WWII veteran William Wallace Mervyn Bruce dies at 106

Born in a pub and remaining a legend to the very end, the memory of World War II veteran William Wallace Mervyn Bruce will live on in the hearts of many.

World War II veteran William Wallace Mervyn Bruce has died, aged 106. Picture: Isaac Regional Council

Born in a pub and remaining a legend to the very end, the memory of World War II veteran William Wallace Mervyn Bruce will live on in the hearts of many.

Better known as Bill, the 106 year old died on Saturday just shy of his 107th birthday. It was believed he was the oldest WWII veteran across the greater Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Bill Bruce, a true pillar of our community,” Isaac Regional Council posted to Facebook.

“Bill wasn’t just a witness to history, he was an active participating in shaping it for his community.

“His wisdom, kindness and indomitable spirit have left an indelible mark on us all.”

World War II veteran William Wallace Mervyn Bruce has died, aged 106. Picture: Isaac Regional Council

Mr Bruce was the last of the Nebo “boys” who signed up for World War II, and he made sure he always returned home for Anzac Day, only ever missing one service when Covid-19 kept him in Caboolture.

He enlisted in 1942 to protect the mainland from the Japanese; but then he became a member of the Australian Electrical Mechanical Engineers in the 2/137th Australian Brigade Workshop and was deployed to New Guinea.

“We were told when we were on guard not to stand beside a tree because (the enemy) would come up to your neck and choke you with a bit of wire,” Mr Bruce told the Daily Mercury in 2021.

William Wallace Mervyn Bruce, Qx57094, 2/137 Australian Brigade Workshop, was born on January 2, 1917 in Nebo, Queensland. He enlisted in 1942 and was discharged in 1945. Picture: National Archives of Australia

He said his role was relatively safe except for the bomb scares with the camp shifting every few months but mosquitoes were a constant threat.

“I had to take these special tablets all the time because I didn’t want to get malaria and all my singlets and clothing went yellow,” he said.

“And there was no fresh food. We didn’t have anything very flash.

“We had toast and beans every morning for six months.

“It was a red sort of bean, you used to get them in big drums.”

It was no wonder Mr Bruce dislikes baked beans thereafter.

World War II veteran William Wallace Mervyn Bruce, pictured with Isaac Regional Council Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea at the 2023 Anzac Day service in Nebo. Picture: Kelly Vea Vea

The beloved veteran was always generous in his storytelling for both friends and strangers, including at Nebo’s annual Anzac Day service where this year he recited the ode and poetry.

“Whether it was through the stories and poems he shared, the friendships he cultivated, or the quiet moments of wisdom he offered, his legacy will endure,” the Isaac council stated.

“On behalf of the Isaac region, we express our deepest condolences to the Bruce family.

“Rest in peace, Bruce, your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those you touched.”

Vale Bill Bruce: January 2, 1917 to November 11, 2023.