Don't forget that ANZAC is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corp. We Kiwi's suffered similar losses, in fact more per head of population than most other countries fighting in that terrible war. Brothers in arms.
Quite right. Of course any Kiwis that did any well were Aussies 😜 Don't forget the Canucks, Welshman, Indians, etc & etc, and the Turks. Don't forget Ataturk's words.
Ah yes great song written by the incomparable Eric Bogle. When he migrated from Scotland to Australia he fully embraced his new homeland (much like you are doing Kaitlyn). He penned this song & in so doing, just absolutely nailed our Aussie history & ethos. Another great song he sang around the same time as this one was "The Green Fields of France" about that same God awful war. Yes it was WW1. Don't feel guilty or feel you have imposter syndrome. You have absorbed enough of our history & culture by now to understand why these songs hit us in the gut also. Great reaction btw. Hope you have a wonderful & Merry Christmas
I remember seeing Eric Bogle perform live (twice) in Canberra. Those two songs were devastating. He had such a simple and pure style of singing, accompanied mainly by his guitar. He also composed/sang a bunch of fun songs such as My Pal Mal, concerning then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Many of his songs were political and brilliant. His Song Of The Humpback Whale was absolutely beautiful. Please see if you can find songs of his done when he was in his prime.
@@katherineeasteal662 you lucky thing. One of the drawbacks of living out in the boonies of Central Qld is lack of opportunity in seeing live acts. 1st CD I ever bought after an extended 4 yr backpacking round the world was a Best of album of EB. Songs such as Now I'm Easy, the 2 we're talking about. Such a wonderful, powerful song writer made even more impactful cos he was singing songs of his new adopted country through new, fresh & "foreign" eyes with a wonderfully perceptive insight. Think of his hilarious Aussie BBQ song. Deceptively "easy" acoustic appegio & oh so easy to listen to. Glad you liked my comment
One of the things I missed when I left Canberra and moved to Queensland and later northern NSW was easy access to performances. Accessing theatres in Brisbane was much harder as we lived on acreage and we soon scrapped that notion. We probably got broker too. Eric Bogle was very affordable though as I think the concerts were held at The Workers Club, or some such. I've also got a newish CD. My earlier CD went up in flames when we lived in Qld and it probably took me more than 10 years to replace it. I really loved his music back then, but I'm probably in greater awe of his songwriting now.
@@taliesinllanfair4338 tks for that didn't know he'd been crook. No real surprise knowing his lifestyle. Just did a quick google search for updates cos of yr reply. Love his version of "Fairytale of New York". Folk Punk I think they called it back in the day. Watch Ronnie Drew's reaction when they break into "The Irish Rover", caught Ronnie by complete surprise lol
Hey Kaitlyn You definitely need to have a look at "I was only 19". Band plays Waltzing Matilda and I was only 19 always bring tears to my eyes and remind me that Australia has always punched above it's weight but unfortunately our young men have been thrown into wars not of our making but the behest of our political masters. I lost relatives in the great war and my father served in the second world war.
@@amandakruger3632 And an amazing reminder that we are so lucky that we weren't the ones selected to be sacrificed. And also how much we have to protect those who are lucky enough to return from conflict.
My grandfather served in Egypt and then on The Western Front during WW1. He, luckily, survived. My husband’s father was on The Kokoda Trail during WW2, shot on his 21st birthday but was rescued by the natives of NG. We, my husband and I, both served in the Australian Army so we have very strong connections to this song and others. Thanks for your reaction.
Thank you all for your service.👍. Flowers of the forest by Slim Dusty is one that really strikes a chord. I stand corrected, the song written by Eric Bogle and recorded by Slim Dusty is called "No Mans Land".
@@selwyn500 OMG I never knew Slim Dusty wrote that song, I thought it was an Irish song.................As an Aussie this makes me proud. It's truly a heartbreaking song too.
My great grandfather was lucky to survive Gallipoli, he'd been bayoneted twice and shot once...unfortunately he was never the same...his son went to ww2 and wasn't as fortunate...my great grandfather, farvey, took to the bottle... It'll never make sense to me...we,re friends with these countries now...such a waste of life
The thing about being Australian is that it's not just people who were born here, or grew up here. You chose to be Australian, and you are. We don't distinguish. No one is more Aussie than someone else because of where they were born x
well said, being Australian is a state of mind. not about where you are from or what you look like, we all came here to escape something, war, famine, etc. hence our use of the word "mate" everyone is your friend til they prove themselves different.
You're right, mate. Being Australian is a choice. The most powerful choice that can be made - because it is a choice for freedom, equality, mateship, and happiness. Does the sh*t hit the fan? Yeah, pretty often. But when the going gets tough, we all pitch in to help. That's what it means to be an Aussie - you're never truly alone. It's a belief, not a set of birth characteristics.
Yeah, if you're white, and especially a white woman. However, people will tell you to "go back to where you came from!" if you're not white, even if you were born here ("Yeah, but where are you really from?"). My mate with Burmese parents has been attacked on the street by so many Aussie racists. Even the next of kin of Aboriginal ANZACs killed in action didn't get to inherit the dead serviceman's gratuity and medals.
The best anti war song that I know of. You don't have to be Australian. It applies to all wars , all nations . I've heard it counless times and tear up every time.
John Williamson is an okay singer - but you really to hear the original, by Eric Bogle - who wasn't Australian, but from Scotland. That will always bring tears to my eyes.
Eric Bogle definitely did the best version of this song. Eric’s version is more haunting, I’m not a big fan of John Williamson version & the Irish versions leave me cold.
@@TheWhitsboy I have never been a fan of John Williamson - even since his 'Old Man Emu' days - he tries to be a 'professional Aussie'. I still think it's ironic, that it took a migrant to Australia - Eric Bogle - to really understand the essence of ANZAC day
Hi Kaitlyn, I think you have experienced what is like for generations of Australians. Years ago an American friend said to a group of us Aussies; "Australia was weird and unique in that it was the only country in the world, not to celebrate winning wars, rather celebrate losing". Someone in the group "Schooled" him, Australians don't glorify war, and we take 2 opportunities (Anzac Day and Armistice Day) each year to "Remember the fallen", and mourn those who paid the ultimate price to allow this country to become what it is today.
Agreed a hundred percent. If anything I'd say that the only "weird" one is anyone who'd celebrate *winning* a war. Much as Gallipoli was a catastrophic failure, it's at least given us an object lesson in what the carnage of war really is, as well as showing that human lives can be put at risk by the tactical blunders and political machinations of your allies every bit as much as the guns and bombs of your enemies. If only every country in the world had a similarly vivid reminder, to make them think twice before blithely wasting the lives of their young people in the eternal game of geopolitical dickswinging.
@@rhonafenwick5643 I agree with you and John Haythorpe. I also wish we all had remembered this song and its full import when we deployed our boys and girls recently to Afghanistan and Iran. As a people, we should be very cautious about sending our sons and daughters to take part in such questionable conflicts and we should vote out any government that is reckless with the lives of our soldiers and then fails to support them and their families properly when they come back having done their duty.
Australia as a country has never gone to war on another country to gain or obtain , we have joined the efforts of other country’s through association or alliance , australia has never had a civil war , america joined in on ww2 with as an Allie , Vietnam they were there on 2 fronts as allies to France and defeat the rise of communism , Korea was the rise of communism , North Korea is still at war with the world through communism ,
My Great Grandfather died at 103yrs old when I was 18 (I'm in my 50's now). He was in WW1 (Australian Light horse) as was his 2 brothers and 1 sister. He was the only one to come home. His sister was a nurse who drowned after the transport ship she was on was sunk on its way to England. He unfortunately saw one of his brothers fall. He told me that his greatest sadness was the loss of potential. That none of his siblings got married or had children and he would never have the opportunity to meet any wife/husband, nephew or niece. The loss of his brothers and sister he described as "pain unparalleled". He died a year after I got back from a war zone. This song means a lot to me. I hear it and think of my Great Grandfather (WW1), Grandfather (WW2/Korea) and Father (Vietnam). I remember when I got back being invited to my Great Grandfathers table with all 3 of them and having my first cup of coffee with a dash of Bundy rum in it on ANZAC day. Now its just me doing it and I'm so grateful that I will never share that drink with my son. Thank you for reacting to this. I tear up every time I hear it.
My wife's family here in New Zealand lost four sons in France in 1917. Two were killed same day at Passcendale (they had consecutive serial numbers). My Dad's family everyone who went came back. ANZACs. Real men.
@@briansmaller7443 Kia ora. Hope your wife's family are safe, have power, have road access & phone coverage and are in good spirits. I understand 225,000 are without power here, and many people are cut off. I was a bit curious to know if there are graves in NZ for the 4 brothers who died in France. I was wondering if any of them lie in the townships I go to. Their graves are easy to find because veterans headstones are kept so well compared to other people graves from 70 odd years ago or more. I have visited many graveyards and am always blown away by the numbers of graves for Our Boys are there. Finding old graves is when I first understood how many Kiwi men and boys died in France. Paschendale is written on many headstones also. It is always chilling when there are young brothers who died in that same Godawful war. Recently I saw crosses on ANZAC day, and 4 young men had the same surname. I am planning a little roadie soon. I want to take the opportunity to look closely at the Memorial Halls, Monuments etc at Rukuhia, Ohaupo, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti and Piopio. I have already had a good look at the Hamilton Memorial Park and the Mahoenui Memorial Hall. I go further south at times. - I cannot imagine what grief the parents of 4 sons could have endured. I cannot, in any way, no matter how hard I try.
John Williamson is able to impart the Australian personality with his songs. Every year on Anzac Day he gets a gig at Currumbin Beach where they have a dawn service and JS sings his iconic songs.
