Eric Bogle - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (Veteran Reaction)

[@robby1816]

The ANZAC Day ode: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Lest we forget.

[@jjgirl3715]

Lest we forget 🇦🇺

[@daviddempsey8721]

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

[@its_Today_]

@@jjgirl3715Lest we forget 🌺

[@EarlJohn61]

The fourth verse of Binyon's poem *For the Fallen*

[@AnneLee-rw8ml]

Lest we forget

[@Mrbuckaroonie..]

Ex Aussie Soldier here mate. Great reaction. I appreciate it. That song means a lot to us Aussies. I wish i was there beside you to explain what a lot of the song meant. ANZAC day (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) is a special day in both Australia and NZ. The young kids know what it means. The ANZACS landed on the shores of Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915 and fought like men possessed. We went on to fight on the Western Front and gained a reputation of being great fighters, along with the Canadians. Not bad for a bunch of farmers and stockman. We didn't have an Army. We were all volunteers. The spirit of the ANZACS continued on in WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Somalia, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

[@AWovenSoul]

Gallipoli was a slaughter and a testament to courage and grit

[@cgkennedy]

The Anzacs who survived Gallipoli were then sent to the Western Front. They liberated Villers Brettoneaux in July 1918, there is a memorial there with "Never forget Australia" and every Anzac Day since there are memorial services in Gallipoli and France/Belgium with dignitaries from Australia, New Zealand, France, and Britain.

[@granttruslove6751]

Thank you for your service mate

[@BronwynYoung-pt9jz]

@@cgkennedy Thank you for mentioning Villers Bretonneux, our other Anzac Day, 25th April, 1918, where our losses were greater than at Gallipoli. My great uncle Alfred was KIA there on 5th April, 1918, and is one of the many with no known grave, but his name is on the memorial there.

[@alyn927]

Good reaction to a song that is history for us but much closer to home for you as a returned vet. thankyou

[@shezza66]

My grandfather survived Gallipoli in Turkey. He was eventually badly hurt in 1917 on the western front. He was given 6 months to live. He waited 12 months then married my grandmother. He died in 1974.

[@daymo3160]

Respect mate

[@peterfromgw4615]

Mate, lest we forget.

[@jokepy4230]

@@shezza66 - my grandfather also survived Gallipoli and WW1. He died in about 1950 before I was born and I don't know what he was actually doing during that war.

[@shezza66]

@@jokepy4230 you can look him up on the NAA ( national archives) if Australian www.naa.gov.au/. They have his war records and which brigade he was in then google the WWI brigade which will tell you where the brigade fought.

[@andrewrawlings5220]

Your grandpa sounds like my great-grandpa (both survived Gallipoli, both wounded almost to the point of dying on the Western Front, both came home and lived a long life). The stories I've heard that he told showed he put the fact he only lost the use of one eye, one ear and one lung ... oh and the tip of one of his fingers ... down to luck more than good planning.

[@2eREPPARA]

Aussie combat vet Gallipiol was british command FUBAR,landed in wrong place & continued to order bayonet charges against machine gun enforced trenches,google the Light Horse charge @ Beersheba, brits “it can’t be taken”, Australian Light Horse “hold our beers”🇦🇺🇺🇸

[@brettbridger362]

That doesn't even begin to describe how bad this campaign. The maps were old, wrong and out of date, the campaign was badly planned, improperly supplied, using the stuff left over from the 'real war' in Europe. WW1 introduced widespread use of tanks, machineguns, aircraft, poison gas, etc. FYI the Gallipoli campaign was planned by a young Winston Churchill.

[@2eREPPARA]

@@brettbridger362 Aussie combat vet Oh l know exactly how bad it was,l had relatives involved unit,but l kept it simple as l was describing it to an American.

[@brettbridger362]

Oh, I remember an interview I saw with one of the old 'diggers' from that Beersheba campaign. He said something like 'Me horse smelt water, I saw a sign with Beer (Beersheba) and we both took off."

[@nightshade7240]

The irony is the Turks had more respect for Aussie soldiers than the fucking British command. They didn't care, it wasn't their people they were sending to die.

[@brettbridger362]

@@2eREPPARA 👍

[@flamestergirl]

The numbers you quoted, consider the fact that the Australian population at that time was just over 4 million people that was a huge junk of male Aussies and not to forget the Kiwi's, New Zealand and Australia fought together in that war and died together and the Anzac legends were born.

