Belmont, Bruce Ernest (Leading Aircraftman, b.1921 - d.2006)

Collection relating to the Second World War service of 15354 Leading Aircraftman Bruce Ernest Belmont, RAAF.

Collection consists of a blue covered Collins 'Aero' diary for the year 1941, complete with original pencil inserted in spine. The diary was kept by 15354 Leading Aircraftman [LAC] Bruce Ernest Belmont. It commences in February while LAC Belmont was based at No 8 Elementary Flying Training School at Narrandera NSW and describes his training and leisure activities. An entry for 30 April records 'Joined AIF'. Belmont was struck off strength as a deserter on this date and fraudulently joined the AIF with the service number NX5646. The remainder of the diary records gas school training with 2/2 Machine Gun Battalion, his embarkation overseas on 3 November and sightseeing in Gaza and Cairo. The diary also contains a record of Belmont's correspondence as well as contacts; plus a number of loose inserts - 2 receipts from machine gun training school, dated 1941; an AIF Entertainments admission ticket; typed song lyrics to 'Pen to Paper', words and music by Eric J Wright (signed), 29 April 1942; and an Italian postage stamp.

Belmont spent some time in the Middle East as a Private with the 2/2 MG Bn, before being discovered and rejoining the RAAF in June 1943. He was discharged as medically unfit for further service in August 1944.

Belmont again joined the Australian Army for the Korean War, assigned service number 41373 and served as a sergeant with 2nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment [2RAR] between 1953-1954.