I cry every time I hear this. I first heard it in primary school. It and “I was only 19”. I think it shaped my view of war (I respect the soldiers, so I don’t want us to send them into combat unnecessarily or unprepared). I am a little horrified that you walked into this song without knowing what it was - it’s a brutal song that puts you through an emotional wringer. Proud of you for getting through it and uploading the result. Don’t worry about the imposter syndrome feeling. That is the point of this country - we welcome the people who come in and help us build a better tomorrow. I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
I'll admit to not having heard John Williamson's version before but he certainly does it justice. This song makes me well up every time, along with "I Was Only Nineteen". The futility of war, contrasted against the flag waving and patriotism 😢 Thanks for your honest reaction and Merry Xmas 🎄
@Dom In our family, you're Dom. Bogle's version captures the war of it all, Scots have been fighting wars forever. Williamson's version brings it into Aus venacular but loses the immediacy of Bogle. Like many of us, I have great great unkles buried in France. Back then, we were part of the British Empire, many of those lads were as much Empire as Australian. If only things were as simple as war v anti war or Empire v Australia. Merry Xmas.
@@ericrush3495 "Only 19 sings not to just Aussies but to Americans .." It's specifically from the point of view of a particular digger but you are right, its message extends to all of US allies who fought.
Kaitlyn, I so appreciate your reaction ♥️ it really shows us as Australians how well you are adjusting to your new country, it shows us that you are learning so much about Australians.
My great grandmother lost 3 sons in WW1. Not Gallipoli, but in Europe. My dad served in the Korean War. My uncle in the Vietnam war. ( he died prematurely from affects of agent orange.) War has such a huge impact, not just physically but mentally, no matter how well they try and suppress or cover it up. My dad, as he developed demensia, in his 70's, his PTSD came to the fore. He had suppressed it all those years. Any songs of war, movies, etc hit me hard now since my dad passed, 10 years ago now.
Kia ora Brother, I am replying to YOUR comment first. This place of deep feeling, grief, trauma, connection, gratitude and strong physical reaction demands that I pause in my pain and honour before responding here. Please accept my deepfelt sadness at reading about your generations of ongoing grief. Firstly, may I honour your great grandmother who lived her life with immeasurable grief and loss. As you can imagine, being from a country which sent 10 per cent of its' population to the War, this topic is very deep. And, of all the people I have around me, I think about these things of the past the most. I am 100% conscious of the ongoing affects of War on the people around me. Twice a week I travel for 2 hours and pass various Memorials, gates and monuments which list the names of men who served. From the very tiny settlement I go to a young guy was killed in action in 1915. For every casualty, a mother, sisters, aunts, cousins, or even children were added to the intense concentration of grief as you very well know. I have a book by Vera Brittain, 'Testament of Youth'. I have visited dozens of graveyards and head straight for the very old but well maintained headstones, which often mark the life of a Kiwi veteran. With an emphasis here (NZ) on the landings at Gallipoli, I was initially always staggered at cemetries by the numbers of Our Boys killed in France. I had one boyfriend and a partner of 17 years whose father's had served in WW1. Both boyfriends reported having fathers who were "very hard men". I know know precisely why. I have made it an important mission in my life to keep alive these men sacrificed themselves and who created the unique identity here that runs through my veins, heart and mind. My partner of 17 years served in the British army and I plan to be buried in the RSA cemetery with him. I will lie buried with veterans who served in all the wars you mentioned. The least I can do is to always remember and honour them on the path of my very fortunate life of freedom. Your comment is special to me for many reasons besides your uttermost depth of connection to the ANZAC legacy. I cared for my mother, father, current partner's mother and previous partner during their years with dementia. Just one was marked with violence and I was forced by the medical consultant to stop caring for him at home and to transfer him into a secure unit. The staff there could not care for him so they put him in a special unit with the ratio of staff to inmates was 1:3 My partner, many times, appeared very stressed, if not petrified. Usually he would order me to not make a sound. I remember one day pointing to the staff, indicating that they were enemy. I quietly told him we were in this together. He said, "Thanks mate". I haven't found anyone else whose loved one went back onto the battlefield in their reality. So thankyou for sharing this about your hero father as well. My mate's coffin was covered by a British flag and I had a butler play at my mate's funeral. It is clear that only fellow soldier's comprehend fully what I and we cannot. Feeling him so petrified in that secure unit, with 3 staff members I think for 10 residents, that I felt something of his terror about being found and shot by the enemy. I think that is all I will write now apart from this last thing regarding everlasting grief. They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old... This was written by a fellow who lost a family member and several mates. It is a poem worth reading. It is just a thought for your great grandmother, grand uncles and your father and for you and others of us here. My mate's father was left gnarled by shrapnel, and deeply scarred psychologically of course. He didn't marry until he was 39, and later, many of his mates couldn't breathe well due to the German gas. (I could write a book on the next World War!)
Back again. Just some corrections. Kia ora Sister or Bro. I had the bugle played at my mate's funeral. My father is my hero. I try to continue all the good he did in life. Grief is certainly a rocky road, and each person's grief is different. There was some big drama before Dad died and it was a big shock for me. I couldn't sleep well because I would stress about his suffering. Then I had a dream in which a voice said "Whether he was happy or sad, he's not suffering now". That insight helped me to go forward in my grief but without my waves of super intense stress. I hope you can get to a peaceful place about your very sad history. Regarding my mate, who died in Dec 2012, his suffering also was over. Aroha from NZ.
Another Bogle song about WW1 that will bring you to tears is Banjo, about what they did with the horses belonging to the Light Horse battalions in the middle east at the end of the war (bullet in the head for each of them)
Every time I hear this song I cry. I am 60 and served in the Royal Australian Navy and thrn the Australian Army Reserve. I never went to war or to peace keeping but know many who did. My great grandfather was sent to Gallipoli as reenforcements. He was a bushman who waltzed his matilda (his swag or bedroll) and volunteered as a Light Horseman only to fight in the trenches of Gallipoli, killed in action, July 1915.
Kia ora Brother, You are very brave, serving in the military knowing so well what can potentially happen to you. Thankyou so very much. We are lucky aren't we, getting to our age. I was born in '62, Brother. I feel so sad hearing about your great grandfather. I just can't imagine the grief in your family and all our nations, I wonder what his name is and how many children were left back home. It is great you keep his spirit alive, and help us think more deeply.
@@barbsmart7373 thanks for your kind words. Trooper Fredrick Wallace Cannan, killed at the age of 31, leaving behind his wife Ethel, and 3 youngsters, a boy aged 6, David who became the man of the family, and 2 younger girls.
@@malalexander3515 Thankyou for sharing that here about two exceptional generations in your family. It is very sobering, reading that your young great grandmother and 3 very small children were suddenly having to grieve and get by without him. That is incredible- his sacrifice. By the way, I know how much very young boys can step up and be the man of the house. One of my sons did that, of his own accord, really. The children today would not have any idea the responsibilities taken on by young children years ago. My father used to get up at 5am, light the fire and milk the cows. It was a really cold part of NZ. 2 cows I think. When his mother died, when he was 10, the 13 year old sister looked after the younger 5 children. I will always remember your family because of his sacrifice & the ones left behind. (I guess they were in Australia). Anyway, all the best.
The first time I heard it was on the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch, New Zealand back in 2001, I was visiting from the UK. It was sung by a group of Australians and New Zealanders, all in their teens. A couple of them told me the story of Gallipoli, something I had never heard about in history lessons in the UK. I was reduced to tears and it still has the same effect today!
Funny how songs that you hear when you are young, don't always register their meanings. But when you have lived life a bit and hear them again, they can hit really hard. I'm in the UK and my wife is proud Australian.
The first Time I've heard that song, it was by the Pogue. I'm french and it was a bit hard top understand what it was about. But hey, thanks to m'y english teachers ! Then I started to cry , and every Time i listen to waltzing Mathilda, tears fall down. God bless those heroes of a forgotten war
One thing I've noticed, in general, is our war songs, especially country ones, are more like this, more sombre and about the effect of war on the individual soldier, and sometimes their family. Conversely it seems, in general once again, that US war songs seems to glorify war, or if not glorify, they don't seem as sombre or personal. Even though I've never served myself, with this song, and "I Was Only 19", I can picture those soldiers and imagine the pain, especially the emotional pain.
Not just the ANZACs. There were British, French, Indian and Canadian troops and those of the Ottoman Empire. ANZAC casualties (dead, wounded and missing) totaled 35,500, British casualties were 120,000, French 27,000 and the Ottomans 164,000.
Agree totally."Joyeux Noel" is a wonderful movie, and I watch it without fail every Christmas....just as this song always "gets" me every time I hear it......
My father ran away from home in Hermidale, NSW at 16 and joined up for WW2. Fought in the 7th Division from Milne Bay to Balikpapan, then assigned to guard duty for the War Crimes Trials at Ambon. Left in '47 for the Merchant Navy but re-enlisted for Korea (3 RAR) and fought at Kapyong. He was re-activated in '68 for Vietnam as Special Liaison attached to US MACV, and left my Mother and I when I was four. I didn't see him again until 1972, by which time they had divorced. Much later in life, he considered this his favourite song...and I had it played at his funeral when he passed away in September 1999. Thank you for taking such an interest. 🇦🇺 🙌
Thank you for showing us what a beautiful wonderful and understanding person you are... think of all those kids in Ukraine right now spending their Christmas in the cold and being underground.... enjoy the sun shine while you can. just teaches us that if we want to be free we have to make a big sacrifice. we are always thankful for our British,American, NZ friends to always be at one another;s side. God bless you . Wish you and yours A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
If you think this song is sad, wait till you hear "I was only 19" by Redgum.. That song is about Vietnam, and that song is really haunting. As a huge Midnight Oil, I should also suggest "Forgotten Years". Not as sad but just as poignant.
