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D Hunter of 2/12th Bn

"Still night in Tobruk"

• 'Yes Dig, I've copped it pretty bad, I think I've done a wing.

  • I'm comfortable, don't worry Lad, you're like a breath of spring".

  • "A cigarette? My Oath, I will. May prove to be the last,

  • You Red Cross blokes just take the pill, never wait until you're asked".

• "I think I'm going Nightingale. Just tell me as a friend,

  • You'll see and tell her without fail, she's with me till the end".

  • I felt a hand that tightly closed around the name he pressed

  • into my palm, he dozed, he closed his eyes in rest.

• I've heard the cheers. That sweet refrain. I've felt the crowds pulse throb,

  • I've clasped the hand of noble strain, I've shaken with the mob.

  • But Oh! a handshake I'll recall, his hand clasp and his look,

  • As he bravely whispered "Good-bye all", that still night, in Tobruk.

Pte J Kneeshaw QX14342

All the blooming way.

• I saw a kid marchin' with medals on his chest.

  • He marched alongside Diggers marchin' six abreast.

  • He knew it was ANZAC Day – he walked along with pride.

  • He did his best to keep in step with the Diggers by his side.

• And when the march was over the kid was rather tired.

  • A digger said "Whose medals son? " to which the kid replied:

  • "They belong to Daddy, but he did not come back

  • He died up in New Guinea on a lonely jungle track".

• The kid looked rather sad then a tear came to his eye.

  • The Digger said "Don’t cry my son and I will tell you why,

  • Your Daddy marched with us today – all the bloomin' way.

  • We Diggers know that he was here, it’s like that on ANZAC Day."

• The kid looked rather puzzled and didn’t understand

  • But the Digger went on talking and started to wave his hand.

  • "For this great land we live in, there’s a price we have to pay.

  • And for this thing we call freedom, the Diggers had to pay."

• "For we all love fun and merriment in this country where we live,

  • The price was that some soldiers, their precious life must give.

  • For you to go to school, my lad, and worship God at will

  • Someone had to pay the price, so the Diggers paid the bill.

  • Your Daddy died for us my son – for all things good and true,

  • I wonder if you can understand the things I’ve said to you."

• The kid looked up at the Digger – just for a little while,

  • And with a changed expression, said, with a lovely smile:

  • "I know my daddy marched with us today – on this, our ANZAC Day,

  • I know he did – I know he did – all the bloomin' way "

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