James Bruce was born at Oxton, Berwick, Scotland on 5 November 1879. He came to Australia with his family as a child, married and later lived at Pelaw Main, working in one of the nearby coal mines when he was caught up in the patriotic fervour that was then sweeping through the coalfields. After enlisting in The Wallabies recruiting march at Kurri Kurri on 3 January, 1916 he was drafted into the 34th Infantry Battalion and was later promoted to the rank of Corporal, no doubt because of his earlier military background and training, and sailed from Sydney aboard His Majesty’s Australian Transport Hororata on 2 May, 1916.
James Bruce was Captain Clarence Jeffries’ Company Sergeant-Major during the second battle of Passchendaele on 12 October 1917. In the 34th Infantry Battalion’s advance on that day, the first point of resistance encountered was two enemy concrete pillboxes east of Augustus Wood. Jeffries organised a bombing party, and with James Bruce rushed one enemy strongpost and captured twenty five prisoners and two machine guns. With another party of twelve men Jeffries and James Bruce then went forward under further heavy machine gun and artillery fire to the next objective when suddenly Jeffries was killed by machine gun fire from another emplacement. James Bruce then took over and succeeded in capturing the remaining enemy obstacle as well as two more enemy machine guns and thirty prisoners.

When all the officers of the 34th Infantry Battalion had become casualties in the ensuing battle and fighting at Passchendaele, Sergeant James Bruce organised the remnant of the battalion and gave the order to dig a new defence line which was held until the battalion was ordered to withdraw in the afternoon.

For Sergeant James Bruce’s courage, gallantry and leadership under extreme difficulties at Passchendaele, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The citation for his act of conspicuous gallantry in the field reads:
''His Majesty the King has been pleased to award the distinguished conduct medal to the undermentioned for gallantry and distinguished service in the field :-Sergeant (now Second Lieutenant) James Bruce
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack. During the battle of Ypres (phase 5) on 12th October 1917, in the attack, the centre of his company was held up by an enemy's machine gun strong-point. Sergeant Bruce assisted an officer to organise a party which rushed the strong-point and captured four machine guns and thirty five enemy soldiers. After the 34th Battalion had captured its objective, Sergeant Bruce assisted an officer to organise a party to attack another enemy machine gun emplacement on the right flank which was enfilading the line. In this attack the officer was killed. Sergeant Bruce carried on and succeeded in capturing the enemy post, two machine guns and thirty more enemy soldiers. When all officers of the 34th Battalion had become casualties, Sergeant Bruce organised the battalion and arranged for digging of a new defence line. Sergeant Bruce sent back to command headquarters valuable information and by his courage and resourcefulness set a magnificent example to his men.''
The above notice was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, Number 110 dated 25 July 1918. *Author’s Note: It appears that after Jeffries was killed at Passchendaele, James Bruce took it upon himself to avenge the death of the young son and only child of Joshua Jeffries, the Superintendent of the Abermain Collieries, who had only the year before, as a gesture to James Bruce for the invaluable assistance that he had given to his son at Messines, gave to each of James Bruce’s two eldest sons, Tom and George, a mine surveying cadetship in the Abermain Collieries. That is to say, Joshua Jeffries had given the sons of James Bruce, the same start in their working lives as had been given to his own son, Clarence. It was the result of countless ruthless and demoralising raids led by James Bruce into the opposing German trenches in search of prisoners for interrogation and intelligence gathering that the Germans bestowed the nickname of ‘Der Rothaarig Teufel’ (‘The Ginger Haired Devil’) upon him. It is also thought that a considerable sum of money, or bounty, had been offered by the Huns for either his capture or death.
At Villers-Bretonneux early in April 1918, for further gallantry and leadership while facing overwhelming numbers of the enemy, James Bruce was recommended for, and was awarded, the Military Cross.
