Originally Posted by
Wiley
I think the following poem may have been posted here on Pprune on a previous ANZAC thread, but no matter. It's unapologetically smaltzy, but I don't think that matters on whit, for it really brings home the impact the Great War had on so many people in Oz and NZ, particularly in the small country towns where people did not have the anonymity of the city.
As the poet says, I think every family in Australia (and, I'm sure NZ) - mine certainly did - had two or three maiden aunts who refused to marry after the love of their life did not return.
I'm not embarrassed to say I needed a good nose blow after reading this, even though I'd read it before.
(The charge at Beersheba took place late on the afternoon of 31 October 1917. Recommended reading, The Australian Light Horse, by Roland Perry)
Have just read this,I think there is a lot of dust in the air,eyes are still wet.