Magpie 91
You’ve lain within your fallen steed, for nearly forty years
But decades cannot wipe away, the heartache and the tears
For we tried to bring our warriors home, at the end of that long fray
But sadly two were to remain, for we knew not where they lay
You were not to question why, the riddles of this war
You proudly wore the uniform, as your fathers had before
But you were spared the painful mask, of those who had returned
Who were to face a jeering crowd and our nation’s flag being burned
There are some who’ll say your name, at sunset and at dawn
And some will even see your ghosts, in the mists of ANZAC morn
Your names are found on marble walls, of heroes most long gone
But no one ever leaves this life, while the memories live on
Through the help of former foes, your sanctuary has been revealed
For sweat, hope and tears pushed back, what nature had concealed
The mystery has been put aside, we finally know the truth
And found the place where you have slept, in eternal youth
You’ll be met by your old mates, today well past their prime
Who recall you as you were, in that distant time
For now beneath that jungle damp, your souls no longer roam
You will lie in native soil, our magpies have come home
Tomas ‘Paddy’ Hamilton
4 August 2009
CAPTION: Framed commemorations of Flying Officer Michael Herbert and Pilot Officer Robert Carver positioned in front of a Canberra bomber during a 50th anniversary commemorative service at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo by Corporal Brett Sherriff.
50th ANNIVERSARY SERVICE REPORT HERE
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Merry Christmas Mister Morrison …. Gongs are going up while the Diggers going down
1
Conscription was about, the country was in need
and men should do their bit or so we did believe
We changed into the uniform like dad and his before
To keep those Commie Reds from our nation’s shores.
But you got to think it crook that we soldiers are to blame
When the banners are going up while the Diggers are going down
2
Back home we came with ribbons all eager lean and tanned
Everyone a hero to their girl and mum and dad
But underneath the smiles were matters sad and dark
For war had changed we boys to men beyond our age
But you got to think it crook, but you take it in your stride
When the Army no longer needs you and the jobs are hard to find
3
We were tall and straight in uniform and a catch for any girl
That was before the war we went, to spoil our youth filled heads
Scoffing at those pollies who never go and do their own bidding
The girls they saw a change in us, all strange and inward looking
But you gotta think that something smells when they send you two more medals
When all we needed was a Welcome Home for securing Phuoc Tuy province.
4
I promised a life of plenty when she said yes to me
A promise none could keep as again I went overseas
The memory of her on the quay until I could see no more
Crowded out now by screams and shouts from within this head so sore
But you got to think it crook and it’s a bugger to believe
When the doctors’ visits are going up while your health is going down
5
They put me on the Pension, you can’t earn a bob no more
So what am I at thirty eight, no use, no good, no job?
You’re a ‘Disabled Returned Digger’ a good mate called to me
That’s for old blokes, not me with only shouting in the head
But you know there’s something wrong and you try to make the best
When you’re walking kids to school instead of picking up the wrench
6
Now the marriage is on the rocks for want of a zac or two
Your youth and strength no longer carry the family through
She says she did not marry to live a life on welfare checks
And off she went to someone else with salary and the rest
But you know there’s something crook and you try to work it through
When medals are going up while your pension’s going down
7
Good Sammy’s helps us out, RSL’s food vouchers and St Vinnies too
The kids wear secondhand uniforms, but they are not the ones at fault
It’s yours for joining up, for doing your level best and ending up a mess
Now your busted in mind and soul and find it hard to keep stable
But you gota think there’s something crook when the OAMs are going up
And your Friends are coming round to help keep you on the right track
8
Your sixty now and on your own when something beautiful comes along
Your eyes been caught by feminine charm and you fall in love once more
Yes, she would marry me and keep this branch upon life’s tree, while
Government rubbed its hands with glee, now she’ll have to fund the care of he
We’re cutting your pension in half old man, a wedding gift, macabre
But you gotta think it crook when confetti’s going up and compensations going down.
9
Would you face your nations enemy in jungles, hills, or sand?
Even all the more you see its crook, it’s the only way you know
And the Mothers, Brides and Friends will still be there to lend a hand
When the Gongs are going up while the Diggers going down
When the Gongs are going up while the Diggers going down
To: The Diggers, Mothers Brides and Friends …
Jock O’Neill
December 2020