Cremer, Samuel (Sergeant, b.1916 - d.2011); Bradley, Edward Athelstan (Civilian, b.1917 - d.1997)

Collection relating to Second World War service of NX67585 Sergeant Samuel ‘Sam’ Cremer, 2/4 Field Ambulance and 2/7 Field Ambulance, Second Australian Imperial Force, Australia, India, Palestine, Egypt, Greece and Germany, 1941-1943. Collection also relating to the Second World War experience of Mr Edward Athelstan Bradley, Civilian, Australia, 1941-1943.

Wallet 1 of 1 - contains correspondence by Sergeant Cremer and Mr Bradley, primarily to each other, between 1941 and 1943.

Folder 1 of 2 – Consists of correspondence written by Sergeant Samuel ‘Sam’ Cremer to his friend Mr Edward Athelstan ‘Ted’ Bradley. The folder contains 29 letters, 15 postcards and four airgraphs to Mr Bradley, two notes to Sergeant Cremer’s mother and one note sent to Cremer’s next of kin from prisoner of war camp Stalag VII-A. The letters describe Sergeant Cremer’s voyage from Sydney to Greece via India, Palestine and Egypt. He writes about conditions on board the ship, observations of India, and visiting Alexandria while on leave in Egypt. He also refers to conflict in Greece. While serving with 2/7 Field Ambulance, Sergeant Cremer was captured as a prisoner of war and sent to Stalag VII-A camp in Moosburg, Germany. From the camp, Sergeant Cremer’s letters assure his friend he is keeping well, but describes boredom with camp life. He expresses concern about Japan entering the war and is always eager to hear news from home. From May 1943, Sergeant Cremer’s letters are postmarked from Stalag VIII-B camp, where he writes about taking on a job on a fatigue party, playing rugby, and using the reference library.

Folder 2 of 2 – Consists of 16 letters [including associated envelopes] and one envelope written by Mr Edward Athelstan ‘Ted’ Bradley to Sergeant Samuel Cremer, dated between 1941 and 1942, and two letters to Mr Bradley from the Commonwealth Institute of Accountants regarding Sergeant Cremer’s intentions to study accountancy in London, dated 1943. Bradley’s letters describe events on the home front, including his own rejection from the Army on medical grounds, updates on life events of both their families, and news from mutual friends at the Bondi Surf Club where the two had served together prior to the war. He also describes events in his own life, including studying for accountancy exams and his contemplation over entering the priesthood.