Diary relating to service of Hector Alexander McIntyre - Part 11

79
— TELL HER I'M OK —

1/ We drink a bit, we swear a bit
We know we are no saints
We Grumble in the same old way
And make the same complaints
We Paint the Town, when we're on leave
And gamble with our pay
But the message I am sending back is
Tell Her I'm OK.

2/ We're out there in this Jungle
With mud up to our eyes
And we haven't any comforts
Neath the heat & sweat & flies
But we will sing our way to Battle.
In the Good old Diggers way
And the message I am sending back is
Tell Her I'm OK
3/ We will make a bit of History
In Malacca or Mersing
But we will grin & bear it
Cause we're fighting for our King
We will play the Hard & dangerous game,
In the good Old Digger Way
And the message I am sending back is
Tell Her I'm OK
78

— OUR PARTING —
1/  In this land so hot & sultry
With its rain & heavy dew
With its tin & rice & rubber
Here I sit & dream of you
2/  I often see you as we parted
How you smiled to hide the tears
How you played your hand with courage
How I loved you then my dear
3/  I tried to hide my feeling
With a carefree jovial air
You must have thought me heartless
And that, I had ceased to care
4/ But just behind my reachless smile
I fought a bitter fight
I felt the pangs of parting
As you did dear that night
5/ I felt the tempter at my side
To me he spoke quite clear
He said, the price you are asked to pay
Is costing you too dear
6/  But if I had but turned my head
And Yes to him & said
Unworthy of your love I'd been
were better I were dead
7/ I know you think of me each day
For me each night you pray
I know you long for my return
Though long & rough the Way
8/  But if to you I cannot come
In honour Head held high
I know you will remember me
For Our love could never die
9/  So as I think of you each day
I pray with all my heart

That we will be reunited love
When we have played our part

 77

SHOT.AT. CHANGI. POW.

CAMP
— "LEST WE FORGET" —
1/ Dauntless deeds of courage
By which Australia's known
Shall flourish on forever,
A New Seed that's been sown
2/ By a soldier in the A.I.F.
Who face to face with God
Pleaded for his comrade
Before a traitors firing squad
3/ But the Pleading of his Nobleman
Beneath the sunlit Sky.
Was unavailing as he stood
And showed them how to die
4/ The old slouch hat lay battered,
With its dented Rising Sun
And an Angel gently murmured
"Duty Nobly done"
5/ Greater love Hath no man,
These words are old but true
And in the distant future
They'll bring back thoughts to you
6/ Of an Aussie Comrade
Bright Eyed & camly bore
Himself to the "Greater Sacrifice"
On the Sand at Singapore.
7/ Now he's resting Neath the Palm Trees
But his is no lonely grave
For he's with the other comrades
And the boy he tried to save
8/ Angels stand there guarding
And like us their eyes are dim
So each evening at "Retreat"
My friends let us "Remember him"
76 

— LETTERS —
1/ You may write a thousand letters
To maidens you adore
And disclose in every letter
That you love her more & more
2/ If you had a pen like Byron
You would use it every day
In composing written modes
To your sweetheart far away
3/ You will pen many a promise
On those pages white & clean
That you can never live up to
In your married years to be
4/ But the letter far more welcome
To an old & gentle heart
Its a letter to your mother
From her boy that is apart
5/ She will read it ever often
When the light is soft & low
Sitting in the same old corner
Where she held you long ago
6/ In her old & trembling fingers
It becomes a work of Art
Stained by tears of gladness
As she hugs it to her heart
7/ It's the letter of all letters
No matter where you roam
Its a letter to your mother
From her boy so far from Home 