Hi Kaitlyn, brilliant reaction hon :) I'm also an imported Aussie. From Scotland in my case, but similarly completely taken in by the culture and history. Becoming an Australian citizen was one of the best decisions i ever made! Seriously suggest you look at 'i was only 19' by Redgum, another haunting song, this time about the Aus experience in Vietnam. Also i love the French film Joyeux Noel! Absolutely superb movie about the famous Xmas Truce of 1914-15. A must watch :) Hope you continue to love your stay here 💋💋💋
I am American, a vietnam era vet, lost several friends there. I cry every time I hear this song, yet I am pulled to listening to it from time to time. We should listen to it. Which ever war we think about we should remember this song. I would suggest a song called "Sam Stone", which talks about the aftermath of the war in Nam. Another tearjerker. Every politician and every General in the world should be requied hear this every day.
I've seen the movie Joyeux Noel great movie and the Christmas truce was true. Insane to go back to killing after a brief moment of sanity. My grandad survived Gallipoli and years on the western Front in world war I. For that I am proud and thankful. His birthday was 11/11 so he must have really celebrated when the war ended. He never talked to me about the war.never marched on Anzac Day. And I guess his every birthday reminded him of the war and the mates he lost.
There’s no glory in War…EVER. It’s a raw, mind blowing, flesh annihilation. Such a tragic situation for humanity. My utmost respect and appreciation to all the Fallen and still serving. Including my Grandad, one of the last off the beach at Dunkirk😢❤️
Can I add that Eric Bogle also wrote what many believe should be the Australian national anthem. Shelter is a miracle of a song that draws together our First Nations people, multi-generation settlers and more recent arrivals in a vision of a country that is probably better than we are, but it’s something to aspire to … as all national anthems should. As a newer arrival my heart breaks whenever I hear Shelter … as all our hearts should.
Thousands of Australian soldiers in Gallipoli were not born here either. Forget feeling somehow unworthy to be able to connect with it. You are an Aussie now, and a humble asset to the country. Enjoyed your reaction.
True, my pop was born in Scotland, got shot up in France with a slouch hat on his head. He lived until his late 80s and never, ever talked about it with family.
This song is meant to hit you in the feels...it is meant to make you think and remember..so we never go through anything like it again. I highly recommend you going for a trip to Canberra and visiting the Australian War Memorial..be prepared though it can get very emotional.
My grandfather who was English was in Gallipolo East Anglian Regiment Essex Rifles he lost all friends, he was haunted all of his life he died aged 82, I once went to an Aussie Pub in Earl's Court near where I worked I went with a Aussie guy on ANZAC Day and this song was played EVERYONE STOOD UP AND SUNG WITH MUCH GUSTO AND FEELING IT WAS VERY MOVING !!There were no dry eyes..
This is one of the greatest songs ever written, imo. There are so many lines that just tear your heart out. Every time I hear it, I try to sing along, but I get too choked up every time. It's just too real.
The Amzac Day service in Gallipoli is just heartbreaking. The monument the Turkish put up and what it says makes me cry to this day. Both countries mourn together on that day, united in their grief and respect for each other. It's beautiful and heartbreaking 💔
While you're in the John Williamson TV area, you should have a squiz at the lyric version of True Blue. They asked people to send in photos of what they considered to be representative of Australia, then used them in a slideshow for the official lyrics video.
You are only showing your human, I get a lump in my throat when I hear this. Your right it doesn’t matter what country you are from, it’s all relevant. ❤️🤘🎸🎻🇦🇺
It was written by a Scottish immigrant who saw an Anzac day march in Canberra so its sort of international anyway but it shows well , like the " Green fields of France " , the impact of the times . In one town I lived their is a street thats lost the most people in a war . One family sent 5 of 6 sons to war ,who didnt return and the other son died in Australia doing something else .
Thank you Kaitlyn, this song and I Was Only Nineteen are two of my favourites. Anyone from any country can relate to these two songs since they are both about the experience of Australian soldiers in two different wars on the one hand and about the common experiences of all soldiers in all wars on the other. There is nothing of the imposter about the feelings you experience in relation to these two songs. I often think about how much we owe ordinary US servicemen who came to the assistance of Australia and what we all need to do together to protect the democratic rights and freedoms that so many men and women of goodwill fought so hard to give us.
Who gave you the right to develop your own culture? 😄😄 Respect to Australia and New Zealand and all the nations whose people fought against the tyrannical Axis powers in two world wars.
I have not heard that version before only the Eric Bogle version, that song does sum up ANZAC day very well. It is not a day of celebration or national pride, we have Australia day for that or any day we can walk down the street or go to the beach without fear. ANZAC day is one of two times of the year we remember the fallen the other being Remembrance day at 11:00 on the 11 day of the 11th month. They are solemn days of remembrance and I must admit I'm not overly thrilled with some of the optics of ANZAC day over the last couple of decades. The suicide rates among return servicemen from the 1st and 2nd world wars were horrendous as was the violence. I know this because my father served in WW2 and my mum worked for some years at the Concord Repatriation Hospital. There were also several other returned servicemen in our street and some truly horrible acts were carried out.
Kia ora. Thankyou for your comment. Here across the ditch I know, without a doubt that us Kiwis share equivalent feelings on ANZAC Day. Those of us who knew or were related to vets and feel deeply the sacrifice and indescribable tragedy of our recent history. It is hard to comprehend really, these faraway battles with such high numbers of casualties from every area of NZ. I especially appreciate your comment which mentions the solemn nature of our collective expressions of grief on ANZAC Day. I was first taken by foster parents to a dawn service 46 years ago. This "solemn" experience was my first. Back then, I never heard anyone talk about either war. Even throughout the 80's I took my children to the ANZAC parade and there weren't many children there, not that many adults either. Today people flock there in their thousands. I will be commenting further about standing solemn, silent. I always found watching the white haired WW1 vets in particular, marching so beautifully, gave me chilling humility and awe. I am somewhat obsessed with 20th century history. I started my life around Quakers and Conscientous Objectors and listened to Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. I didn't actually know anything about human conflict. 10- 35 years ago, I had the privilege of caring for hundreds of gentlemen who had served in WW2, Korea and Vietnam. I am terribly ashamed of my ignorance back then, facing so many quiet, slim, usually blue eyed gentlemen. I was intrigued by the immediate bonds formed in the rooms I had my patients in. They asked eachother, "Where did you serve?". Then I also asked. Malaya, Egypt, Tubruk, the Pacific, and more. Still I knew nothing. Now, I am no stranger to these placenames and I have made it my business to talk about what, precisely, these hundreds of men went through. For us. I do not remember a single name of theirs now, but they are still in my heart. The men, mostly in their 80's, such quiet, non complaining gentlemen, in the medical wards will be in their next place now, and will never see the blank look of a young hospital nurse again. Anyway, I particularly wanted to reply concerning post war suicide and violence. I am acutely aware of the ongoing pain of war. I mentioned WW1 vets somewhere else. Now I am thinking about the Second World War. I had one friend who didn't meet his father till he was 5. I have also a friend whose grandfather broke her grandmother's leg and she had to crawl for help. All the children were sent to live in different places. My friends mother was sent to an orphanage. She, and now my friend are expert cleaners and both upbringings totally lacked emotion, as it was not expressed in my friend's upbringing. These are just some Kiwi friends. A French friend grew up in an orphanage, with not enough food, and a Dutch friend grew up with siblings who were starving and their Dad too was in a camp, and emaciated. An English friend's beloved husband went missing at Dunkirk. She died of a heart attack on ANZAC day here, 50 years after Dunkirk. The effects keep on. Your comment made me think of why my friend's Mum grew up in an orphanage and the effects on her 5 children, all beginning in war. Thankyou for your information and my gratitude is even more for your father's service, wherever he served.
It was ANZAC Day today ... I spent the whole day watching the march at Sydney then the dawn ceremonies on TV at Gallipoli and France ... I'm 64yo with a navy reserve and merchant marine background and tear up all day every ANZAC day .. just can't help feeling greatful and sad at the same time.
Our local avenue of honour is over 22 Kms long and has 3912 trees along it representing the troops from Ballarat that lost their lives during WW1. It stretches from the western end of Ballarat to the western shores of Lake Learmonth. We lived in Melbourne when I was a kid (early 70's) and one of the workers at the local factory used to go to our milkbar for his lunch. He was shell shocked from the Korean War and used to stare at me, shake and talk to himself - his mates were always with him to help the poor bugger. Mum explained why he was like that of course. Have a great Chrissy mate xxxx
@@macman1469 The ballarat bi pass cuts through it now just before the pub at Burrembeet. But they have continued the avenue with an underpass and really put some thought and justice toward it
Written and originally recorded by Eric Bogle. I had the opportunity to hear him preform it live in Philadelphia in the mid 1980s in a small venue (maybe 300 people). Amazing and so very memorable.
Great reaction Kaitlyn. It is an extremely emotional song and it is no better reflected than by the original writer and artist. So, if you get the opportunity, search for this one. "Eric Bogle - And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Lyrics)". Even if you don't react to it, it is well worth the look/listen. There is also a live version on RUclips. Keep up the great work mate.
There are many Australian folk songs about the First World War. They hardly ever get air time any more. Several other people have mentioned Eric Bogle, and you can find a lot of his songs on YT. "I Was Only 19" is another well known song. It is about the Vietnam war. You should also check out the song, "The Year of The Drum". Several bands have covered this. Merry Christmas to you and Mark, and the pussy-cat in the background.
This is one of the very most iconic songs from our John. I am proud to be an Aussie and I am raising my son to stand proud as well. My mum was American, my dad was Norwegian but I was born here and my parents were proud Aussies as well and showed me how to stand tall as an Aussie. Anzac Day is a huge thing here and as people still stand tall for those who caught for our freedom.
Written by Eric Bogle. A Scot A poignant song. While this major conflict of the early 20th century was in many ways futile, it cemented the values of a newly established nation an identity Their sacrifice we will never be forgotten We are Australian, in many ways, because of them. I’m sorry that the song’s meaning has been repeated so very many times since Gallipoli.