[@daviddou1408]

4.9 million and 38.7% of the male population in Australia between the ages of 18 and 44 enlisted.

[@zeromotivation1817]

@@daviddou1408 Indeed. It is quite confronting to see charts of age demographics taken throughout the years, it shows an aging population with segments decimated by war (or internal conflict) . You will see the same in the years to come in Ukraine and Russia. In ages past the ruling class saw war as a method of population control, and I worry that mentality may return.

[@lillibitjohnson7293]

Our ANZAC day isn’t to glorify wars or their service. It’s to remember those who died for us and everyone who served or will serve. It’s a solemn event.

[@valleygirl5832]

Lest We Forget..

[@MySerberus]

Lest We Forget!

[@KiwiGlen]

Lest we forget

[@braekvitravn7511]

Lest we forget

[@ianmontgomery7534]

Yes my father did not like this song. He knew exactly why they marched - it is to honour those that did not return.

[@Dr_KAP]

No one expects you to know. This was a beautiful reaction and we appreciate you. You’re right it’s ANZAC day, we commemorate it every April as this was when the ANZAC soldiers landed at the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey in 1915 and we suffered our biggest ever war casualties. Respect to you for your service to your country ❤

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you

[@AJS86]

Anzac Day is basically like US memorial and veterans day in one. Dawn Service at the same time they landed on the Gallipoli beaches in their wooden row boats. Then marches in the cities with the various banners of each regiment/ship or squadron and any living members of those.

[@briangill4000]

@AJS86 we used to do the Dawn service at 04:29 which was the local time that they landed. It was shifted to local dawn 0600 around 1990. When it was at 0429, not many turned up. As soon as it moved to local dawn, many more turned up and every year even more turn up.. which is cool. That is my experience...not sure if that was everywhere.

[@briangill4000]

Hey Kappy 👋👋

[@Dr_KAP]

@@iaincochrane8741 👍 😞

[@DavidCalvert-mh9sy]

As an Australian, this song is the heart of our country.

[@heffatheanimal2200]

I'll always be thankful that it was one of many songs I was taught and taught about in primary school

[@revstringbean]

This song is the heart of our country? It's an anti-war song,and I don't see much evidence of Australia being anti-war.

[@rleman72]

@@revstringbean the people of Australia are anti-war. This song is in the hearts of the people of Australia. The people whose parents and grandparents marched in these wars. The people are not the government. Back in 1914, the people thought they were doing the right thing. Their government and the British government had very strong propaganda and there was no internet. We are not for war. Our government no longer represents the people. Hopefully that tide will be turning soon.

[@AmandaPatmore-w1y]

“Waltzing Matilda” means travelling, with a swag, (small knapsack) walking through the country. At the beginning of the song, he goes waltzing (walking) Matilda ( the name for the swag, containing his belongings slung on his back)around the bush, living a carefree life. Then, he goes to war. Without legs, there is no more waltzing Matilda. Google the iconic song, “Waltzing Matilda), sung by Slim Dusty.

[@martinmckowen1588]

@@AmandaPatmore-w1y more specific Waltzing Matilda meant a hobo taking a bed role on the road. Typically looking for occasional work. Australia’s national song (not anthem) is the song Waltzing Matilda.

[@johnnichol9412]

@@martinmckowen1588 Australia doesn't have hobos, try swaggie, swag man, sundowner. I would like to know when it become our national song and who declared it as such?

[@AmandaPatmore-w1y]

The swagman was more likely to be an itinerant worker or a poor, homeless individual or a shearer-on-strike. Seeking work, along his travels. I wouldn’t be surprised, if the swagman, in the song, had had previous trouble, with the troopers, causing him to jump into the billabong. The lyrics had roots into reality.

[@AmandaPatmore-w1y]

I’m glad “Waltzing Matilda” was not chosen, in the plebiscite, to vote for a new anthem. I voted for “Advance Australia Fair” to replace “God Save the Queen”. We need to vote for a new green and gold Australian flag. Minus the Union Flag!

[@AmandaPatmore-w1y]

@@martinmckowen1588 Has someone taken my name, to say “hobo”? This is not my post.