75  THE FALL OF SINGAPORE ("Home Life V4 No 4)

Dramatic Negotiations for Singapores Surrender 15.2.42

Dramatic & Momentous was the interview between

Lieut Gen Tomoyuki Yamashita, highest commander of

the Nippon Imperial Army in Malaya & Lieut Gen AE

Percival commander of the British forces as negotiation

for the British Capitulation were held at Ford Plant at

Bukit Timah, Singapore Island on Feruary 15^th

At 6.44pm Lieut. Gen Tomoyuki Yamashita, accompanied

by many Staff Officers, arrived at the Plant & entered a

well lighted Chamber. Facing a teakwood table, Lt Gen

Yamashita took his position in the centre, flanked on both

sides by his Staff Officers. On the opposite side sat Lt Gen

Percival, Brig Gen K S Torrance & other British Officers 

The ponderous Lt Gen Yamashita extended his hand

to the foe commander & Staff Officers, after which the members

of both sides resumed their seats. The following dialogue

was then exchanged between the commanders of the opposing

forces.

Yamashita We have just received your reply. The Imperial

Army will consider nothing but Unconditional Surrender.

If you will agree to all our terms, we shall be satisfied

Percival It is 7.55pm Japan time, I fear we shall not be

able to submit our final reply before nightfall

Yamashita (Loudly) Reply to us only whether out terms are

acceptable to you or not. Things have to be done swiftly, as we are 

ready to resume firing in the evening

Percival Won't you please wait until you formally file

into Singapore

Yamashita It is impossible. In the first place, why not

disarm all the British troops here, leaving only 1,000 armed

gendarmes for maintaining peace? In the second, under no

circumstances can we tolerate further British resistance.

Percival One of your terms handed to us, demand that we

turn over certain representatives of the Chungking regime to us. Their

names are not clear to us

The Fall of Singapore (Home Life V 4 No 4)

74

Yamashita By that we mean that you arrest & turn over to us

Chiang-Kai-Min one of the Chungking regimes Liason men.

Percival I ask that the Nippon Army recipricate with us in

discontinuing attack

Yamashita Agreed what has become of the Nippon citizens

in Singapore

Percival They have all been transferred to India. We do

not know exactly where. The British troops would like to cease 

firing at 11.30pm

Yamashita That is too late. By 11pm we shall place part

of our Army in Singapore City Proper

Percival Unless you allow us till 11.30pm I fear I shall

be unable to transmit the order to all my troops.

Yamashita Then 11.30pm will do.

Percival Please do not allow the Nippon Army in

Singapore till until tomorrow

Yamashita Why not assemble all your arms in the heart

of Singapore immediately so that our Army may check them?

Percival Why not let us arrange that tomorrow morning

Yamashita It is a matter we can arrange as a side issue

Percival Even 11.30pm is a little too late for all troops

to cease firing. Why not let them cease hostilities, in their present ^positions.

Yamashita In that case we shall continue firing until

11.30pm. I would advise you to order cessation of hostilities immediately

Percival I shall see that they cease firing as soon as I

return to my headquarters & see that firing ceases by 11.30pm,

In the town area the firing will cease immediately, & in distant

parts not later than 11.30pm

Yamashita As proof of your good faith, we shall hold

the highest British commander & the Govenor (of the Strait Settlements)

in custody ^at our headquarters. (A look of amasement was noticed

in Lt Gen Percival's face).

Percival Cannot the Nippon Army remain in its

present positions so that was may resume negotiations

tomorrow at 7.am.

OVER

73 

— WE'LL REMEMBER —

1/ We remember how you treated us in days before we fought

And the little things you did for us in action & in thought

With our welfare always with you, Mind you won our high esteem

And we walked along together like a happy little team

2/ We remember on those sporting days before the final call

How you mixed in with our fun & joys & chased the Hockey Ball

How you threatened us with Bugle Calls for a little slip or two

And then forgot about them all before the charge went through

3/ We remember once upon the March when food was rather light

You divided yours amongst us as if it was your right

And lot of little things like that we knew you'd not regret.

For No 8 was your Platoon & we do not forget

4/ We remember when we put aside our stack of  Sporting gear

And hauled out our War Equipment as the foe was getting near

We had no doubt about you, every man was game and sure

As we headed for the Death Trap, up along the road to "MUAR"

5/ We remember how you fell Sir as only game men do

Fighting for the boys you led, the only way you knew.

