I often wonder why we are no longer a Lucky Country. And the reasons have been staring me in the face for some time and yet I refused to see the stark reality of it all. We keep giving power to morons who are only concerned with their own egos. Bandt’s tantrums and behaviour to […]

It is nearing 70 years since I returned late at night after leave in WA, and reported to the orderly room of Charlie Coy 2RAR.  Frank was on duty as orderly corporal and after a yarn, pointed to the floor which was my bed for the night and my kit bag for a pillow. It […]

One regular ritual in the army is the roll call to ensure all are accounted for.  Such was the case in winter darkness at Puckapunyal when troops roused by whistle blasts, assembled on parade mid much stamping of boots, were required to answer their names when called for by a sergeant armed with torch and […]

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 excited voice, told me […]

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, and indeed our entire nation’s youth preparing for its […]

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 news seen or said Albeit […]

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 above was part of a memorable phase […]

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 contentment and joy it would bring Gone […]

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 seenSoldiers charging, screaming, breathless, dry mouths and tonguesBayoneting […]

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 sympathy to their loyal, dedicated and loving families. Until […]