The citation read as follows:
''His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the above award to the undermentioned officer in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the field: -
Lieutenant James Bruce, DCM
''For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on the enemy line in the vicinity of Villers-Bretonneux on the night of April 4th 1918, Lieutenant Bruce led his platoon with great dash, rushing an advanced enemy machine gun position and killing the crew and capturing the gun. Later, Lieutenant Bruce rushed an enemy trench, captured ten prisoners, killing the remainder of the garrison and captured two more machine guns. In the struggle he killed several of the enemy himself. On seeing a party of the enemy moving round his flank, Lieutenant Bruce organised and led a party of his men and succeeded in wiping out the approaching enemy.
Throughout the operation Lieutenant Bruce set a magnificent example of courage and coolness to his men, and his services were eminently valuable.''
Lieutenant James Bruce, MC, DCM, a coal miner Digger of the 34th Infantry Battalion, and who was known to the enemy as ‘Der Rothaarig Teufel’ (‘The Ginger Haired Devil’), was killed by a German artillery shell exploding in the 34th Infantry Battalion’s trenches in the early hours of 17 July 1918 at Sailly-le-Sec on the Somme while on his way to breakfast. He was thirty nine years old, although on his headstone his age is stated to be forty, and with his death his wife, Louisa, lost her husband and his children lost their father. James Bruce is buried in the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery at Fouilloy in France.
The death of Lieutenant Bruce was reported soon after and appeared in the Maitland Mercury newspaper as follows:

War Casualties - Killed in Action
“Mrs. Bruce, of Pelaw Main, has been notified that her husband, Lieutenant James Bruce, MC, DCM, was killed in action in France on 17 July, 1918.
Lieutenant Bruce left Maitland with the 34th Battalion, and distinguished himself on several occasions. On 12 October, 1917, he took part in the battle at Passchendaele, where the late Captain Jeffries, VC, of Abermain, was killed.
For splendid service rendered in that engagement he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and subsequently promoted to commissioned rank. In a letter to a Maitland friend he referred to the bravery of several Hunter River men who lost their lives, and in another letter he paid tribute to the work of Captain Jeffries.
Soldiers who were with Lieutenant Bruce in that and other engagements referred to him as a fearless soldier and as an officer ever considerate of the men under his command. It was only recently that information was received that he had been awarded the Military Cross.”

The Maitland Mercury also reported on the memorial service held in the Pelaw Main Mission Hall for Lieutenant James Bruce, 34th Infantry Battalion and Lance Corporal William Edward Brooke, 54th Infantry who died of wounds on 10 April 1918. Lance Corporal Brooke was a 31 year old married engine driver of Neath Street, Pelaw Main.Memorial Service - Lieutenant Bruce MC, DCM
“The Mission Hall at Pelaw Main was not nearly large enough to accommodate the numbers who gathered last evening to do honour to the memory of two of the town's gallant sons who had recently been killed in action - Lieutenant J. Bruce, MC, DCM, and Lance Corporal William Edward Brooke.
Amongst those present were representatives of the Mistletoe (Free Gardeners) and Druids Lodges, of which Lieutenant Bruce was a member, the Pelaw Main Comforts Fund, and Pelaw Main Soldiers' Reception Committee, of which Mrs. Bruce was secretary, Councillor Jacobs, of the Tarro Shire Council, and residents from all parts of the district. The service was conducted by Rev. W. S. McLeod, of the Kurri Kurri Church of England parish, who based his address on Newman's ‘Lead Kindly Light’. Speaking of the general war situation, he said the past might be looked upon reproachfully, the present was gloomy, but there was every hope in the future. He paid a fine tribute to the two men whose memories they were honouring that night. Both had gallantly done their duty and had given their lives for their country. The respect in which they were held in the community was shown by the crowded congregation that evening.
The solo, ‘He Wipes a Tear From Every Eye’ was rendered by Mrs. Duncan, and the hymns were ‘For Ever with The Lord’, ‘Lord Bless Australia's Sons Tonight’, and ‘Peace Perfect Peace’. Ecclesiastics 12 and Revelations 21 were the lessons, with Psalm 39 as a special lesson. ‘The Dead March’ was played at the conclusion of the service.”