Today we're very lonely & miss your smiling face

And no matter who our Boss is now, he cannot take your place.

6/ We remember how you we all felt, when we knew that you had gone

And we seemed to hear you calling No 8 just carry on.

You are not lonely over there where Jungle creatures roam

Our Pals are there beside you, in the land far from their home

7/ When the World again is peaceful & the lucky ones go home

There'll be many resolutions that again they will not roam

And though they may not travel, to another Bloody War

The Boys of 8 will often think of a Place near Singapore

8/ We will remember all thats left & always talk with pride

Of the man we knew & honored & how that same man died

When Xmas bells arre ringing with joys of each December

Your memory will always be with us, For We Remember.

72

The Fall of Singapore (Home Life V 4 No 4)

Continued

Yamashita What?! I want to remind you that the

question is strictly a matter of ceasing hostilities this night

If you can discontinue resistance by 11.30 pm, we

shall hold the highest commander & the Governor in our

custody. If you cannot do it, the highest commander & the

governer must come to our headquarters by 10 pm.

Percival We shall discontinue firing at 10 PM Nip time

Had we better remain at our present positions tonight?

Yamashita Speaking on the whole, see that your troops

remain in their present positions & assemble tonight disarmed

at the prescribed place. I approve the cessation of hostilities at 10 PM

After we have ceased fire, all British troops should disarm

themselves save 1000 men whom we shall permit to carry arms

in order to maintain order.

You have agreed to the terms, but you have yet to

make yourself clear as to whether you have agreed to unconditional

surrender or Not (Lt Gen Percival with bowed head, & in

a faint voice, nodded his accent. It was 7.40 pm)

Yamashita If you have accepted our terms, I would

like to have them confirmed from your lips once more.

1/ The British troops shall disarm themselves completely

except 1,000 men whom the Nippon Imperial Army will allow

to carry arms in order to maintain peace & order. If your

troops infringe upon these terms, the Imperial Army will

resume hostilities immediately

2/ The British troops shall cease hostilities not later

than 10 PM.

Percival I agree. I have a request to make. Will the

Imperial army protect the British civilians, men women & children?

Yamashita We shall see to it. Please sign this truce

agreement

(The Commander of the surrendered British garrison

affixed his signature at 7.50 pm)

71 

— RICE —

1/ Theres an article of diet

Thats enough to cause a riot

You'll agree if you just try it

It is Rice

2/ Its a regular daily Winner

Breakfast, Supper or Dinner

It would make a Saint a Sinner

Would this Rice

3/ When you wake up in the morning

You don't do your usual yawning

You just run without a warning

It is Rice

4/ Even if you're Diabetic

It will make you Quite Athletic

Its the Perfect Diaretic

Its this Rice

5/ You can fry it up with Gammon

Or cook it with tin Salmon

Or with with lots of Strawberry on

Still its Rice

6/ Ladies! when this War is Over

Bells will ring from York to Dover

If you want to be in clover

Don't serve Rice

7/ Your days will be Quite Palmy

When your man comes from the Army

But three words will send him Balmy

Have Some Rice.

70

— "IN MEMORIUM—" 

1/ From Australia home of Freedom

To the vaunted splendor of the East

Came a throng of sunbrowned diggers

Pledged to free you from a beast.

