far to the contrary- my self-confidence is greater than ever, but – I cannot accept all the statements made to me (as I did five years ago) without speaking up when I deem it my right & duty.

There is quite a deal of noticeable talk by some who were very quiet & loathe to be prominent back in May & it palls indeed. Now we hear there will be more, all the advice on how hard we should be, but quite a few who proffer the advice would be mighty reluctant if ordered to pursue the fight. I would, myself.

I am well aware that terrific problems are going to arise on my return, but after this, nothing is insurmountable if one has the spirit. We shall see, in a decade or so, how the spirit was! I am weary of hearing “ You have no idea what you are going back to.” – one’s only comeback can be “ You’ve no idea what I’ve come from”. And I have had little compared to some, to many.

The old argument of preference for men arises & I realise its complexity. But it is hard for a single man to see another fellow given a terrific points advantage for having wed last leave. Especially is the single chap did not even have the last leave. Is that fair? However that is not worrying me.

That is a lot to say but better speak , in the correct place, than to simmer within.

I wrote Mr. Ferguson to see if I can get a leg in on a suit. Hope I can.

Your advice will be followed re discharge. I intend to have the preliminary month’s leave & have a good change. Probably a week in town, then up to Arch. Livingstone’s place at Lismore ( one of the lads) maybe a call at Kinchela & endeavour to tee up clothing, work etc and most important, get fit. You know, I start my wardrobe with one old pair of shoes & working clothes so I’ll be looking for some advice.

The restriction on pay, as you mentioned, is a good move. The financial prospects are very good as I have about 90 days’ leave accrued & will be paid for it all.

Colds have been prevalent here. I had a bad throat but am O.K. now.

And the cake arrived in good condition. It must have had some trip.

Another parcel came from Gunnedah for Bob but it was no use sending it on. Anyway he should be home any time. Before me.

I am glad Bet has a start- she wants to stick there now.

And pleased Bill McCarthy is O.K.

Incidentally, Clyde’s old mate, Jack Hacker, may get my job. He sends his best wishes to Clyde.

Two M.M.s were awarded to the Engs.