[@originalpottsy]

No one likes war. I'm an Aussie who just returned from 3 months in Europe, including Turkey and Gallipoli for AnzacDay. Here's the message from Turkish General Ataturk on a plaque at Gallipoli. Gallipoli message from General Ataturk after Gallipoli. THOSE HEROES THAT SHED THEIR BLOOD AND LOST THEIR LIVES... YOU ARE NOW LYING IN THE SOIL OF A FRIENDLY COUNTRY THEREFORE REST IN PEACE. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE JOHNNIES AND THE MEHMETS TO US WHERE THEY LIE SIDE BY SIDE HERE IN THIS COUNTRY OF OURS... YOU, THE MOTHERS, WHO SENT THEIR SONS FROM FAR AWAY COUNTRIES, WIPE AWAY YOUR TEARS YOUR SONS ARE NOW LYING IN OUR BOSOM AND ARE IN PEACE. AFTER HAVING LOST THEIR LIVES ON THIS LAND, THEY HAVE BECOME OUR SONS AS WELL. ATATÜRK, 1934

[@jenniferharrison8915]

👍😭

[@aussiekat6379]

So much respect. Lest We Forgot.. 🇦🇺🌺🇹🇷🌺

[@chickinchainmail]

Gives me shivers every time I read it 😢

[@G.H.O.S.T.254]

The Turks and Aussies have become quite close of the last 100 years. So many Turkish people now call Australia home and are insanely loyal. You will find many now serving in the Aussie Military.

[@utha2665]

Huge respect for the Turks in WW1 and the respect they showed our fallen.

[@kennethdodemaide8678]

Australia was a little nation of just 4 and a half million people. We raised and army of 400,000 and every one of them was a volunteer. Over 60,000 were killed and more than 150,000 wounded. We lost a generation. Thousands more died after the end of the war from wounds and suicide. America lost slightly less killed than Australia. We were in the war from the very beginning in 1914. America didn't join the war until 1917.

[@reefhog]

@@kennethdodemaide8678 The U.S. lost 116,000 soldiers in WW1.

[@tukyleith]

@@reefhog what was the US population at that time?

[@reefhog]

@@tukyleith Look it up.

[@tukyleith]

@@reefhog US population 105,366,056.8 Australia population 4,000,000

[@tukyleith]

@@reefhog it was was a big deal for us mate.

[@BRONWENYOUNG-WHITFORDE-cb8jc]

I will always remember Anzac Day, during Covid. We couldn't be together to honour our Anzacs so, it was suggested that we light candles in our driveways (Anzac Day starts at dawn). I was really moved to see all the candles up and down the street, no-one saying anything. Then they went inside....as quietly as they had come out. Also, this was after the worst bushfires we had ever seen...

[@Mirrorgirl492]

What a morning it was.

[@unhingedadventures6278]

Yes, I had a shotgun breakfast and listened to the last post echoing from all around not just my street, but streets all around. Then after a minutes silence, another swig and poured some for the fallen. Lest we forget

[@TheAussieturtle]

We had someone in a nearby street play the Last Post. Listening to it through the eerie silence as people stood in their driveways just brought me to tears.

[@BRONWENYOUNG-WHITFORDE-cb8jc]

@@TheAussieturtle makes us proud, doesn't it?

[@lync8884]

It was a very special Anzac Day during Covid, people standing in their driveways, with a candle and a radio playing the last post. Tears streaming down my face at how much we still wanted to say thank you to our defence forces. (PS they turned their faces away after world war 1 because they didn’t want our heroes seeing our pain and tears)

[@Naomi0o_o0]

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. LEST WE FORGET

[@ginnymin1869]

Omg as an Aussie i still cry as soon as this song.begins, every time! Such an Aussie classic. Those men walked into a deathtrap. Waltzing in this context means walking it doesn't actually refer to dancing. Waltzing Matilda referred to a person, generally a man, who would travel around on foot with a swag, a type of bedding and cover for sleeping outdoors. These men either traveled from farm to farm looking for work or they may have just been homeless and living off the land, some were even bushrangers (outlaws). Yes you pronounced ANZAC correctly. Thank you for your service. ❤

[@carolannhartley359]

I'm not Aussie & I'm in tears. And I loved Eric Bogle long before I heard him sing this most moving song.

[@keithewright]

As a Scotsman born Eric could empathise with ANZAC losses as Scotland suffered huge casualties in the war compared to the population. Song means a lot to us too.

[@PilotMcbride]

Thank you for playing this, means a lot to us and it appears to have moved you. 10% of the Australian population was involved in WWI and over half were killed or wounded. Every Australian family was affected. The ANZAC legend was born at Gallipoli. At that time there was historic animosity between our countries, but the Brass told the troops to basically suck it up, and on the battlefield the ANZAC legend was born. As an Aussie we love Kiwis, persistent sport advisories, and rivals and comrades forever.