Written in Australia in the 70s after he'd emigrated to Australia after seeing his first Anzac Day parade. While the song is set in the time of the first war, it really reflects on how the soldiers returning from Vietnam were treated at the time.
Many Australians or Australian residents feel the same. I attended an Eric Bogle concert many years ago and looked round the venue during the song. There were cheeks wet from tears all round the venue.
Yeah it is a moving song. I’m not sure if you’ve heard ‘I was only 19’. Listen to that one for an Aussie perspective on the Vietnam War. And if that not enough for your tear ducts try the Chisels Kesagn (can’t spell Vietnamese sorry)
Please look at the original version by Eric Bogle, a good Aussie Scot. Thankfully I saw him play this live at a festival. Thankfully I had some tissues in my pocket
I'm not a hugely patriotic Aussie but all our war songs always bring me to tears. I can't handle watching the ANZAC dawn service and hearing the bugle.
I think this song's really intended to speak to everyone, regardless of nationality and regardless of how patriotic or not one is. A message about the true horrors of war is one that anyone should be able to receive, and maybe make a few people ask themselves some hard questions as a result.
@@rhonafenwick5643 Well put, but there's a very strong Australian direction in it - would you hav a Canadian band playing Waltzing Matilda to farewell a troop ship?
@@doubledee9675 I was thinking the same thing. There is a real story being told, very specifically about an aussie bloke in the vast country of Australia. The guns became more powerful in World War 1 so I wonder if that was part of the image of bring blown back to Oz. I feel that the reality of Gallipoli included a lot more in reality, but I don't know how you'd write such a perfect song if you wrote about not being able to bury the dead or the Turks burying them in case you were shot. You wouldn't write about rats so huge due to their eating dead bodies or the sight of men with their faces missing. I don't know how you'd edited about not washing for months because of a lack of water, and the resulting lice, too numerous to ever be able to get rid of. It feels a bit superficial, watching movies and listening to songs, and learning so little compared with what Our Boys really lived through. Just my 2 cents worth.
i am 68 years old and this song still makes me cry and there is no shame for this emotional feeling it shows that you have empathy for your fellow man or woman
These two are standouts. I was not far from 19 when conscription ended. Instead of 'an all expenses paid trip to Vietnam', the government gave me a free tertiary education.
You should have done the version by Eric Bogle, definitely a better version. I think you missed a lot listening to this version. You may also like “No Man’s Land”(Europeans call it “Green Fields of France” but “No Man’s Land” is the true name) also about WW1, very haunting. And, of course there is “Shelter” by Eric Bogle, explains how he feels about Australia.
There are mayn songs that hit home. My father passed recently and when looking for some songs for his funeral I found one that just brings me to tears everytime I hear it.. This song if you havent seen the official clip will bring you to tears. it hits you in the guts no matter if you are a male or a female. James Blunt wrote it for his father who at the time looked like he would die..there is a back story to his story but his father did survive actually due to this song and all the profits from the song went to charity ruclips.net/video/DTFbGcnl0po/видео.html
You might want to listen to I was only 19 by red gum also Spirit of the Anzac by Lee Kernahgan. We celebrated 100 yrs of the ANZACs in 2015 12:03 . Aussies are very proud of our history an heros.
Thank you very much & don't worry mate, this song makes many people cry, cry in grief & in gratitude for what those that came before us, did for us so long ago. Their sacrifice, courage, endurance & mateship must NEVER be forgotten. My wife is an imported Aussie herself, also from the U.S, we are coming up on our 10th wedding anniversary on 2 Feb & we live together here in Melbourne.
but there was about 300 Aussies from the Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train at Suvla they were in charge of building the piers and looking after the loading and unloading of ships stores among other duties
@@brettevill9055 I believe they were embedded within the RN and did land with the poms as they needed the piers and docks asap but my memory of the history ANBT is a little sketchy
The Pogues do an amazing rendition of this song as well. Which is really telling of Australia's predominantly Irish heritage. Ireland fought in WW1 but remained neutral in WW2. I just think that shows the political side of our own national identity which was forged in blood all over Europe and northern Africa.
ANZACs were a force in WWII too. My Dad served in North Africa, on the (steam) rail from Cairo west. There's a song for that, too: "My tick-bound bug bound Dugout in Matruh". Mersa Matruh was the end of the line, laid on sand, giving travellers sea-sickness. The rail was *just* in reach from Italy by air, and with no forward bases there was strafing by fighters in the day and bombing by night: "those blinkin' Eyeties as they circle 'round at night" trying to spot camouflaged encampments. Bombing the rail was futile: an hour's work repaired and re-aligned any damage. My Dad was a Stoker, and was occasionally exposed on the footplate, copping a ricochet from a strafing run. He wasn't invalided home, serving to the end. He limped a bit until later at home a stint at fishing (trawling) gave him therapy from the rolling deck. NZ shares that same "they are us" philosophy. Witness our nation'-wide (and our Prime Minister's) immediate reaction to our mosque tragedy.
A good true song. Near me in Tea tree Gully is a little town called Paracombe that lost most of it's men, some were boys of 14 years of age. The English sent us there and there's a quiet hatred for them militarily ( I served in Vietnam), the English never helped in S-E Asia in WW 11 either. Too many tragic stories to tell like Singapore ( Changi), Sandakan ( Borneo) and Thailand/ Malaysia. Can't imagine a kid of 14 today going off to adventure in a war as it was the manly thing to do . So many sad stories. I hate war- nobody wins.
You got that right. Wars are fought mainly for the benefit of one person. Just look at Ukraine. All that devastation and death cause of Putins pathetic ego
Thank you so much for doing this video, I've never listened to it in its entirety. Thank you also for acknowledging the ANZACS, kind regards from Australia
Aussie ex Soldier of 21 years service, while "only 19" is evocative, and emotional (Personally prefer Eric Bogle's original rendition) I have to admit to being far moire greatly affected by The Last Post and the Ode. 21 years of ANZAC day parades, catafalque parties etc never dulled it's effect on me. I don't attend ANZAC day ceremonies as a civilian any more, I cannot abide seeing self serving politicians placing themselves front and centre and so being reminded that the service I gave helped keep those morally and ethically bankrupt germs in power.
I sit here with my toddler son in my arms as my wife rocks my baby to sleep, we are safe, happy and free... Who ever you helped stay in power on top is just trickles compared to the civilians you fought for... Thank you mate
Thanks Kaitlyn, it's good to hear songs that don't glorify war. But show you the cost of going to war and hopefully temper the zeal of our politicians to send our children off to die.
Don't forget that ANZAC is an acronym for Australia and New Zealand Army Corp. We Kiwi's suffered similar losses, in fact more per head of population than most other countries fighting in that terrible war. Brothers in arms.
Lest we Forget 🌿🦘
Quite right. Of course any Kiwis that did any well were Aussies 😜
Don't forget the Canucks, Welshman, Indians, etc & etc, and the Turks. Don't forget Ataturk's words.
Yes very true.god bless the kiwis
This Aussie certainly doesn't forget ANZAC is a shared experience with the Kiwis, and I think most Aussies don't. A strong bond between us.
@@DeepThought42 100% love you guys - exceopt for sport :-)
Ah yes great song written by the incomparable Eric Bogle. When he migrated from Scotland to Australia he fully embraced his new homeland (much like you are doing Kaitlyn). He penned this song & in so doing, just absolutely nailed our Aussie history & ethos. Another great song he sang around the same time as this one was "The Green Fields of France" about that same God awful war. Yes it was WW1. Don't feel guilty or feel you have imposter syndrome. You have absorbed enough of our history & culture by now to understand why these songs hit us in the gut also. Great reaction btw. Hope you have a wonderful & Merry Christmas
I remember seeing Eric Bogle perform live (twice) in Canberra. Those two songs were devastating. He had such a simple and pure style of singing, accompanied mainly by his guitar.
He also composed/sang a bunch of fun songs such as My Pal Mal, concerning then Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Many of his songs were political and brilliant.
His Song Of The Humpback Whale was absolutely beautiful. Please see if you can find songs of his done when he was in his prime.
@@katherineeasteal662 you lucky thing. One of the drawbacks of living out in the boonies of Central Qld is lack of opportunity in seeing live acts. 1st CD I ever bought after an extended 4 yr backpacking round the world was a Best of album of EB. Songs such as Now I'm Easy, the 2 we're talking about. Such a wonderful, powerful song writer made even more impactful cos he was singing songs of his new adopted country through new, fresh & "foreign" eyes with a wonderfully perceptive insight. Think of his hilarious Aussie BBQ song. Deceptively "easy" acoustic appegio & oh so easy to listen to. Glad you liked my comment
One of the things I missed when I left Canberra and moved to Queensland and later northern NSW was easy access to performances.
Accessing theatres in Brisbane was much harder as we lived on acreage and we soon scrapped that notion. We probably got broker too. Eric Bogle was very affordable though as I think the concerts were held at The Workers Club, or some such.
I've also got a newish CD. My earlier CD went up in flames when we lived in Qld and it probably took me more than 10 years to replace it. I really loved his music back then, but I'm probably in greater awe of his songwriting now.
The Pogues covered this too. I hope Shane McGowan's health improves.
@@taliesinllanfair4338 tks for that didn't know he'd been crook. No real surprise knowing his lifestyle. Just did a quick google search for updates cos of yr reply. Love his version of "Fairytale of New York". Folk Punk I think they called it back in the day. Watch Ronnie Drew's reaction when they break into "The Irish Rover", caught Ronnie by complete surprise lol
You don’t need words, your face tells it all.
To understand our history is to understand us.
This song can be related to any war with any nation.
Hey Kaitlyn
You definitely need to have a look at "I was only 19". Band plays Waltzing Matilda and I was only 19 always bring tears to my eyes and remind me that Australia has always punched above it's weight but unfortunately our young men have been thrown into wars not of our making but the behest of our political masters. I lost relatives in the great war and my father served in the second world war.