2/ They swelted in the Broiling Tropics

Suffering Itch & fever too

Miles from home with all its comforts

Waiting for their bit to do

3/ Month after month of monsterous drilling

Getting more boring every day

Fitter & fitter these Diggers

Itching for a part to play

4/ At last the drums of War were sounded

The Jungle echoed their Martial tread

The sun looked down on gleaming Bayonets

Mangled Tanks & Brave men dead

5/ Then at last all noise was ended

The Burst of Shell & Air Bomb too

A legion marched with tread so weary

A dead well done availing true

6/ Thin their ranks who fought so bravely

Many a  mate not by their side

But though unseen, live on in Glory

In that deathless legion crossed the great divide

7/ Vale Australia's Unsung heroes

Who gave their lives though not in vain

Who fought & died to serve their country

Now this parting brings me pain

LIST OF THAILAND CAMPS PASSED THROUGH EN ROUTE BURMA

BAM PONG CAMBURI	TAHSO (MAIN CAMP)	TAGANSON
TAMA KAM (GOOD)	KINSAISHI	TAMPURA
CHINKI	RIN TIN	TAMARAU (LITTLE NICKE)
WAMPOH	HINDATR	NICKE "F" FORCE H.Q. COL HARRIS
ONEYA	PRONCALI	SHIMO SONKURA (2/26. 2/30 & MIXED UNITS)

69

— THE GUNNERS GO THROUGH — 

1/ Out through the Portholes they Wriggle

While the lesser Souls just stood & giggled

Their toes in the air they gaily wriggled

That's how the gunners went thro'.

2/ Sailed like Lords in borrowed boats

Lots of em minus Hats & coats

While we just gaped like silly goats

Thats how the Gunners went thro'.

3/ Painted the town in colours bright

Lodged in Boudoirs & cells for the Night

That's how the Gunners went thro'.

4/ Bought To Two Quid & Two Days Pay

said "It was worth it any day"

And they'll do their job when they're in the fray

And damned if they wont get thro'.

WHEN THEY SOUND THE LAST ALL CLEAR

CHORUS When they sound the last All Clear

How happy my Darling would be

When they turn up the lights

All those dark Stormy Nights

Will just be a memory

Never more will be apart

Always together Sweetheart

And those Peace Bells will ring

And the whole World will Sing

When they Sound the Last All Clear.

68

IF WE ONLY HAD AUSTRALIA OVER HERE

1/ I was dreaming of Australia

The land we left behind

I was dreaming of our Loved ones

They were always in our mind

In a fancy I suggestive

A Vision it seemed clear

Of what strange things might happen

If we had Australia Here

CHORUS  If the Harbour Bridge was spanned across the Causeway

And old Freemantle came to Singapore,

If Adelaide Bells wrung out at Bukit Timah

And Bondi Beach was lived along the Shore

If the River Yarra flowed into the Harbour

And Rockhampton on the Island did appear

And we wouldn't want to Roam 

We could always feel at home

If we only had Australia over here

2/ There would be sailing on the Harbour

The Show Boat our first choice

Or perhaps we would be dancing

Listening to our Sweethearts voice

In a fancy I suggestive

A vision it seemed clear

Of what strange things might happen

If we had Australia here

67

 -WHILE THE SANDS WERE RUNNING OUT -

1/ It was an Aussie who lay dying

On o the Battlefield of Crete

In a Khaki Army Jacket

Thru' the burning glowing heat

And tho' he knew that he was going

To a Place he'd heard about

He just lay there a thinking

While the Sands were running out

2/ Of what was he thinking

There's no one here can tell,

Was he thinking of a country?

That he had loved so well.

Of its glorius fighting Army

That had blazed its way thru' Hell

And its Brave & daring men

Who had Played the game so well

3/ Or; was he quietly thinking

Of the folks he'd left behind,

Who had known him, & loved him.

When he had been their kind

Till then when still a civvy

He had heard the Bugle call ring out

Was that what he was a thinking

While the sands were running out

4/ Was he thinking of the Men folk

That he had known so well at work

Would they help his fighting country

Or stay home & shirk

Would they get a khaki Jacket,

And a pair of Army Boots

Would they get themselves a Kit Bag

To hold those Khaki Suits.

5/ So to the young Australian Manhood,

Are you going to Play the Game

Will you help your fighting country

66

-WHILE THE SANDS WERE RUNNING OUT - 

Walk Arm in Arm with fame

Will you Wear a Khaki Jacket

To help the Aussies Out

That's what I think he was thinking

While the Sand were running out

6/ And there in the Roaring Battle of Death

To be buried in a nameless grave

A dying Aussie drew his last long breath

For what he had tried to save

So he lay on his side & smiled again

He knew what it was all about

He felt no more the buring Heat

For the sands had at last run out.

— TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN —

2nd Sept The I.J.A. called together all Commanders of the

British forces & put to them a Screed — I, the undersigned hereby solemnly

swear upon my honour not to escape on any circumstances — The Comm

g refused to have anything to do with it, so they held a Special Parade

and put it to the men & was refused by them also. Then the IJA rounded

up all British Troops & put them in the Barrack Square about 400 yards long

by 300 yards wide. There are 7 buildings & they put 3,000 in each & had to sleep 

in 8 hr Shifts. Sanitary precautions were very bad as they were in the

centre of the Square next to the Cookhouses, & fed on Dry Rice as all water

being cut off. Japanese & Indian Guards were about the Camp with Machine Guns

& if anyone trys tries to escape they wil turn the Guns on the whole lot. The first

Morning of the confinement 1,200 men attended Sick Parade & went down

like flies with dystentery. So the Comm received a written order & then warned

the troops the penalty for not signing was death. By GOC British Troops. 4/9/42

Col. Holmes AIF (Comm) Lt Col Galagher. All troops rations cut down to ½ Rations

5th Sept At 1.30 PM all men went back to Barracks as Nippon lifted the charge

Lt Col Galaghans Speech to the AIF First of all I want to tell you the shooting of 2 Aussies

which faced the firing Squad in Singapore on the 2/9/42. The first man lined up was the

(Cpl) who was a well known Sydney Private Detective & our Grinning Sikhs which time (Pro Japs)

done the shooting & it took 18 shots to kill him. The first through the Arm & 17^th through the Groin

which rendered him unconscious & then they walked up and put the muzzle to his head. Next I want

to tell you if we ever get relieved from here, there will be an open season on [[?]] for 24 hours

& I will be your leader & I will go on to say if there are any padres here they will

over

65

— WAR —

Joined the Army left a good bed, but thought of Happy times ahead,

Entered Camp & mucked about, treated like a low down lout,

Many weeks of toiling drill, losing spirit, losing thrill,

Transfered to a crowd of hogs & treated like a conscript dog

Stuck on boats pleasures few, fed us on their rotten Stew,

Granted leave to our delight, Why didn't we desert that Night

Taken to a land of Hell, blazing sun & rotten Smell

Filthy Niggers & rotten Slum, Dirty Chinese & stinking Scum

We a battle on parade, but never talk of men we slayed

But Nice clean Beds & food Galore

My ruddy Oath we'll win this War

We read of what our father's done, battles fought battles done won

We're Proud, but with our feelings mixed.

We Wonder, were they in the Twenty Sixth.

For now we're in a Prison stuck, Rice for

Grub, Slushy muck

War was hard we got no rest, even so we did our best,

We had no planes up at the front, to help us in this ruddy stunt,

Every night they said retreat, don't lag behind, stay on your feet,

Till at last they had us caught, they gave us hell, but back we fought

Take a stand our XX C.O. said, we'll fight till every man is dead,

Three nights & days we held on there, they sniped at us from everywhere

Th Till late on night above the din we heard the order chuck it in

Fifth Columnists had got a hold, from start to finish, we were sold.

And now we're working by the store , in dirty rotten Singapore.

Some day to Aussie from this Strife, We'll go back to civvy life

I'm sure I won't come back for more

I've had enough of Ruddy War.

To Whom it May Concern — Cont.

have to excuse me for a few minutes as I have a story  tell you boys

He said Years ago a little Girl asked her mother could a harlot have a

baby & her mother replied NO only Shielks. That ended his speech

While in Confinement & digging Latrines a Pommey

accidently killed his mate by driving a pick through his back. He

died a few minutes later & 3 more Pommeys died of Dysentery.

