Bruce enlisted in the Citizens Military Force (Reserve) with Service No V13789 on 26 Apr 1941 and posted to Area Signals on 30 Apr 1941. He transferred to the A..F. on 30 Jul 1941 and was an original member of the unit, embarking aboard “ZEALANDIA” on 8 Dec 1941 for Timor as the Private in No 2 Section, “A” Platoon. He was with No 2 Section during the defence of the Dili Drome on the 20 Feb 1942 when the Japanese first landed.
After the campaign on Timor, he embarked with the unit, for Australia aboard the Royal Dutch destroyer “Tjerk Hiddes” on 16 Dec 1942.
After leave and reorganization, he embarked with the unit for New Guinea aboard “DUNTROON” on 17 Jun 1943 Timor as the Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop and returned to Australia with them aboard “TAROONA” on 3 Sept 1944. After leave and reorganization, he embarked for New Britain aboard “TAROONA” on 9 Apr 1945 with the unit as a Trooper in No 2 Section, “A” Troop.
He returned to Australia on 13 Dec 1945 and was discharged on 3 Jan 1946.
His service papers suggest that he enlisted in to the Australian Regular Army on 11 Jan 1949 with Service No 3/2005 and posted to 108th Transport Platoon as a Driver. There is also mention of him with Service No 3/2005, serving as a Temporary Corporal in 15th National Service Training Battalion.
He was entitled to the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australian Service Medal 1939-45, pictured below. He is now also entitled to the Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with a clasp
Edited by Peter Epps
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