I thirteenth that !!
Why would you do that to the poor lady lol, that song is amazing but utterly soul shattering 😢
@@amandakruger3632 And an amazing reminder that we are so lucky that we weren't the ones selected to be sacrificed.
And also how much we have to protect those who are lucky enough to return from conflict.
@@stevegraham3817 True, Absolutely true.
@@stevegraham3817it was not good when your number came up…
My grandfather served in Egypt and then on The Western Front during WW1. He, luckily, survived. My husband’s father was on The Kokoda Trail during WW2, shot on his 21st birthday but was rescued by the natives of NG. We, my husband and I, both served in the Australian Army so we have very strong connections to this song and others. Thanks for your reaction.
Thank you all for your service.👍. Flowers of the forest by Slim Dusty is one that really strikes a chord. I stand corrected, the song written by Eric Bogle and recorded by Slim Dusty is called "No Mans Land".
@@selwyn500 OMG I never knew Slim Dusty wrote that song, I thought it was an Irish song.................As an Aussie this makes me proud. It's truly a heartbreaking song too.
My great grandfather was lucky to survive Gallipoli, he'd been bayoneted twice and shot once...unfortunately he was never the same...his son went to ww2 and wasn't as fortunate...my great grandfather, farvey, took to the bottle...
It'll never make sense to me...we,re friends with these countries now...such a waste of life
@@hayloft3834 I believe it's Flowers of the Forest.
@@hayloft3834 that's the one mate. Brings a tear to the eyes. Always loved it.
Don't worry Kaitlyn; I'm crying along with you. It's an incredibly sad and moving song. You don't have to be Australian to be moved by it.
The thing about being Australian is that it's not just people who were born here, or grew up here. You chose to be Australian, and you are. We don't distinguish. No one is more Aussie than someone else because of where they were born x
According to the 2021 census, more than 25% of Australians were born overseas, and nearly 50% have a parent born overseas :)
well said, being Australian is a state of mind. not about where you are from or what you look like, we all came here to escape something, war, famine, etc. hence our use of the word "mate" everyone is your friend til they prove themselves different.
You're right, mate. Being Australian is a choice. The most powerful choice that can be made - because it is a choice for freedom, equality, mateship, and happiness. Does the sh*t hit the fan? Yeah, pretty often. But when the going gets tough, we all pitch in to help. That's what it means to be an Aussie - you're never truly alone. It's a belief, not a set of birth characteristics.
Yeah, if you're white, and especially a white woman. However, people will tell you to "go back to where you came from!" if you're not white, even if you were born here ("Yeah, but where are you really from?"). My mate with Burmese parents has been attacked on the street by so many Aussie racists. Even the next of kin of Aboriginal ANZACs killed in action didn't get to inherit the dead serviceman's gratuity and medals.
@@SorenCicchiniabsolute rubbish. You should be ashamed for making up such lies.
No shame in crying. Many grown men, veterans and serving, cry. Takes strength. Former Aussie Soldier. Proud, but broken
The best anti war song that I know of. You don't have to be Australian. It applies to all wars , all nations . I've heard it counless times and tear up every time.
Try "Green Fields of France"
I was going to say "I Was Only 19" is right up there with this one
what does "anti-war" mean.... war is bad, people die in wars? find a better cliche
@user-gm5bv2ez2r well, exuuuuuuuuuse me. Sorry my comment offended you.😩.
@@RichardGalli-r6iwell, excuuuuuuse me.
John Williamson is an okay singer - but you really to hear the original, by Eric Bogle - who wasn't Australian, but from Scotland. That will always bring tears to my eyes.
The Pogues' version was really poignant as well.
I am with Rhona.The Pogues do a great cover.
Eric Bogle definitely did the best version of this song. Eric’s version is more haunting, I’m not a big fan of John Williamson version & the Irish versions leave me cold.
@@TheWhitsboy I have never been a fan of John Williamson - even since his 'Old Man Emu' days - he tries to be a 'professional Aussie'. I still think it's ironic, that it took a migrant to Australia - Eric Bogle - to really understand the essence of ANZAC day
@@rhonafenwick5643 fun fact. This has become a classic in Ireland
Hi Kaitlyn, I think you have experienced what is like for generations of Australians. Years ago an American friend said to a group of us Aussies; "Australia was weird and unique in that it was the only country in the world, not to celebrate winning wars, rather celebrate losing". Someone in the group "Schooled" him, Australians don't glorify war, and we take 2 opportunities (Anzac Day and Armistice Day) each year to "Remember the fallen", and mourn those who paid the ultimate price to allow this country to become what it is today.
Agreed a hundred percent. If anything I'd say that the only "weird" one is anyone who'd celebrate *winning* a war. Much as Gallipoli was a catastrophic failure, it's at least given us an object lesson in what the carnage of war really is, as well as showing that human lives can be put at risk by the tactical blunders and political machinations of your allies every bit as much as the guns and bombs of your enemies. If only every country in the world had a similarly vivid reminder, to make them think twice before blithely wasting the lives of their young people in the eternal game of geopolitical dickswinging.
@@rhonafenwick5643 I agree with you and John Haythorpe. I also wish we all had remembered this song and its full import when we deployed our boys and girls recently to Afghanistan and Iran. As a people, we should be very cautious about sending our sons and daughters to take part in such questionable conflicts and we should vote out any government that is reckless with the lives of our soldiers and then fails to support them and their families properly when they come back having done their duty.
Australia as a country has never gone to war on another country to gain or obtain , we have joined the efforts of other country’s through association or alliance , australia has never had a civil war , america joined in on ww2 with as an Allie , Vietnam they were there on 2 fronts as allies to France and defeat the rise of communism , Korea was the rise of communism , North Korea is still at war with the world through communism ,
@@catherinebrown1902 Did you mean Iraq ?
@@malcolmscrivener8750 Great hear from the ladies even if their keyboards can't spell correctly.
My Great Grandfather died at 103yrs old when I was 18 (I'm in my 50's now). He was in WW1 (Australian Light horse) as was his 2 brothers and 1 sister. He was the only one to come home. His sister was a nurse who drowned after the transport ship she was on was sunk on its way to England. He unfortunately saw one of his brothers fall.
He told me that his greatest sadness was the loss of potential. That none of his siblings got married or had children and he would never have the opportunity to meet any wife/husband, nephew or niece.
The loss of his brothers and sister he described as "pain unparalleled".
He died a year after I got back from a war zone. This song means a lot to me. I hear it and think of my Great Grandfather (WW1), Grandfather (WW2/Korea) and Father (Vietnam).
I remember when I got back being invited to my Great Grandfathers table with all 3 of them and having my first cup of coffee with a dash of Bundy rum in it on ANZAC day.
Now its just me doing it and I'm so grateful that I will never share that drink with my son.
Thank you for reacting to this.
I tear up every time I hear it.
O
My family was similarly affected. Such grief. Generational grief. xxx
Huge hug!
My wife's family here in New Zealand lost four sons in France in 1917. Two were killed same day at Passcendale (they had consecutive serial numbers). My Dad's family everyone who went came back. ANZACs. Real men.
@@briansmaller7443
Kia ora.
Hope your wife's family are safe, have power, have road access & phone coverage and are in good spirits.
I understand 225,000 are without power here, and many people are cut off.
I was a bit curious to know if there are graves in NZ for the 4 brothers who died in France. I was wondering if any of them lie in the townships I go to.
Their graves are easy to find because veterans headstones are kept so well compared to other people graves from 70 odd years ago or more.
I have visited many graveyards and am always blown away by the numbers of graves for Our Boys are there.
Finding old graves is when I first understood how many Kiwi men and boys died in France. Paschendale is written on many headstones also.
It is always chilling when there are young brothers who died in that same Godawful war.
Recently I saw crosses on ANZAC day, and 4 young men had the same surname.
I am planning a little roadie soon. I want to take the opportunity to look closely at the Memorial Halls, Monuments etc at Rukuhia, Ohaupo, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti and Piopio.
I have already had a good look at the Hamilton Memorial Park and the Mahoenui Memorial Hall.
I go further south at times.
- I cannot imagine what grief the parents of 4 sons could have endured. I cannot, in any way, no matter how hard I try.
John Williamson is able to impart the Australian personality with his songs. Every year on Anzac Day he gets a gig at Currumbin Beach where they have a dawn service and JS sings his iconic songs.
Correction: JW !
@@leonardirving3307
Just click the three vertical dots next to your original comment and you can edit it.
@@gregalanharper Thank you
I cry every time I hear this. I first heard it in primary school. It and “I was only 19”. I think it shaped my view of war (I respect the soldiers, so I don’t want us to send them into combat unnecessarily or unprepared).
I am a little horrified that you walked into this song without knowing what it was - it’s a brutal song that puts you through an emotional wringer. Proud of you for getting through it and uploading the result.
Don’t worry about the imposter syndrome feeling. That is the point of this country - we welcome the people who come in and help us build a better tomorrow.
I hope you and your family have a merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Said, mate. Don't whinge, socks up, pants down 'n get on with it.
I'll admit to not having heard John Williamson's version before but he certainly does it justice. This song makes me well up every time, along with "I Was Only Nineteen". The futility of war, contrasted against the flag waving and patriotism 😢
Thanks for your honest reaction and Merry Xmas 🎄
@Dom In our family, you're Dom. Bogle's version captures the war of it all, Scots have been fighting wars forever. Williamson's version brings it into Aus venacular but loses the immediacy of Bogle. Like many of us, I have great great unkles buried in France. Back then, we were part of the British Empire, many of those lads were as much Empire as Australian. If only things were as simple as war v anti war or Empire v Australia. Merry Xmas.
