[Editor: This poem, by “Stretcher Bearer”, was published in The Western Mail (Perth, WA), 10 January 1935. The poem is apparently about some Australian soldiers on convalescent leave in England during the First World War (1914-1918).] Slangwidge! Convalescent but flighty … [Read more...] about Slangwidge! [poem by “Stretcher Bearer”, 1935]
war poetry and military poetry
Unfaltering to the End [poem by L. E. Homfray, 1918]
[Editor: This poem by L. E. Homfray, produced in a pamphlet format, was published in 1918.] Unfaltering to the End. By L. E. Homfray Price 2d. 1/6 per doz. Proceeds for A.I.F. Memorial Further copies can be obtained from Miss Homfray, … [Read more...] about Unfaltering to the End [poem by L. E. Homfray, 1918]
Beersheba [poem by Trooper A. Beatty, 21 September 1918]
[Editor: This poem, by Trooper A. Beatty, regarding the Battle of Beersheba (1917), which took place during the First World War (1914-1918), was published in the The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), 21 September 1918.] Beersheba. We left the “Wadey” at break of day, We … [Read more...] about Beersheba [poem by Trooper A. Beatty, 21 September 1918]
Remembrance of the Absent One [postcard, World War One era]
[Editor: This postcard (unused) includes a poem about Australia’s military prowess in the First World War. The postcard is from the era of the First World War (1914-1918), or from the post-war period.] [Front of postcard] Remembrance of the Absent One from … [Read more...] about Remembrance of the Absent One [postcard, World War One era]
The Death Troop [poem by Gerardy, 15 April 1920]
[Editor: This poem was published in Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly (Sydney, NSW), 15 April 1920.] The Death Troop I. We have watched the morning sunlight leave Its kiss on the sword and lance, We have yearned for peace on the awesome eve Of a well-planned night … [Read more...] about The Death Troop [poem by Gerardy, 15 April 1920]
Spanish Battle Song [poem by William Blocksidge (William Baylebridge)]
[Editor: This poem by William Blocksidge (also known as William Baylebridge) was published in Songs o’ the South (1908).] Spanish Battle Song Now comes, now comes the haughty foe — Their clashing arms resound; But we will lay their pride full low, And strow their limbs … [Read more...] about Spanish Battle Song [poem by William Blocksidge (William Baylebridge)]
Australasia Mourns Her Honored Dead [poem by Pat Matthews, ca. 1916]
[Editor: A poem commemorating the anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli. It was published on a single sheet of paper (a leaflet, or handbill), undated, but believed to have been published for the first Anzac Day (1916).] In Memoriam. Australasia Mourns her Honored … [Read more...] about Australasia Mourns Her Honored Dead [poem by Pat Matthews, ca. 1916]
How We Landed on Gallipoli Peninsula [poem, 13 July 1915]
[Editor: A poem from the First World War. Published in The Geraldton Guardian (Geraldton, WA), 13 July 1915.] How we landed on Gallipoli Peninsula. (By one of the Third Brigade.) Written at Gallipoli, May 28th, 1915. Do you hear what they say? We are getting … [Read more...] about How We Landed on Gallipoli Peninsula [poem, 13 July 1915]
The Men of Australia [poem, 22 June 1915]
[Editor: A poem with a patriotic theme; written during the First World War. Published in the North-Eastern Advertiser (Scottsdale, Tas.), 22 June 1915.] The Men of Australia. The men from the counter and workshop, The men from the hill and the plain, The men from the … [Read more...] about The Men of Australia [poem, 22 June 1915]
The Charge of Illawarra [poem, The Bulletin, 21 August 1886]
[Editor: This non-rhyming poem was published in The Bulletin (Sydney, NSW), 21 August 1886.] The Charge of Illawarra. “On Friday, as a party of Illawarra light horse were cantering sharply down Castlereagh-street, Sydney, they came into collision with a tip-cart, and one … [Read more...] about The Charge of Illawarra [poem, The Bulletin, 21 August 1886]
The Old Slouch Hat [poem by John Barr, 6 January 1945]
