Bayonet drill for recruits

Oh, how old soldiers remember past days with bayonet drill

The shrieking orders; “on guard, thrust, parry, feint”

“Go for the throat or stomach for an easy kill”

“Kick, gouge; bite; no Kingsbury rules, cos enemy ain’t Saints”

 

On and on it went, where flashing glinting bayonets could be seen

Soldiers charging, screaming, breathless, dry mouths and tongues

Bayoneting dummies which don’t flinch, beg, bleed or scream

Muscles aching and painful panting beneath an ever fiery sun

 

A welcome whistle blast was the signal to finally rest

A sergeant bellowing “You must do better to pass the final test”

Then after “lights out”; in sleep, still came faint commands to kill

At home mothers dreamt of their youngster’s love of life and kind will

 

In Canberra, lights still burn far into the night

As busy dreamers try to find nice ways to fight

To appease the faint hearted at home and a UN abroad

Of killing foe with kindness, and not rifle, bayonet, or sword

 

By George Mansford
©June 2021

 

 

FILE PHOTO: CONTACT Editor Brian Hartigan on the bayonet assault course with SLR, Kapooka 1990.

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