Oliver Donald George Bruce
From Our Contribution
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| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 7 Aug 1910 |
| Place of Birth | Collie, Western Australia |
| Death | 10 May 1972, aged 61 |
| Place of Death | Nollamara, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 29 years, 6 months |
| Occupation | Poultry farmer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Kelmscott |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr. Oliver Bruce |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | WX1069 & WX1897 |
| Date of Enlistment | 23 Nov 1939 & 5 Mar 1940 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit/Formation | 2/11th Australian Infantry Battalion |
| Post War Details | |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
Pre War
Electoral Roll entries: 1931 at 71 Olive street, Subiaco, clerk; 1936 at 'Kirkalocka', Mt Magnet, miner; 1937 - 1943 Second avenue, Kelmscott, poultry farmer with parents John and Mary Louisa Oliver
War Service
Oliver first enlisted on 23 Nov 1939 but his WX 1069 service terminated when he was discharged on 29 Nov 1939 due to defective eyesight. He later re-enlisted on 5 Mar 1940 when he was posted to the 2/1st Australian Convalescent Depot as a cook TG II. On 18 Apr 1940 Oliver was granted pre-embarkation leave before embarking aboard HMAT Nevassa (HMAT V3) on 20 Apr 1940 in Fremantle for the Middle East. He disembarked on 19 May 1940 at Kantana and the same day was transferred to the 2/1st Australian General Hospital at Gaza Ridge where he was initially utilised as a Hospital Cook. On 17 Jan 1941 he was promoted Corporal
On 15 May 1942 Oliver was transferred to the AIF (ME) Staging Camp who passed him on to the Australian Artillery Training Regiment the next day (16 May 1943). On 26 Jul 1943 he was moved again, this time to the Australian Depot Battalion to undertake a Medical Board. Two days later he was admitted to hospital and on 5 Aug 1942 he was classified as fit for "Sedentary Duties Only". On 11 Aug 1942 he was back with the Artillery Training Battery. On 4 Jan 1943 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Depot Battalion to prepare for a return to Australia.
On 27 Jan 1943 Oliver embarked in Port Tewfik aboard HMT L2 (one of the many small ships comprising Convoy JS3) for Fremantle where he disembarked on 18 Feb 1943. On 25 Mar 1943 he was sent to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot for re-allocation, and Oliver was transferred to 8th Supply Personnel Company in Claremont on 24 Apr 1943 before being allocated to the 125th Australian General Transport Company on 6 Jul 1943. A month later on 6 Aug 1943 Oliver was transferred to New South Wales to join the HQ Australian Supply Depot Company.
On 23 Jul 1943 Oliver changed his NOK to his Mother, Mrs. Mary Louisa Bruce, and on 13 Aug 1943 he was posted to HQs Australian Second Army. On 16 Oct 1943 Oliver was admitted to the 120th Australian Special Hospital with an infection. He was discharged on 3 Nov 1943, and returned to his unit on 8 Nov 1943.
On 12 Jan 1944 Oliver was posted to the Australian Camp "Q"s Staff at Balgowrie and was then Medically reclassified on 21 Jun 1944 to 'B5' - Vision. On 1 Jul 1944 Oliver was posted to the 1st Australian Base Depot Personnel for reallocation, and on 18 Jul 1944 he was transferred to Camp "Q" Staff Broadmeadows before taking 30 days leave from 22 Oct 1944. Oliver was transferred to the Western Command Recruit Reception & General Details Depot on 9 Oct 1945 and discharged on 31 Oct 1945.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries: 1954 - 1958 at 165 Hensman road, Subiaco, packer with his mother; 1958 at 64 Daglish street, Wembley, packer by himself; 1963 at 178 Ravenscar street, Scarborough; 1968 at 366 Wanneroo road, Nollamara, packer
Notes