The following talk was given at the tree dedicated to the 2/2nd Pioneers ("Firewheel Tree" stenocarpus sinuatus) in the grounds of the Shrine of Remembrance on the afternoon of Sunday 13th June 2004, on the occasion of the Battalion Association's 59th annual pilgrimage. It was given by Eleanor Newcombe, the daughter of VX30705 Lieutenant Clarence (Cal) James Mitchell, who enlisted at Caulfield on 10th June 1940 aged 27 years, and was discharged on 7th December 1945. Eleanor is the Editor of the Association's Newsletter.

The talk is of interest on at least two grounds, firstly she says that her father talked to his family about the war, which many of those who went to the war did not do. For that reason, we have lost much of the history of the times, including details of much of the heroism which occurred. Secondly she talks about the way that she, and other family members are being involved in the unit association, and are carrying on the traditions, and maintaining the memory of the part played by the 2/2nd Pioneers in World War 2. Proof of the strength of the Association is that about 70 people turned up on 13th June. (Note that the annual pilgrimage is held close to 17th June, the anniversary of the day the Battalion first went into action.).

Eleanor spoke as follows:-

"When Ted asked me to speak here this afternoon on "What it means to be involved with the 2/2nd Pioneers", I thought to myself, "I can't remember a time when the Pioneers were not a part of my life."

For my Father, the 2/2nd Pioneers were an extension of his own family. He used to say "My friends in the Pioneers are as close as my brothers". My Father spoke to us openly about his life especially from the outbreak of WW2 and of the time spent in training at Puckapunyal and other places; of the time spent in the Middle East, and then of the awful days spent as a Prisoner of War.

Although he told us of the horrors, the cruelty, and the deprivation, he mainly spoke to us of the wonderful "mateship" that existed between all the men.

He spoke of self sacrifice of others; of men who endangered their lives to find extra rations for a sick friend; helping each other attend to wounds and injuries; of just talking together and giving each other the strength and will to go on.

After the War, life returned to "normal". That must have been very difficult for all who endured those years of war. For many, it was a return to wives or sweethearts and children already born and an endeavour to pick up the pieces. For others it meant establishing new relationships, beginning new families. This is where it all began with me and my brother.

Watching the Pioneers march on Anzac Days, attending this annual pilgrimage at the Shrine every year and visiting, and having as welcome guests, so many Pioneers to our home. We played with the other children, and to us, then, it was also an extension of our "family".

After my Father died, rather than close the door on his past associations, I decided to lend a hand where I could. Doing so has opened more doors and given me the opportunity to share in some of the "mateship" for myself.