Totally agree - I have the same reaction as you to both
Only 19 sings not to just Aussies but to Americans and South Koreans who fought together in the same part of the world together as Brothers in arms
@@ericrush3495 "Only 19 sings not to just Aussies but to Americans .." It's specifically from the point of view of a particular digger but you are right, its message extends to all of US allies who fought.
Oh wow, bawling my eyes out.
Kaitlyn, I so appreciate your reaction ♥️ it really shows us as Australians how well you are adjusting to your new country, it shows us that you are learning so much about Australians.
You may not have been born here, but you have adopted this country and with that, all of it's darkest nights and brightest days are now yours too.
My great grandmother lost 3 sons in WW1. Not Gallipoli, but in Europe.
My dad served in the Korean War. My uncle in the Vietnam war. ( he died prematurely from affects of agent orange.)
War has such a huge impact, not just physically but mentally, no matter how well they try and suppress or cover it up. My dad, as he developed demensia, in his 70's, his PTSD came to the fore. He had suppressed it all those years.
Any songs of war, movies, etc hit me hard now since my dad passed, 10 years ago now.
Kia ora Brother,
I am replying to YOUR comment first.
This place of deep feeling, grief, trauma, connection, gratitude and strong physical reaction demands that I pause in my pain and honour before responding here.
Please accept my deepfelt sadness at reading about your generations of ongoing grief.
Firstly, may I honour your great grandmother who lived her life with immeasurable grief and loss.
As you can imagine, being from a country which sent 10 per cent of its' population to the War, this topic is very deep.
And, of all the people I have around me, I think about these things of the past the most. I am 100% conscious of the ongoing affects of War on the people around me.
Twice a week I travel for 2 hours and pass various Memorials, gates and monuments which list the names of men who served. From the very tiny settlement I go to a young guy was killed in action in 1915.
For every casualty, a mother, sisters, aunts, cousins, or even children were added to the intense concentration of grief as you very well know.
I have a book by Vera Brittain, 'Testament of Youth'.
I have visited dozens of graveyards and head straight for the very old but well maintained headstones, which often mark the life of a Kiwi veteran.
With an emphasis here (NZ) on the landings at Gallipoli, I was initially always staggered at cemetries by the numbers of Our Boys killed in France.
I had one boyfriend and a partner of 17 years whose father's had served in WW1.
Both boyfriends reported having fathers who were "very hard men".
I know know precisely why.
I have made it an important mission in my life to keep alive these men sacrificed themselves and who created the unique identity here that runs through my veins, heart and mind.
My partner of 17 years served in the British army and I plan to be buried in the RSA cemetery with him.
I will lie buried with veterans who served in all the wars you mentioned.
The least I can do is to always remember and honour them on the path of my very fortunate life of freedom.
Your comment is special to me for many reasons besides your uttermost depth of connection to the ANZAC legacy.
I cared for my mother, father, current partner's mother and previous partner during their years with dementia.
Just one was marked with violence and I was forced by the medical consultant to stop caring for him at home and to transfer him into a secure unit.
The staff there could not care for him so they put him in a special unit with the ratio of staff to inmates was 1:3
My partner, many times, appeared very stressed, if not petrified. Usually he would order me to not make a sound.
I remember one day pointing to the staff, indicating that they were enemy.
I quietly told him we were in this together.
He said, "Thanks mate".
I haven't found anyone else whose loved one went back onto the battlefield in their reality.
So thankyou for sharing this about your
hero father as well.
My mate's coffin was covered by a British flag and I had a butler play at my mate's funeral.
It is clear that only fellow soldier's comprehend fully what I and we cannot.
Feeling him so petrified in that secure unit, with 3 staff members I think for 10 residents, that I felt something of his terror about being found and shot by the enemy.
I think that is all I will write now apart from this last thing regarding everlasting grief.
They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old...
This was written by a fellow who lost a family member and several mates. It is a poem worth reading.
It is just a thought for your great grandmother, grand uncles and your father and for you and others of us here.
My mate's father was left gnarled by shrapnel, and deeply scarred psychologically of course. He didn't marry until he was 39, and later, many of his mates couldn't breathe well due to the German gas.
(I could write a book on the next World War!)
Back again.
Just some corrections.
Kia ora Sister or Bro.
I had the bugle played at my mate's funeral.
My father is my hero.
I try to continue all the good he did in life. Grief is certainly a rocky road, and each person's grief is different.
There was some big drama before Dad died and it was a big shock for me. I couldn't sleep well because I would stress about his suffering.
Then I had a dream in which a voice said "Whether he was happy or sad, he's not suffering now".
That insight helped me to go forward in my grief but without my waves of super intense stress.
I hope you can get to a peaceful place about your very sad history.
Regarding my mate, who died in Dec 2012, his suffering also was over.
Aroha from NZ.
If you don't cry when you hear these songs, there's something wrong with you! Thanks for this.
Another Bogle song about WW1 that will bring you to tears is Banjo, about what they did with the horses belonging to the Light Horse battalions in the middle east at the end of the war (bullet in the head for each of them)
Every time I hear this song I cry. I am 60 and served in the Royal Australian Navy and thrn the Australian Army Reserve. I never went to war or to peace keeping but know many who did. My great grandfather was sent to Gallipoli as reenforcements. He was a bushman who waltzed his matilda (his swag or bedroll) and volunteered as a Light Horseman only to fight in the trenches of Gallipoli, killed in action, July 1915.
I'm now in my late 70's, and it has the same effect on me.
God rest him.
Kia ora Brother,
You are very brave, serving in the military knowing so well what can potentially happen to you. Thankyou so very much. We are lucky aren't we, getting to our age. I was born in '62, Brother.
I feel so sad hearing about your great grandfather. I just can't imagine the grief in your family and all our nations,
I wonder what his name is and how many children were left back home. It is great you keep his spirit alive, and help us think more deeply.
@@barbsmart7373 thanks for your kind words. Trooper Fredrick Wallace Cannan, killed at the age of 31, leaving behind his wife Ethel, and 3 youngsters, a boy aged 6, David who became the man of the family, and 2 younger girls.
@@malalexander3515
Thankyou for sharing that here about two exceptional generations in your family.
It is very sobering, reading that your young great grandmother and 3 very small children were suddenly
having to grieve and get by without him.
That is incredible- his sacrifice.
By the way, I know how much very young boys can step up and be the man of the house. One of my sons did that, of his own accord, really. The children today would not have any idea the responsibilities taken on by young children years ago.
My father used to get up at 5am, light the fire and milk the cows. It was a really cold part of NZ. 2 cows I think. When his mother died, when he was 10, the 13 year old sister looked after the younger 5 children.
I will always remember your family because of his sacrifice & the ones left behind. (I guess they were in Australia).
Anyway, all the best.
The first time I heard it was on the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch, New Zealand back in 2001, I was visiting from the UK. It was sung by a group of Australians and New Zealanders, all in their teens. A couple of them told me the story of Gallipoli, something I had never heard about in history lessons in the UK. I was reduced to tears and it still has the same effect today!
Funny how songs that you hear when you are young, don't always register their meanings. But when you have lived life a bit and hear them again, they can hit really hard. I'm in the UK and my wife is proud Australian.
The first Time I've heard that song, it was by the Pogue. I'm french and it was a bit hard top understand what it was about. But hey, thanks to m'y english teachers ! Then I started to cry , and every Time i listen to waltzing Mathilda, tears fall down. God bless those heroes of a forgotten war
One thing I've noticed, in general, is our war songs, especially country ones, are more like this, more sombre and about the effect of war on the individual soldier, and sometimes their family. Conversely it seems, in general once again, that US war songs seems to glorify war, or if not glorify, they don't seem as sombre or personal. Even though I've never served myself, with this song, and "I Was Only 19", I can picture those soldiers and imagine the pain, especially the emotional pain.
No one wins wars...only corporations
It is a beautiful song which reminds us of what the ANZACs went through.
Not just the ANZACs. There were British, French, Indian and Canadian troops and those of the Ottoman Empire. ANZAC casualties (dead, wounded and missing) totaled 35,500, British casualties were 120,000, French 27,000 and the Ottomans 164,000.
Agree totally."Joyeux Noel" is a wonderful movie, and I watch it without fail every Christmas....just as this song always "gets" me every time I hear it......
I agree it is a haunting song and it does make one think I’m glad to reviewed it , thank you.
This was a nice video mate :) as an aussie Afghan veteran, this was lovely to watch. Have a good Xmas. 🍻
There's a song called "I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)" that's for the ANZACS too (although you might want to watch it privately).
My father ran away from home in Hermidale, NSW at 16 and joined up for WW2.
Fought in the 7th Division from Milne Bay to Balikpapan, then assigned to guard duty for the War Crimes Trials at Ambon. Left in '47 for the Merchant Navy but re-enlisted for Korea (3 RAR) and fought at Kapyong.
He was re-activated in '68 for Vietnam as Special Liaison attached to US MACV, and left my Mother and I when I was four. I didn't see him again until 1972, by which time they had divorced.
Much later in life, he considered this his favourite song...and I had it played at his funeral when he passed away in September 1999.
Thank you for taking such an interest. 🇦🇺 🙌
Thank you for showing us what a beautiful wonderful and understanding person you are... think of all those kids in Ukraine right now spending their Christmas in the cold and being underground.... enjoy the sun shine while you can. just teaches us that if we want to be free we have to make a big sacrifice. we are always thankful for our British,American, NZ friends to always be at one another;s side. God bless you . Wish you and yours A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Played a lot on ANZAC Day. Written by a Scottish immigrant who lives in Adelaide - Eric Bogle. He does many other songs.
The film Gallipoli, with a young Mel Gibson, gives a personal perspective - might be worth branching into a film review.
Don't worry about crying Kaitlyn,we all cry when we hear this.
If you think this song is sad, wait till you hear "I was only 19" by Redgum.. That song is about Vietnam, and that song is really haunting.
As a huge Midnight Oil, I should also suggest "Forgotten Years". Not as sad but just as poignant.
