Ken is the Treasurer of the 2/2 Pioneer Battalion Association. The following article is based on a talk given at the 2/2 Pioneer Battalion memorial tree* in the grounds of the Shrine of Remembrance. His father, Stan Fraser, lived in South Richmond, and enlisted in the 2/2 Pioneers on 3rd June 1940 at age 23. Stan's older brother, David Thomas Fraser, enlisted in 2/33 Infantry Battalion 3 weeks later at age 27. He was Ken's uncle, and his letter that Ken read out was written from Tobruk in North Africa.

Whilst the letter from his uncle Dave, has many personal references, it serves to reinforce the theme from Australia's involvement in both World Wars that ordinary people did extraordinary things.

Here is the text of Ken's talk:-

Firstly, thank you Ted (Hansen, President) for giving me the privilege to speak at this revered place.

I previously had no idea, nor did I think it an issue on how tough it was for mothers during the war, with their son, often sons plural, and often with sons plus their husband in the war zone. In recent times I have been enlightened and educated by listening to the chaps in the battalion and their spouses, and regretfully from some I can not glean any more, for they have moved on.

This is a letter to my grandmother from Dad's brother Dave. It is strange with letters, the word structure from the day it was written can never change, but with the reader's maturity and life experience modifying with time, so does our interpretation and appreciation alter. It is a simple letter that nicely addresses mateship, ANZAC spirit, an acceptance of toughness, past and present relationships and simple endearment.

Libya 17/8/41

D. T. Fraser VX 27654

AIF Abroad

Dear Mum

Just a few lines to let you know I am keeping well and I hope this letter finds all of you the same at home. I received a letter from Len a few days ago, I wrote to Stan but I have not got an answer, know where they are, expect a letter from him any day now. It is not long since I wrote to Florrie and I am glad they have got a nice little place out there, it will suit the kids.

I suppose it brought back memories riding in a horse jinker for you, suppose you have collected a fair bit of my allotment money by this, it will soon be 12 months now since I left, I think that was the worst day I have put in so far, and I have been in some tight corners since then, still in action. Suppose you will read all about us in the paper, we are boomed up now, we have been in it a long time now and I reckon the boys are doing a wonderful job. We are known as the ANZACS, Lord Haw Haw calls us the rats, he reckons the place is not good enough for clean respectable German soldiers.

It is getting a lot cooler here now, it was very hot for a while, do everything mostly at night, am with a good lot of boys now, they have made B company up again, there was a lot of our boys names in the paper about the middle of June, things were a bit tough then.

Well Mum I think the parcel must have gone (down) with a boat, couple were sunk, but better luck next time. Things have improved as far as smokes and that are concerned, there is a lot better outlook.

I hope Len stops at home, want somebody to keep things going at home, it is not all milk and honey here, nothing much to see outside the war. Suppose Myrtle has got another addition to the family by this and I believe Eileen had got a little beaut.

I have not heard from Ivy for months, don't know what's wrong, is she sick or something, don't worry too much now though, mail comes in about twice a week now. I ought to get a letter from her soon, if she is writing. I will wait for a letter from her before I will write again.

(Editor's note: He is unaware or cannot address the fact that his girlfriend has someone else.)

Did Irene marry Frank? Len never said. How is old Ma? Tell her the pasties would be very welcome now - mostly tinned tucker here. I might send some souvenirs home soon, a lot send home little Italian mortar bombs, they would look well done up. I have got 2 shell cases, they polish nice, brass, they would look good on the mantelpiece, and there would be a bit attached to them seeing they were fired where we are fighting.

I hope Auntie Alice gets over her illness. Well Mum, news is scarce at present, just thought I would write a letter to you for a change. You know they are giving badges to mothers and wives who have boys overseas. You are entitled to one, get them at Craig's Buildings I think.

I will close now, cheerio for the present. write soon, remember me to all.

Love from Dave xxxxx

Eleven days later Dave got his name in the paper, he was killed in action.

Again Ted, thank you for letting me be part of this Association.

(End of talk)

David Fraser died during the seige of Tobruk that (as he said) gave rise to the epithet "the Rats of Tobruk". Commonwealth War Graves Commission records show that David Fraser lies in the Tobruk War Cemetery in Libya. The cemetery is located about 7 Km inland from the port of Tobruk on the left side of the main road to Alexandria. The cemetery holds the graves of 2,282 British Commonwealth servicemen of World War 2.

*The tree* dedicated to the 2/2 Pioneers at the Shrine is just West of the main building towards St Kilda Road. It is a Queensland Firewheel tree, so named because of the shape of its disc shaped red flowers. Its botanical name is stenocarpus sinuatis. The current tree is the third, and seems to be thriving. The two earlier ones, not being native to Victoria, must have suffered in the climate, or got "wet feet" and died!

2005 Annual 2/2nd Pioneer Battalion Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Victoria. After the Remembrance ceremony in the Shrine, everyone moved into the Shrine's new multimedia centre for a presentation and refreshments. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_98

Clarrie Christie (2/2 Pioneer). Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_99

The Battalion flag being raised by the Shrine guards for the occasion. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_100

The Battalion flag at full mast for the duration of the ceremony. Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_101

Clarrie Christie (2/2 Pioneer). Photo courtesy of C. Sandell (grandson of VX73689 C. A. R. Douglas). id no. C_SANDELL_102