Following are some of the many letters and expressions of sympathy received by James Bruce’s widow, Louisa, and written by the officers and other ranks of the 34th Infantry Battalion and by some of the many other coalfields men who knew her husband.
The first letter was written by Lieutenant Colonel Ernest Edward Martin, Commanding Officer of the 34th Infantry Battalion who wrote: 34th Battalion AIF
20/7/18
Dear Mrs. Bruce
Long before you receive this you will have heard the sad news of your husband's death. But I am writing to you as I know a few details from his commanding officer will help you in your loss.
He was killed instantaneously by a shell exploding in the trench at the time he was moving along to where his orderlies had his breakfast prepared for him on the morning of the 17th July.
He was buried by our Battalion chaplain in the military cemetery east of Vaux sur Somme and we have erected a cross over his grave. In due time you will receive notice of this from the Graves Registration Committee.
I find it difficult to express to you how much we all feel the loss. He was truly a fine soldier and I had no better or more reliable officer. He was popular with all ranks and could always get the from his men.
The decorations of DCM and MC were never earned more worthily, and for you and his children this knowledge must have the effect of making his loss easier to bear.
Later on I hope some of his friends will be returning to the district and you will hear from all the same expressions of admiration.
Maitland and its surrounding district have every reason to be proud of the share its fine men have taken in the war and I can assure you that it has been a real help to me to be so loyally supported.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy and allow yourself to gain condolence from the fact that your husband died in a noble cause, nobly doing his work.
Yours sincerely
Lieutenant-Colonel E. E. Martin
Commanding Officer
34th Infantry BattalionThe second letter was from James Bruce’s batman, Private Henry John Laundy, who wrote:
34th Battalion, AIF France
19/7/18
Dear Mrs. Bruce,
I hope you will accept my sincerest sympathy in the great loss which has been yours in the death of your husband, Lieutenant J. Bruce which occurred on the morning of the 17th instant. I was about the last person who saw him alive and I was the one who found him. He was killed by a shell at about 9:30 in the morning and died instantly and suffered no pain. I am registering on to you a watch which he got from a German prisoner and he said it was to go to his eldest son. He was only talking about him the night before he died and his wish was that his son would stick to the job he has with the surveyor in the mine as he would have a great chance of making good at that work. The stars and badges he was wearing at the time of his death I am sending wrapped in paper separate from the others as I thought you would like them separate. I was his batman and I know that the Battalion has lost one of the finest officers and soldiers it ever had. If possible I will send you a photo or sketch of his grave and also the situation of it. Once again tendering you my deepest sympathy, I will now close with best wishes to yourself and family.
Believe me to be,
Yours sincerely
1841 Private H. J. LaundyThe following letter was written by W.O. Richard Fletcher, DCM of the 35th Infantry Battalion:
France
26th July 1918
Dear Mrs. Bruce,
Will you please allow me to offer you and your dear children my most sincere sympathy in the irreparable loss you all have sustained in the death of your dear husband and father.
As a resident of Pelaw Main I was acquainted with him before the war commenced and as a soldier in our sister Battalion we have often been together.
Only a fortnight ago he paid me a visit, that being the first opportunity we had been able to have a few words together since before Messines and of course at that time he was a sergeant and I felt very proud to know that one of the old boys from Pelaw Main had gained the well earned honours and promotion that he then possessed.
He was a fine soldier and a more fearless man would be hard to find. He was highly respected by one and all who knew him and his death is felt very keenly by his comrades over here.
His death, thank God, was painless and instantaneous and occurred on Wednesday 17th July by enemy shell fire. He was buried by the Battalion Chaplain in a little cemetery behind the lines and a cross erected over his grave. I paid a visit to his resting place a few days ago.
While he lived, he lived as a brave and fearless soldier and a man in the highest sense of the word and when he died, he died the most glorious of all deaths, that of a true soldier, fighting for the liberty and welfare of those most dear to him.
