As an initiative by teachers, panels of senior students in Far North Queensland are soon to gather at Cairns High School to debate “Aspirations” as one of the final steps before they enter yet another challenging phase of life. Thus this very short message for them,...
I recall a few whose waves would be their last goodbyes A band playing “Now is the hour” so very loud Fading coastline, a silent band, and gone the cheering crowds A bonded band of warriors, clad in jungle green thread Ready to fight in a forgotten war with little...
Such a sacred oath to swear Of duty, discipline, and risk of life itself A proud flag to carry, and the nation’s cloth to wear So often the lingering fear, hunger, thirst, heat and strife “Stop” -“Go”- “As you were”- “Another change of plans”No matter when, all the...
Why, Oh Why? Night and day I wonder where you are And when we’ll meet again, just the two of us togetherPerhaps beneath some distant twinkling star Far from reach of dark sickness and hints of stormy weather If only I could hold you, just once again Such...
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...
SCRIBBLED WITH A BLUNT PENCIL AFTER LIGHTS OUT Sad news while I was bludging in hospital. Three more cobbers have left our parade ground. Like so many others in our military family, they have left the parade ground to join the growing ghost column. My deepest...
In the days of the Roman Empire, there were times when one in every ten soldiers would be executed, then and there without trial, yet the unit maintained its identity and lived to fight another day. Fortunately, such decimation by execution is long gone. However,...
Like many Australians I have great empathy for commanding officers and their officers, Warrant Officers and NCO in our Armed Forces, who are slowly being stripped of authority by smothering directions from Canberra, on what can and can’t be done in preparing for war,...
That very special day each year we reflect on the great deeds and sacrifice of the Anzacs. Their never bending spirits, love of country, sense of purpose, unity and faith in their dreams for tomorrow. In that special silence, while reflecting on their sacrifice,...
More sad news as Father Time reaches out to remind all of our mortality. I have no doubt that the sad news in regards the death of General David Drabsch has reached out far and wide to our military fraternity. It’s odds on that many old veterans who served...