Diptheria broke out in the area & they were quarantined

64

The Square

Selerang. — 4^th September 1942.

Concentration Area Details Selerang

Ground Level Area	Sq. Yd 40'555
Latrine Area	"     "         771	39'684
Floor Area 1st 2nd & Roof.	"     "   19'740
Less staircases, Urinals, [[Colum?]]	"    "     1'085	18"655
Number Troops in Area 14,960. Area per man Incl kitchens		3.9 sq yds

SELERANG SPECIAL ORDER NO 2 BY E.B.HOLMES. MC

1/ The requirement by the Imperial Japanese Army, issued by

their Order No 17 dated 31^st Aug 42 that all ranks of the P.OW Camp Changi

should be given the opportunity to sign a certificate of Promise not to

escape, has now been amended in an Imperial Japanese Order No 17.

dated 2^nd Sept 1942 to a definite order that all officers, NCO's & Men

of the P.O.W. Camp shall sign this Undertaking.

2/ I therefore now order that these certificates will be signed by all

ranks & handed by Area Commanders to Command H.Q. by 11.00 hrs

on 5th Sept 1942

3/ The Circumstances in which I have been compelled to 

sign this order will be made the subject of a Selerang Special

Order No 3. which will be issued later.

Selerang           Sgd E.B. Holmes Colonel

4th Sept 1942  Commanding British & Australian Tps Changi

3. CORPS AREA. 11. DIV

18 DIV. A.I.F. GC. HOSP.

REFERENCE SELERANG SPECIAL ORDER No.3. DATED 4^th SEPT 1942

My attention has been drawn to some concern which is being felt

that there may be adverse financial consequences on individuals as a the

result of the signing of the non-escape certificate.

It is obviously impossible for me to give a ruling in this matter which

must rest in other hands than mine. I wish, however, to be informed that this point

had my fullest consideration at the time of the decision, & I am convinced that NO

such adverse consequences on Pay, Pension, or allowances, will result to any

individual. It will naturally be my first endeavour, also to ensure on release

that the position is made clear to His Majesty's Government

Sgd E.B. HOLMES COLONEL

COMMANDING BRITISH & AUSTRALIAN TROOPS.

OVER

63

—THE LITTLE GROUPS — 

1/ Amongst the front line Soldiers

Was a Group you would always see

Doing the job they came to do

The unit R.A.P.

2/ No Guns of Rifles with their gear,

Just a lot of guts & word of cheer,

Non-combatants, in all the strife,

With one objective to save a life.

3/ You & I would see a case,

That wasn't nice to see,

They copped the lot & saw them all

The Gallant R.A.P.

4/ There's different units we must praise,

Sigs, Mortars & LMG.

But one & all we must dip our lids,

To the Gallant R.A.P.

SELERANG SPECIAL ORDER No 3. 4th SEPT 1942 (CONTINUED

not to give their Parole when such Parole is given (requested) voluntry. This factor can

in no circumstances be regarded as applicable to our present conditions, the responsibility

of this decision rests with me, & with me alone, & I am fully accept in ordering

you to Sign

10/ I wish to regard in this order my deep appreciation of the excellent

sprit spirit & good discipline that all ranks have shown during this trying

period. I look to all ranks to continue in good heart, discipline & morale

Thank you all for your Loyalty & Cooperation

(Sgd) E. B. HOLMES

Commanding British & Australian Forces

62

The Square Contd

SELERANG SPECIAL ORDER No 3  4^th SEPT 1942
1/ On 30th Aug 1942. I, together with my Area Commanders, was summoned

to the conference House, Changi Gaol, where I was informed by a representative of

Mahor Shimpei Fukaya G.O.C. Prisoner of War Camps, xxxxx MALAYA, that all Prisoners

of War in Changi were to be given an opportunity ^to sign this form

2/ By the Laws & Usages of War, a Prisoner of War cannot be required, by the Power

holding him to give his Parole; & in our Army; those who have become Prisoners of War

are not permitted to give their Parole. I pointed out this position to the Japanese Authorities.