Only 19 really hits home.
Hi Kaitlyn, brilliant reaction hon :) I'm also an imported Aussie. From Scotland in my case, but similarly completely taken in by the culture and history. Becoming an Australian citizen was one of the best decisions i ever made!
Seriously suggest you look at 'i was only 19' by Redgum, another haunting song, this time about the Aus experience in Vietnam. Also i love the French film Joyeux Noel! Absolutely superb movie about the famous Xmas Truce of 1914-15. A must watch :)
Hope you continue to love your stay here 💋💋💋
Glad you're pleased to be an Aussie
I was going to suggest I was only nineteen to her myself
This song was composed by a Scotsman that emigrated to Australia, Eric Bogle.
I am American, a vietnam era vet, lost several friends there. I cry every time I hear this song, yet I am pulled to listening to it from time to time. We should listen to it. Which ever war we think about we should remember this song. I would suggest a song called "Sam Stone", which talks about the aftermath of the war in Nam. Another tearjerker. Every politician and every General in the world should be requied hear this every day.
Listen to this song by Ronnie Drew , it will crack you up even more
@@carlmason4153 Thank you. I did, and I cried harder than ever. War is hell.
If this doesn't bring a tear to your eye. You have no heart
I've seen the movie Joyeux Noel great movie and the Christmas truce was true. Insane to go back to killing after a brief moment of sanity. My grandad survived Gallipoli and years on the western Front in world war I. For that I am proud and thankful. His birthday was 11/11 so he must have really celebrated when the war ended. He never talked to me about the war.never marched on Anzac Day. And I guess his every birthday reminded him of the war and the mates he lost.
There’s no glory in War…EVER. It’s a raw, mind blowing, flesh annihilation. Such a tragic situation for humanity. My utmost respect and appreciation to all the Fallen and still serving. Including my Grandad, one of the last off the beach at Dunkirk😢❤️
It is a real thought provoking song. Thankyou for your true reaction
As others have said we dont celebrate war, we comemorate. See another by Eric Bogle called The green fields of France (No msns land)
Can I add that Eric Bogle also wrote what many believe should be the Australian national anthem. Shelter is a miracle of a song that draws together our First Nations people, multi-generation settlers and more recent arrivals in a vision of a country that is probably better than we are, but it’s something to aspire to … as all national anthems should. As a newer arrival my heart breaks whenever I hear Shelter … as all our hearts should.
Thousands of Australian soldiers in Gallipoli were not born here either. Forget feeling somehow unworthy to be able to connect with it. You are an Aussie now, and a humble asset to the country. Enjoyed your reaction.
True, my pop was born in Scotland, got shot up in France with a slouch hat on his head. He lived until his late 80s and never, ever talked about it with family.
I have heard several versions of this song, but this version always hits me
This song is meant to hit you in the feels...it is meant to make you think and remember..so we never go through anything like it again.
I highly recommend you going for a trip to Canberra and visiting the Australian War Memorial..be prepared though it can get very emotional.
Lest we forget
Your empathy is admired.
My grandfather who was English was in Gallipolo East Anglian Regiment Essex Rifles he lost all friends, he was haunted all of his life he died aged 82, I once went to an Aussie Pub in Earl's Court near where I worked I went with a Aussie guy on ANZAC Day and this song was played EVERYONE STOOD UP AND SUNG WITH MUCH GUSTO AND FEELING IT WAS VERY
MOVING !!There were no dry eyes..
I'm Aussie and I don't think I've heard this song before. You're right, it's very dark and it basically speaks for itself.
I can't believe you've managed to reach adulthood and not heard this song! Devastates me every time
This is one of the greatest songs ever written, imo. There are so many lines that just tear your heart out. Every time I hear it, I try to sing along, but I get too choked up every time. It's just too real.
The Amzac Day service in Gallipoli is just heartbreaking. The monument the Turkish put up and what it says makes me cry to this day. Both countries mourn together on that day, united in their grief and respect for each other. It's beautiful and heartbreaking 💔
Haven’t heard that in years. Thank you
While you're in the John Williamson TV area, you should have a squiz at the lyric version of True Blue. They asked people to send in photos of what they considered to be representative of Australia, then used them in a slideshow for the official lyrics video.
You're not the only one that sheds a tear listening to this song, I do most times I hear it
You are only showing your human, I get a lump in my throat when I hear this. Your right it doesn’t matter what country you are from, it’s all relevant. ❤️🤘🎸🎻🇦🇺
It was written by a Scottish immigrant who saw an Anzac day march in Canberra so its sort of international anyway but it shows well , like the " Green fields of France " , the impact of the times . In one town I lived their is a street thats lost the most people in a war . One family sent 5 of 6 sons to war ,who didnt return and the other son died in Australia doing something else .
Thank you Kaitlyn, this song and I Was Only Nineteen are two of my favourites. Anyone from any country can relate to these two songs since they are both about the experience of Australian soldiers in two different wars on the one hand and about the common experiences of all soldiers in all wars on the other. There is nothing of the imposter about the feelings you experience in relation to these two songs. I often think about how much we owe ordinary US servicemen who came to the assistance of Australia and what we all need to do together to protect the democratic rights and freedoms that so many men and women of goodwill fought so hard to give us.
I have loved this song for over thirty years, but a had always assumed it was written by Shane McGowan. I stand corrected.
You may enjoy hearing some of our early folk songs
.eg " The Wild Colonial Boy" , " The Man from Snowey River: etc.
Who gave you the right to develop your own culture? 😄😄
Respect to Australia and New Zealand and all the nations whose people fought against the tyrannical Axis powers in two world wars.
Seek out and listen to the original Eric Bogle version. That brings me to tears every time
I have not heard that version before only the Eric Bogle version, that song does sum up ANZAC day very well. It is not a day of celebration or national pride, we have Australia day for that or any day we can walk down the street or go to the beach without fear.
ANZAC day is one of two times of the year we remember the fallen the other being Remembrance day at 11:00 on the 11 day of the 11th month. They are solemn days of remembrance and I must admit I'm not overly thrilled with some of the optics of ANZAC day over the last couple of decades.
The suicide rates among return servicemen from the 1st and 2nd world wars were horrendous as was the violence. I know this because my father served in WW2 and my mum worked for some years at the Concord Repatriation Hospital. There were also several other returned servicemen in our street and some truly horrible acts were carried out.
Kia ora.
Thankyou for your comment.
Here across the ditch I know, without a doubt that us Kiwis share equivalent feelings on ANZAC Day. Those of us who knew or were related to vets and feel deeply the sacrifice and indescribable tragedy of our recent history. It is hard to comprehend really, these faraway battles with such high numbers of casualties from every area of NZ.
I especially appreciate your comment which mentions the solemn nature of our collective expressions of grief on ANZAC Day.
I was first taken by foster parents to a dawn service 46 years ago. This "solemn" experience was my first.
Back then, I never heard anyone talk about either war.
Even throughout the 80's I took my children to the ANZAC parade and there weren't many children there, not that many adults either. Today people flock there in their thousands.
I will be commenting further about standing solemn, silent.
I always found watching the white haired WW1 vets in particular, marching so beautifully, gave me chilling humility and awe.
I am somewhat obsessed with 20th century history.
I started my life around Quakers and Conscientous Objectors and listened to Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. I didn't actually know anything about human conflict.
10- 35 years ago, I had the privilege of caring for hundreds of gentlemen who had served in WW2, Korea and Vietnam.
I am terribly ashamed of my ignorance back then, facing so many quiet, slim, usually blue eyed gentlemen.
I was intrigued by the immediate bonds formed in the rooms I had my patients in. They asked eachother, "Where did you serve?".
Then I also asked. Malaya, Egypt, Tubruk, the Pacific, and more. Still I knew nothing.
Now, I am no stranger to these placenames and I have made it my business to talk about what, precisely, these hundreds of men went through. For us.
I do not remember a single name of theirs now, but they are still in my heart. The men, mostly in their 80's, such quiet, non complaining gentlemen, in the medical wards will be in their next place now, and will never see the blank look of a young hospital nurse again.
Anyway, I particularly wanted to reply concerning post war suicide and violence.
I am acutely aware of the ongoing pain of war.
I mentioned WW1 vets somewhere else. Now I
am thinking about the Second World War.
I had one friend who didn't meet his father till he was 5.
I have also a friend whose grandfather broke her grandmother's leg and she had to crawl for help. All the children were sent to live in different places. My friends mother was sent to an orphanage. She, and now my friend are expert cleaners and both upbringings totally lacked emotion, as it was not expressed in my friend's upbringing.
These are just some Kiwi friends.
A French friend grew up in an orphanage, with not enough food, and a Dutch friend grew up with siblings who were starving and their Dad too was in a camp, and emaciated.
An English friend's beloved husband went missing at Dunkirk.
She died of a heart attack on ANZAC day here, 50 years after Dunkirk.
The effects keep on.
Your comment made me think of why my friend's Mum grew up in an orphanage and the effects on her 5 children, all beginning in war. Thankyou for your information and my gratitude is even more for your father's service, wherever he served.
It was ANZAC Day today ... I spent the whole day watching the march at Sydney then the dawn ceremonies on TV at Gallipoli and France ... I'm 64yo with a navy reserve and merchant marine background and tear up all day every ANZAC day .. just can't help feeling greatful and sad at the same time.
Our local avenue of honour is over 22 Kms long and has 3912 trees along it representing the troops from Ballarat that lost their lives during WW1. It stretches from the western end of Ballarat to the western shores of Lake Learmonth. We lived in Melbourne when I was a kid (early 70's) and one of the workers at the local factory used to go to our milkbar for his lunch. He was shell shocked from the Korean War and used to stare at me, shake and talk to himself - his mates were always with him to help the poor bugger. Mum explained why he was like that of course. Have a great Chrissy mate xxxx
I drove this avenue 41 years ago and never forgot it. It just felt so respectful.