[Editor: A poem by John Barr, regarding the Japanese and the foreshadowed end of the Second World War. Published in The World’s News, 6 January 1945.] The Old Slouch Hat The AIF wants to see Australia represented in the military occupation of Japan. The soldiers want to … [Read more...] about The Old Slouch Hat [poem by John Barr, 6 January 1945]
Our Noble Sons [poem by “Kookaburra”, 1 June 1917]
[Editor: A poem by “Kookaburra”, regarding Australians fighting overseas during the First World War. Published in The Eltham and Whittlesea Shires Advertiser and Diamond Creek Valley Advocate, 1 June 1917.] Our Noble Sons. All praise to thee our noble sons Who’ve crossed … [Read more...] about Our Noble Sons [poem by “Kookaburra”, 1 June 1917]
Look at His Left Lapel [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
[Editor: This poem by “Dryblower” Murphy was published in Dryblower’s Verses (1926).] Look at His Left Lapel. Look at his left lapel. See if he’s single-and-fit; See if he’s been through hell, See if he’s done his bit. * * * * * Look at him fair and square, Look … [Read more...] about Look at His Left Lapel [poem by “Dryblower” Murphy, 1926]
Reinforcements [poem, 18 July 1916]
[Editor: A poem by M. Forrest, written at the time of the First World War. Published in the West Gippsland Gazette, 18 July 1916.] Reinforcements. Big men from the Hawkesbury, and brown men from the bush, Clear-eyed men and great-armed men across the forest’s hush, And … [Read more...] about Reinforcements [poem, 18 July 1916]
[His Comrades Will Never Forget] [poem, 1943]
[Editor: This poem was written in memory of Corporal E. W. Symons (known as “Sox”), of the 2/32 Australian Infantry Battalion, who was killed by a guard in an Italian prisoner of war camp, 20 May 1943. The authorship is unknown.] [His Comrades Will Never Forget] Never a … [Read more...] about [His Comrades Will Never Forget] [poem, 1943]
Anzacs [poem, 23 April 1953]
Anzacs From the cities, and the townships; From the mining camps they came; From all comers of their homeland, To defend their country’s name. And they counted not the hardships Of the game they had to play; They just played it, hard as ever, In the real colonial … [Read more...] about Anzacs [poem, 23 April 1953]
Anzacs [poem, 24 April 1944]
Anzacs Loudly the bugles of England were calling, Over the seven seas; Proudly the banners of Britain were waving, Born on the Southern breeze. Here, ’neath, her mandates, her sons dwelt in safety Tilling their golden land. Heard they the call that the Mother was … [Read more...] about Anzacs [poem, 24 April 1944]
Anzacs [poem, 14 April 1938]
Anzacs. A sacred name to freedom’s cause ! A beacon high and bright ! A spirit we may truly claim — The Anzac soul of light. ’Twas born in Austral’s sunny climes, In fields and spaces wide ; And in New Zealand’s distant isles, Across the Tasman tide. It grew as … [Read more...] about Anzacs [poem, 14 April 1938]
Anzacs [poem, 2 May 1916]
Anzacs. In the cheerless dawn of an April morn Pale stars still lit the sky, Did the rollers break on Gaba Tepe, Where sea birds wheel and cry. The time had come, but no beating drum Or brazen trumpets blare, Did the Anzacs go to face the foe And rouse him from his … [Read more...] about Anzacs [poem, 2 May 1916]
Australian War Song [poem by Henry Kendall, 20 August 1860]
[Editor: A poem by Henry Kendall.] Australian War Song. By Henry Kendall. Men have said that ye were sleeping — Hurl — Australians — back the lie ; Whet the swords you have in keeping, Forward stand to do or die. Hear ye not—across the ocean, Echoes of the distant … [Read more...] about Australian War Song [poem by Henry Kendall, 20 August 1860]
In Flanders’ Fields [poem, 5 February 1916]
[Editor: “In Flanders Fields” was written in May 1915 by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a surgeon in the Canadian army, who wrote it following the death of a friend on the Western Front. The poem was originally published on 8 December 1915 in Punch magazine (London, UK), and … [Read more...] about In Flanders’ Fields [poem, 5 February 1916]