3/ I pointed out to the representative of Major General Fukaya, that I was not

prepared to sign this form, & that I did not consider that any Officers or men in Changi

Camp would be prepared to sign this form. In accordance with the Orders of the

Japanese Authorities, all Prisoners of War were to be given an opportunity to sign. The result

of that opportunity is well known

4/ On the 31^st Aug 1942. I was informed by the Japanese Authorities that those

Personel who refused to sign the Certificates, would be subjected to Measures of Severity

& that a refusal to sign would be regarded as a direct refusal to obey a regulation

which the Japanese Army considered it necessary to xx enforce.

5/ Later, on the night of 31^st Aug/1^st Sept. I was informed that all Prisoners of War

persisting in refusal to sign were to move by 1800 hrs to Selerang Barrack Square, I

confirmed both on my behalf & in the name of of Prisoners of War our refusal to sign

6 / The move to Selerang Barrack Square was successfully accomplished on the same

afternoon.

7/ I & the Area Commanders, have been in constant conference with the Japanese Army 

and have endeavoured to have the form, by negotiation, either abolished or at least modified.

All I have been able to obtain is that, that, which was originally a demand, accompanied by

threat of measure of Severity, has now been issued as an Official Order of the Japanese Army

8/ During the occupation of Selerang Barrack Square, the conditions under which we have

been placed have been under my constant consideration. These may be briefly described as such

that existence therein will result in a very few days in outbreaks of epidemics of the most serious

consequences to those under my command and inevitable death to many. Taking in consideration

the low state of health of many of us, & the need to preserve our force intact as long as possible, &

in full conviction were the full circumstances in which we are now living known to

them, it would meet th with the approval of His Majesty's Government, I have felt it my

duty to order all personel to sign the certificate under the duress imposed by the Japanese

Imperial Army.

9/ I am fully convinced that his Majesty's Gov't, only expects Prisoners of War

61

THAT BIT OF GREY BEHIND THE COLOUR

PATCH 

1/ I'm just a bush bred joker from the country

That heard the call some twenty years ago

To saddle up & have a crack at Gerry

And keep old Aussie free from any foe

The Brass hats' record age has got me beaten,

I will admit, I am light about the Hatch,

To give up ^with the boys who do the fighting,

With a bit of Gray behind the Colour Patch

2/ It beats me when I see a mob of youngsters,

In Khaki Togs & polish on their Boots

Parading round the town as if they owned it. 

I am blowed if I can understand the coats,

They tell me they're in Camp with the Militia

Just out on leave to see a football match

Old Blokes like me would think a lot more of them

With a bit of Gray behind the Colour Patch

3/ Sometimes think the blighters must be deafened

To recruiting Sergeants when they come around

For recruits to join the only dinkum army

And do the things thats Sensible & sound

You cannot imagine why they're holding back

Unless perhaps they may have found the catch

There's a chance they'll miss their Mama's & their girlfriends

With a bit of grey behind the Colour Patch.

4/ When Hitler and his crowd have been defeated

And the Boys come to Aussie once again.

The Old Blokes like myself will watch their Interest

They won't have done their fighting all in vain,

When Jobs for dinkum Soldiers are being offered

We'll see these stay at Home get Swift dispatch

It's the least that we can do for dinkum Aussies

With that bit of Grey behind the Colour Patch,

60

LIES

1/ The told us help was coming

And telling it they lied

We faced the foe & battled

And many a hero died

2/ They said we had an army

To repel an invading force

And all of it was lying

For the battle took its course

3/ "Good News" my comrade shouted

Then Yanks are on their way

A bullet struck him singing,

And he stiffened where he lay

4/ They lied, the men believed them

And did as Heroes will

They took a chance for freedom

But freedoms lying still

5/ Bring out your "scroll of Honour"

Bring out your "Songs of Kings"

But tell no lies, for somewhere,

Someone will know these things