Kitbag : Private J M Bruce, 2/16 Battalion, AIF

Brown canvas AIF embarkation kitbag. The round base of the bag is reinforced with a second layer of canvas, and is stencilled in white paint; 'NX111315 BRUCE. J. M'. The side of the bag is stencilled '61100' (a transport number) in black paint, and hand painted 'NX 111315 J.M. BRUCE.' in white paint. The letter 'A' is stencilled in black paint below. The bag has a series of 12 brass eyelets around its open end. A length of white cord passing through these eyelets enables it to be closed, and a brown canvas flap inside the opening provides weather protection for the contents.

This kitbag was issued to Private NX111315 James Meikle Bruce, 2/16 Battalion, AIF. Bruce was born in 1923 and attempted to enlist in the RAAF during the Second World War. Having passed a medical examination for aircrew, he was recalled to Militia service and volunteered for the AIF. After a period spent serving as an NCO with an armoured unit at Singleton, he was remustered into the infantry, eventually joining 2/16 Battalion, with whom he served as a private in Borneo and the Celebes. Post-war, Bruce joined the CMF as a private in 1948, but was commissioned as a lieutenant (in the Australian Army Service Corps) the following year. He left the force in 1951.