His friends in this Battalion, whom are many, and those in 34th Battalion respectfully join me in expressing our heartfelt sympathy in your sad bereavement and great trial.
Believe me to be,
Yours most sincerely
R. Fletcher W.O.
Regimental Sergeant-Major
35th Infantry BattalionThe following letter was written to Mrs. Bruce by another Pelaw Main coal miner Digger, Private Arthur Gill, a 28 year old married wheeler of the 34th Infantry Battalion:
France
28/7/18
To Mrs. James Bruce
Dear Madam
In connection with your husband's death, please allow me to offer you my heartfelt sympathy in your sad loss. Your husband, the late Lieutenant J. Bruce DCM, MC was certainly the most highly respected officer ever I had the pleasure of coming in contact with.
Both with officers, N.C.O.'s and men he was always the same, always a cheerful word for everyone he met and I can faithfully say his death was felt right throughout the Battalion. I am sorry I cannot mention the place where he is buried but I have placed a nice bunch of artificial flowers on his grave. They are made of china so they will last quite a long time.
I remain, your Sincere Friend
Private Arthur Gill 439
34th Infantry Battalion
Australian Imperial Forces France
P.S. The few of the Pelaw Main boys that are left are doing fine and enjoying the best of health. Please excuse the poor writing as I am writing in the trenches and under very poor circumstances. And another letter, this one from Lieutenant Thomas Williams, a twenty three year old coal mine clerk and coal miner Digger from Stanford Merthyr who wrote:
Officers' Mess
Ninth Training Battalion
Forant, Wiltshire
England
4th August 1918
Dear Mrs. Bruce
I hardly know what to say to you that will comfort you in your sorrow through the death of your dear husband. Throughout the time since the 34th Battalion left Rutherford, Jim and I were the best of pals, so therefore I know his sterling good qualities. As a soldier, well, there is hardly any need to mention his worth, for his decorations show that he was one of the best. I would like you to know that from the Brigadier down to the Private in the Battalion all mourn his loss, and send you their sympathy. I know the Colonel has written to you giving particulars of his burial. He was buried in Vaux Cemetery. Vaux is not very far from Corbie down on the Somme, where your dear husband had performed such excellent work. He was always thinking and talking of you and the family, and was very fond of showing everybody your photos. It was towards the end of July he told me that Mr. Jeffries, Abermain, had given your son a start in life, and said that that had taken a big worry from his shoulders. He was beloved by his men, because they had such great confidence in him. They knew that in him they could rely on the best of leadership, and bravery. I am sure they would have followed him anywhere.
The country owes him a big debt for his magnificent bravery and skill at Passchendaele when for a short time in very critical circumstances he commanded our Battalion. Never shall I forget the praise which all the men gave him for his splendid work on that occasion.
He has died a true soldier's death - fighting for God, freedom and country. I pray to God to give you and your family strength to bear the loss.
Yours very sincerely
Lieutenant Tom Williams (Stanford Merthyr)Many letters were written by the coal miner Diggers while they were in the trenches and sent home to their families to read. In a lot of instances the letters were then passed on to the local newspaper for publication.
Two such letters written by men of the 34th Infantry Battalion make further mention of the death of Lieutenant James Bruce, MC, DCM and were published in the Cessnock Eagle newspaper: The first letter was written by coal miner Digger Private James Germyn, M.M., of the 34th Infantry Battalion, a 24 year old married wheeler from Rawson Street, Aberdare and appeared in the Cessnock Eagle as follows:
“Private James ‘Shirty’ Germyn writing to his brother Dave, under date 18th July 1918, says: “I am still going pretty strong, and so far have dodged the grim reaper. Had the good luck to meet Morris Whyburn, George Rose and Sid Davey the other day. They were all well, and we adjourned to an estaminet and partook of some French beer. Conversation flowed freely about old times. Also saw Stan Sawyer, the clerk at Stanford prior to the war. He is as fat as a poddy calf. He has two stars. We visited Jim Bruce's billet and had a taste of his whisky. After this we met frequently, by arrangement, and had a yarn about old times at Dick Wood's corner and the things we had seen there. We often wish we were back there. I am sitting in a dugout writing this letter and all the while old Fritz is shelling like hell, but he cannot very well hit the spot where I am. I have only been in this sector seven days and I can tell you its pretty hot. We have had a good many killed and wounded already, and the total keeps mounting up”.
