Creative Corner: The Australian Volunteer

The war is just beginning
By a man who has no love
For the lives of human beings
And the God we know above.
So to victory we are marching,
The possessors of no fear,
And throughout the world we're known as
The Australian Volunteer.

When we left our wives and mothers
It was sorrowful, I'll say,
And for the pains they've suffered
Someone will have to pay.
That he's caused them many tears,
And revenge will be the bayonets
Of the Australian Volunteers.

Our fathers fought in '14
When they made a big advance,
And they've made their names in history
As the bravest men in France,
We'll following their footsteps
Though it's after twenty years
To keep the old tradition
Of the Australian volunteers.

When we return to Aussie
Victorious from strife
There's many a lad we'll leave behind
Who gave his gallant life
That freedom may continue
As it has in former years
With the Empire's gains assisted
By the Australian Volunteers.

By "One of the Boys"

Sourced from the Cardwell 1993 booklet 'Coral Sea Battle Memorial: 1942 the experiences and memories of World War II, through the eyes of the local residents.' The poem symbolised the spirit of the Australian serviceman. It was sent to Mrs Dunstan of Ingham by her son, but the author is unknown.