By George Mansford April 2023 Australia, in the 50s was alarmed at the spread of communism in our region. North Korea had invaded South Korea. Malaya, as it was in 1948, a British Colony, was under threat by increasing insurgent attacks from established bases in...
On this Remembrance Day, George Mansford poses the question "Stand tall and proud for all those yesterdays When our flag of unity was first flown to lead the way Raised by Colonials who drank sweetness of nationhood so new Long before PC and Woke vinegar was...
A Tribute to Our Caesar in Khaki and Jungle Green - Posted to Valhalla 2O January 2022 Caesar was our God, and his bible was to be read and obeyed. It included commandments on many essentials so critical in war. He was tough and demanding. Failure was not...
I watched as the young widow laid her wreath. I wanted to tell her I was with her husband shortly before he was killed in action. It was not to be. In seconds she had merged with the large gathering attending the Dawn Service. Decades later, she rang me and in...
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...
Deepest sympathy and endless salutes for all who in troubled times waved a final farewell to loved ones bound for duty. There are no winners No matter age or season, the God of War is never far away One small chink in a tribe’s armour, and there’s a price to...
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...