Finishing the letter apparently at a later date, the writer says, “I am sorry to have to state that Jimmy Bruce was killed by shellfire yesterday. A shrapnel shell burst right by his side and he was killed stone dead. He never spoke. All the boys who knew him felt very sorry. He was an officer with two stars, but a gentleman to the men under him. There was never a better man donned the King's uniform. I fee very sorry for his wife and family, and hope they will soon recover from their sad loss.
We gave Jimmy a nice funeral. He is buried just behind the lines in a place called Sully-sur-Sec (sic) I think. I hear Jack Dunlop is just over on our left, so I will try to sneak over tomorrow to see him - (Private J. Dunlop, killed since)- I hope you will meet Charlie Herbert. He was a bearer in the 34th, and there was none better. I am at my old job, bearing, again. It's not a good job. A man wants to be able to crawl to stick to any of the easy jobs, and you know I am not made of the stuff that could crawl to anybody. I am willing to take my place in the firing line with the next. The constant shelling has changed me, however. It breaks up the nerves, but I always say if a man's got to be killed he will be killed no matter where he is. Of course the risk is great here”.
The other letter was written by Sergeant Frederick John Kingsbury of the 34th Infantry Battalion and also appeared in the Cessnock Eagle as follows:
Sergeant Fred Kingsbury writes as following from active service in France, under date 18th July 1918, to Mr. D. J. Ryan, West Maitland: “I am trying to write a letter to you, but the circumstances under which I start are far from favourable, for my humble little underground domicile, although comfy and chic in appearance, being lined with some high-class souvenired maroon floral window curtain, has its entrance facing Jerry, and he is trying to wreck our homes with
5.9's, and is pelting them at us fairly frequently.
Fortunately, they are falling a hundred yards or so wide, but they are quite close enough to throw muck all over us. If he alters his course and takes more deliberate aim there are chances of a breeze springing up, and the better 'ole will be visited. The better 'ole in this case is a bit of an excavation at the bottom of a deep trench, where he has little chance of hitting one, but there is always a possibility of getting buried. There go three more, so wait till I see where they are falling. They're still in the same place, and there's a bit of a go between the aeroplanes. One lot seem a bit shy, and the others bashful so I guess they'll both go home undamaged.
Our platoon officer was killed the other day, so I had to take his job. Poor chap, he got it in the back and head. A shell fell on top of the trench right beside him. Needless to say his death was instantaneous. He was Lieutenant Bruce, of Pelaw Main, where he leaves a wife and children, who should be proud of their gallant husband and father in their grief. He was a fine fellow - brave, reliant, and thoughtful of others. He won the D.C.M. and the Military Cross by conspicuous bravery and good service.
We are in close supports, about two hundred metres from the front line, and we get nearly all the iron rations issued by Fritz and Co, and I can assure you it's a mighty warm corner, too, but, taking everything into consideration, we have been very fortunate, indeed.
We are still having decent weather, although an occasional shower presents itself, and blots out the sunshine for a while.
Both my brothers are still going strong, and I see no reason why we should not all go back home on the same boat.
You remember Staff-Sergeant-Major Dorrell, who used to be at Rutherford? Well, he has been one of the very fortunate ones. He was recently decorated with the Military Medal, and has now a job somewhere behind the lines, on account of his age”.

Extract from 'Coal Miner Diggers - Hunter Valley Coal Miners at The Great War' by David H Dial OAM.
© David H Dial 2001