[@PetersPlace-z8y]

Don't worry about what people complain about on YT, you're learning about another allies history. And that is more important to Aussies I believe. Have a good one.

[@graeme02]

Well said

[@LarniUnwin]

As an Australian I thank you this. The "turning away" reference was not a political issue as it was in later wars but rather shock. At that time they had no idea about war. The boys marched off being proud and excited. Off an an adventure. Nobody had any idea of the horror that was waiting for them. War is stupid. And sadly we don't seem to learnt anything.

[@LucyAMcCormick]

I’m Australian. My grandfather was in both world wars. I’m very conflicted about it. I’m not proud of it, but I’m proud of him. I’m also angry. No one cared about us. They just let us die, as the song goes. Grandad came back with severe PTSD, used to go to the pub every so often, get drunk and destroy it. He was a huge man. They’d just take him home and clean up after him. He put his age up to go to one war, and down to go to the other. Had severe ‘survivor’s guilt’. Ended up dying from the effects of mustard gas inhalation. There is a town in France, ‘Villers-Bretonneux’, which still commemorates the help of the Australian army. My grandad was there, as well as Bullecourt. I’ve been there. It’s one of the saddest places I’ve ever been.

[@patsmith2151]

Hey! Never ever think that you will be forgotten! You are a hero,gave your life for all of us(including me in Australia!)🇦🇺 You are amazing, I wish I had the courage and guts to do what you did, I and many others are in awe of your sacrifice,never forget it!

[@Hudnut52]

The last couple of lines he sings are from the actual song "Waltzing Matilda", which every Australian child is taught in school.

[@flayabarile7372]

I'm a multiple amputee and people tell me I'm so brave for going out every day to socialise and engage with others. I don't feel brave. I feel like it's just what other choice do I have? Sit around at home and wait to die? But I can understand people not wanting to face that. It's not easy.

[@granttruslove6751]

You are brave. If you weren't you would of given up. Send love to youfrom Australia ❤

[@dianathompson833]

It is Bogle (rhymes with ogle) - well done, you got it right. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Anzac Day (25th April - The first landing at Gallipoli) is a commemoration of all servicemen and women who have lost their lives in all wars and conflicts since WW1.

[@margaretmax-community]

1-Aussie is pronounced, Ozzy. 2-We talk ruthless to the one's we love and trust. We are polite to those we don't trust. We swear a lot and it's not offensive at all. 3-React to the movie, Gallipoli. 4-ANZAC. Australia and New Zealand Army Corp. 25 April is Anzac Day, and we all pay respects. As Australians, We Always respect and remember our military hero's. 5-It breaks my heart to see America treat you so bad. 6-We lost our final Gallipoli Hero in 2002, Alexander William Campbell. He was only 16 when he lied to in role and was sent to Gallipoli. 7-To finish, In every RSL Club in Australia, In Every town, We Stand in Silence Every day at 6pm. Ode of Remembrance. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them LEST WE FORGET I'm an Irish immigrant to Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia and now live along the Murry River in Victoria. Australia, New Zealand and Turky have a very close and respectful bond over this war.

[@patsmith2151]

Respect to you and Thankyou for respecting our Aussie and New Zealand War Heroes!

[@dazzaoutandabout4870]

Your cool man. I appreciate your interest and respect of Aussie's at war. Thanks for your comments brother. As an x serviceman, i thank you for your service. Cherrs mate.

[@Bludgerful]

Thanks for listening, reacting and learning about part of our nations heritage.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Any time!

[@bluedog1052]

As vet myself, there's a great movie called Gallipoli, you can watch it free on youtube or if you've got another streaming service you can probably get it. It's directed by Peter Weir and has Mel Gibson as an up and coming actor before he moved to the US. It's a great movie tbh and the music that comes along with it is both exhilarating and haunting.

[@himbo754]

And you can watch the movie about the Australian Light Horse, to see another side -- a charge that succeeded: "The_Lighthorsemen" 1987.

[@drushell66]

A close family friend fought in Gallipoli and marched proudly every year. That stopped after he told stories to the writers of the movie Gallipoli. When it had it's opening night he was asked to attend. He didn't go he told us he never wanted to watch it as it still played in his head every night. He chose not to march not because he didn't want too. It all become to much for him they offered him to ride in a jeep but he said that it was time to pass the baton on to the next generation. Vale Poppie Mee.