Geelong bloke here.
I love that little stretch of planet Earth.
@@macman1469 The ballarat bi pass cuts through it now just before the pub at Burrembeet. But they have continued the avenue with an underpass and really put some thought and justice toward it
Written and originally recorded by Eric Bogle. I had the opportunity to hear him preform it live in Philadelphia in the mid 1980s in a small venue (maybe 300 people). Amazing and so very memorable.
Amazing ❤
Although I'm not a fan of John's I must admit he can tell a story with passion.
You are so sweet to be that moved. Thanks for listening.
Great reaction Kaitlyn.
It is an extremely emotional song and it is no better reflected than by the original writer and artist. So, if you get the opportunity, search for this one. "Eric Bogle - And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Lyrics)". Even if you don't react to it, it is well worth the look/listen. There is also a live version on RUclips.
Keep up the great work mate.
This song makes me proud to be Aussie 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺
The version the Irish band "The Pogues" recorded is good as well.
We used to hear this song at ANZAC services in school. Also recommend listening to I was only 19
There are many Australian folk songs about the First World War. They hardly ever get air time any more. Several other people have mentioned Eric Bogle, and you can find a lot of his songs on YT. "I Was Only 19" is another well known song. It is about the Vietnam war. You should also check out the song, "The Year of The Drum". Several bands have covered this.
Merry Christmas to you and Mark, and the pussy-cat in the background.
This is one of the very most iconic songs from our John. I am proud to be an Aussie and I am raising my son to stand proud as well. My mum was American, my dad was Norwegian but I was born here and my parents were proud Aussies as well and showed me how to stand tall as an Aussie. Anzac Day is a huge thing here and as people still stand tall for those who caught for our freedom.
Written by Eric Bogle.
A Scot
A poignant song.
While this major conflict of the early 20th century was in many ways futile, it cemented the values of a newly established nation an identity Their sacrifice we will never be forgotten
We are Australian, in many ways, because of them.
I’m sorry that the song’s meaning has been repeated so very many times since Gallipoli.
Written in Australia in the 70s after he'd emigrated to Australia after seeing his first Anzac Day parade. While the song is set in the time of the first war, it really reflects on how the soldiers returning from Vietnam were treated at the time.
Many Australians or Australian residents feel the same. I attended an Eric Bogle concert many years ago and looked round the venue during the song. There were cheeks wet from tears all round the venue.
Yeah it is a moving song. I’m not sure if you’ve heard ‘I was only 19’. Listen to that one for an Aussie perspective on the Vietnam War. And if that not enough for your tear ducts try the Chisels Kesagn (can’t spell Vietnamese sorry)
That would be “Khe Sanh”, and I agree with this statement.
@@gaiapurpure ta for that. I was never going to get the right letters, and if I did, certainly not in the right order.
Please look at the original version by Eric Bogle, a good Aussie Scot. Thankfully I saw him play this live at a festival. Thankfully I had some tissues in my pocket
I'm not a hugely patriotic Aussie but all our war songs always bring me to tears. I can't handle watching the ANZAC dawn service and hearing the bugle.
I can handle the Last Post, but this always brings me - a 76 year old man - to tears.
I think this song's really intended to speak to everyone, regardless of nationality and regardless of how patriotic or not one is. A message about the true horrors of war is one that anyone should be able to receive, and maybe make a few people ask themselves some hard questions as a result.
@@gregoryparnell2775 It's like it draws the emotion out of you whether you're ready or not
@@rhonafenwick5643 Well put, but there's a very strong Australian direction in it - would you hav a Canadian band playing Waltzing Matilda to farewell a troop ship?
@@doubledee9675 I was thinking the same thing. There is a real story being told, very specifically about an aussie bloke in the vast country of Australia.
The guns became more powerful in World War 1 so I wonder if that was part of the image of bring blown back to Oz.
I feel that the reality of Gallipoli included a lot more in reality, but I don't know how you'd write such a perfect song if you wrote about not being able to bury the dead or the Turks burying them in case you were shot. You wouldn't write about rats so huge due to their eating dead bodies or the sight of men with their faces missing. I don't know how you'd edited about not washing for months because of a lack of water, and the resulting
lice, too numerous to ever be able to get rid of.
It feels a bit superficial, watching movies and listening to songs, and learning so little compared with what Our Boys really lived through. Just my 2 cents worth.
i am 68 years old and this song still makes me cry and there is no shame for this emotional feeling it shows that you have empathy for your fellow man or woman
Redgum - I was Only 19, you seriously need to do a react to that 💙
These two are standouts. I was not far from 19 when conscription ended. Instead of 'an all expenses paid trip to Vietnam', the government gave me a free tertiary education.
Thank you for posting this Kaitlyn.
You should have done the version by Eric Bogle, definitely a better version. I think you missed a lot listening to this version. You may also like “No Man’s Land”(Europeans call it “Green Fields of France” but “No Man’s Land” is the true name) also about WW1, very haunting. And, of course there is “Shelter” by Eric Bogle, explains how he feels about Australia.
I couldn't stop crying! and I'm an Aussie!! Welcome to Australia!
There are mayn songs that hit home. My father passed recently and when looking for some songs for his funeral I found one that just brings me to tears everytime I hear it.. This song if you havent seen the official clip will bring you to tears. it hits you in the guts no matter if you are a male or a female. James Blunt wrote it for his father who at the time looked like he would die..there is a back story to his story but his father did survive actually due to this song and all the profits from the song went to charity ruclips.net/video/DTFbGcnl0po/видео.html
You might want to listen to I was only 19 by red gum also Spirit of the Anzac by Lee Kernahgan. We celebrated 100 yrs of the ANZACs in 2015 12:03 . Aussies are very proud of our history an heros.
Thank you very much & don't worry mate, this song makes many people cry, cry in grief & in gratitude for what those that came before us, did for us so long ago. Their sacrifice, courage, endurance & mateship must NEVER be forgotten. My wife is an imported Aussie herself, also from the U.S, we are coming up on our 10th wedding anniversary on 2 Feb & we live together here in Melbourne.
It's a great song, but Suvla Bay was a British landing zone at Gallipoli; no ANZACs landed there.
but there was about 300 Aussies from the Royal Australian Navy Bridging Train at Suvla they were in charge of building the piers and looking after the loading and unloading of ships stores among other duties
@@sammy_dog Were they in the landing, or did they come ashore after?
@@brettevill9055
I believe they were embedded within the RN and did land with the poms as they needed the piers and docks asap but my memory of the history ANBT is a little sketchy
Because of these men we have been blessed with the Australia we have today.
✌🤠
Look up Redgum I was only 19.
another good one is by Redgum i was only 19
Yes, a song written by a Scotsman, living in Australia, yes about the ANZACS and WW1, in fact this song is universal.
The Pogues do an amazing rendition of this song as well. Which is really telling of Australia's predominantly Irish heritage. Ireland fought in WW1 but remained neutral in WW2. I just think that shows the political side of our own national identity which was forged in blood all over Europe and northern Africa.
ANZACs were a force in WWII too. My Dad served in North Africa, on the (steam) rail from Cairo west. There's a song for that, too: "My tick-bound bug bound Dugout in Matruh".
Mersa Matruh was the end of the line, laid on sand, giving travellers sea-sickness. The rail was *just* in reach from Italy by air, and with no forward bases there was strafing by fighters in the day and bombing by night: "those blinkin' Eyeties as they circle 'round at night" trying to spot camouflaged encampments. Bombing the rail was futile: an hour's work repaired and re-aligned any damage. My Dad was a Stoker, and was occasionally exposed on the footplate, copping a ricochet from a strafing run. He wasn't invalided home, serving to the end. He limped a bit until later at home a stint at fishing (trawling) gave him therapy from the rolling deck.
NZ shares that same "they are us" philosophy. Witness our nation'-wide (and our Prime Minister's) immediate reaction to our mosque tragedy.
A good true song. Near me in Tea tree Gully is a little town called Paracombe that lost most of it's men, some were boys of 14 years of age. The English sent us there and there's a quiet hatred for them militarily ( I served in Vietnam), the English never helped in S-E Asia in WW 11 either. Too many tragic stories to tell like Singapore ( Changi), Sandakan ( Borneo) and Thailand/ Malaysia. Can't imagine a kid of 14 today going off to adventure in a war as it was the manly thing to do . So many sad stories. I hate war- nobody wins.
Yeah 19 or 18 would have been not the youngest at all. And we did get screwed over alot.
You got that right. Wars are fought mainly for the benefit of one person. Just look at Ukraine. All that devastation and death cause of Putins pathetic ego
Thank you so much for doing this video, I've never listened to it in its entirety. Thank you also for acknowledging the ANZACS, kind regards from Australia
Aussie ex Soldier of 21 years service, while "only 19" is evocative, and emotional (Personally prefer Eric Bogle's original rendition) I have to admit to being far moire greatly affected by The Last Post and the Ode. 21 years of ANZAC day parades, catafalque parties etc never dulled it's effect on me.
I don't attend ANZAC day ceremonies as a civilian any more, I cannot abide seeing self serving politicians placing themselves front and centre and so being reminded that the service I gave helped keep those morally and ethically bankrupt germs in power.
I sit here with my toddler son in my arms as my wife rocks my baby to sleep, we are safe, happy and free... Who ever you helped stay in power on top is just trickles compared to the civilians you fought for... Thank you mate
That's the Christmas ceasefire in WW1, the germans and the brits were singing the same Christmas Carol. The carol was oh Christmas tree.
#Alwyne McIntyre
Are you sure they sang that carol? I thought they sang others including Stille Nachte, but not that one.
Thanks Kaitlyn, it's good to hear songs that don't glorify war. But show you the cost of going to war and hopefully temper the zeal of our politicians to send our children off to die.
John Williamson, just sings the words , listen to the original Eric Bogle version, he sings it with feeling.