[@sunshinelollipop2141]

As a child I asked why an elderly Great Aunt never married. I was told she was engaged at 18 just before WW1 & her fiancee went to war & was killed. She died at 98, still grieving her love. Australia lost a huge portion of its male populationdue to WW1

[@daviddou1408]

A fairly common occurrence and I had 2 cousins in the same situation in WW2.

[@user77emarjay]

My father told me that my great aunt swore to her man that she would never love another man as he was leaving for war. He didn't come back from first WW. Aunty never married and she lived on to the 1960's.

[@shanegooding4839]

The first version of this song I heard was by the Pogues so you had an Irish band from England covering a song written by a Scotsman about Australians in WWI.

[@elizabeththomson9781]

Eric Bogle is the Scotsman. He emigrated to Australia. He has written the most poignant and beautiful songs about war, friendship and Australia.

[@anthonyhain5760]

Tria: the song "Waltzing Matilda is the corps song of the 1st Division, United States Marine Corps and their base camp is always called Matilda. It stems from their time in Australia during WW 2.

[@BeardedChieftain]

Exactly so, and more Aussies need to know this.

[@peterfromgw4615]

@@BeardedChieftainMate, lots of Aussies know that fact. Grüße aus Australien. Tschüss.

[@BeardedChieftain]

@@peterfromgw4615 Yeah, and they're Veterans like me. The average Aussie wouldn't have a clue. Beannachtaí ón Astráil ar ais agatsa. Slán go fóill.

[@peterfromgw4615]

@@BeardedChieftain Mate, it’s not only veterans who know about the link between Australia and 1 Div USMC.

[@BeardedChieftain]

@@peterfromgw4615 in 6 decades, I've never met a civvie schmuck who knew.

[@cheezal2]

ANZAC Day is Australia and New Zealand's version of your Veterans Day.Where we recognise the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers,returned service men and women,and current service men and women. And even have allied service people participate. We had a period of time when Anzac Day was very much like the song says, where people thought what are they marching for.. but with each generation it seem's we have grown more repectful,and even the youngest of us show the respect they so deserve.

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you for the insight!

[@alwynemcintyre2184]

Veterans Day is equivalent to our remembrance day, which is commemorated by most countries that were involved in WW1. ANZAC day is specific to Australia and possibly New Zealand on 25th of April.

[@daviddou1408]

@@alwynemcintyre2184 AND New Zealand, not possibly.

[@brettbridger362]

FYI, the official statistics from WW1 are: Australia's total population at the time was about 4 million, and the 416,809 who enlisted for service represent 38.7 per cent of the total male population aged between 18 and 44. Of these, an estimated 58,961 died, 166,811 were wounded, 4098 went missing or were made prisoners of war, and 87,865 suffered sickness.

[@jenniferharrison8915]

​​​@@brettbridger362 Some of them were really only 13 or 14, they innocently and happily joined their brothers and friends for the adventure! So sad! 😪

[@brettbridger362]

@@jenniferharrison8915 Yes, and then you have the fact that Aboriginals were not 'legally' allowed to serve, so all the ones that joined, did so without being able to acknowledge their heritage. About 1,000 served Australia in WW1, mostly those 'white enough' to fool the recruiters.

[@johnnichol9412]

@@jenniferharrison8915 James (Jim) Martin was 14 years old when he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). He served as a private in World War I. Arriving at Gallipoli in early September 1915.

[@BeardedChieftain]

@@jenniferharrison8915 Why sad? You put your bias on young men who'd been working for years and look at them as "children". They were already men and I am proud of them.

[@brettbridger362]

@@jenniferharrison8915 Yep. Plus our First Nation people weren't allowed to serve, so many lied about their heritage to sign up. I'm ashamed of how we treated our people and proud of their willingness to serve.

[@GregDunne-zf2ep]

Growing up we had a nursing home near me I was to young to understand but they walked people around in chairs up to the shops some had no legs arms some were burnt so bad their eyes were closed fingers burnt of some came from ww2 some Korea and the young kids veitnam it was so bad people couldn't look at them without crying I was only 15 when I moved but I will never forget these guys who lost their lives even though they were breathing

[@elizabethscott7660]

Eric Bogle is a master lyricist. Singing The Spirit Home is another song of his that digs into your soul. As a very young child I knew WW1 veterans in my community and my family. They were all crippled, maimed, mentally damaged but they never talked about it, never complained. At 5 I started going to the Dawn Service and they were there, silent, strong, and emotionless, but they looked so very old. They were the bravest, calmest men I've ever known.

[@goannaj3243]

Americans learn all about the Civil war in school, Australians learn about Gallipoli. Like a bloody birth of identity Last ANZAC day in horse country we commemorated the many horses who never returned. basically all but one out of thousands. Eric sings a song about that too

[@georgielancaster1356]

Only one. A chestnut. Came back to Oz, all costs paid by the officer, who rode him and I think, had bred him. Lived happily in retirement, and when dead, was stuffed and given to The War Memorial. Another chestnut had it's head mounted and is at The War Memorial. But it died over there. The men were told to shoot the horses as the native people were so rough with horses. Beat them, when they collapsed in the street, from hunger or injury. Many men could not do it, so their mates would shoot their horse and they would shoot their friends. Some could not kill them, but could not bring them home. They probably tried to get them kindly homes with native peoples. But about 1930ish, a British woman was out in Egypt, I think it was, maybe Cairo, and she was the daughter of a British army officer, married to a British army officer, and she saw a skeleton horse being beaten, in the street. Then she saw, to her horror, that the horse had a British Army brand. This horse had been an army horse from WW1. So she started a rescue, out there, to buy and gently care for all the ex army horses she could track down, which included Australian horses. Most were long dead, but she cared for all those horses in gentle, quiet retirement. After all those horses were gone, the rescue stayed on. Now they offer free farrier help, help with treating injuries, for working horses and donkeys. Free worming, etc. They don't dwell on how the rescue started, they now just work on present day needs of equines in the area. They would love sponsors and donors, I am sure. It was The Brooke horse hospital. The name may be slightly different, but it is still going and will be The Brooke something. They sometimes buy equines that are broken and ancient, so they can retire them, so you can sponsor a retired donkey or horse. Few know of that rescue. I knew about them in the 1960s, as they used to advertise for donations in 1960s British horse magazines.

[@goannaj3243]

@@georgielancaster1356 as if he knows

[@avnhealth]

There were just over 5 million people living in Australia in 1915. And the losses from Gallipoli alone were mind-blowing for such a small country (population wise). I'm an American but I've lived in Australia for over 35 years and in that time, I have travelled all over. Every tiny little town has a war memorial from WW I and though the towns may have only had a few hundred people living there at the time, there are dozens of names on the memorials. I can't even imagine what it would have been like to live here then and to have so many lost boys.

[@suemoore984]

4.9 million in 1914, when the war started

[@daviddou1408]

Those small memorials may contain the names of a number from the same family.

[@unndunn1]

Eric Bogle is an amazing songwriter. He wrote a song about a young Irishman soldier named Willie McBride who died in WWI. His original version of the song was called “No Man’s Land” but the Irish band The Fureys covered it and released it as “The Green Fields of France.” Their version was a big hit. The song is worth listening to.

[@rebeccaabraham8652]

@@unndunn1 The Green Fields of France is most definitely worth listening to. I really need to learn both of these songs.

[@angusmckenzie9622]

@unndunn "Eric Bogle is an amazing s..." The last time I was in Ireland, 2016, there was a memorial to Willie McBride on the Falls Road, Belfast. The links between Northern Ireland and Scotland wouldn't have been lost on Bogle in composing the song.

[@vannoo67]

I came here to make the same recommendation. No Man's Land and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda are both great songs, but NML touches me closer. TormentedVet, I bet you get recommendations all the time and sometimes you come back to them at some later stage and kick yourself that you didn't earlier. This is one of those songs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16WaYN4lJqisMU

[@angusmckenzie9622]

@@vannoo67 "I came here to make the same reco..." Thanks, I enjoyed that. I picked up on Bogle in 1980, put on to him by a cou(wise man) with a glass of whiskey (probably whisky) beside him. Age catches up to us all.

[@tonym7012]

"What are they marching for"and "No one will march there at all" was probably a reflection of the time of writing of the song but couldn't be more out of kilter with what now happens on ANZAC day. Now generations of family member march is memory of their ancestors and servicemen in general. Many wear the medals of their ancestors on the right side of their chests to indicate that the medals were awarded to a former serviceman.

[@gtpumps]

The first time Australian's and American's fought together was at the Battle of Hamel in 1918. My extended family lost three killed, one wounded and one captured in WW1. The names of the three are on the Roll of Honour wall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and will never be forgotten.

[@666Wizardsleeve]

@gtpumps The battle of Hamel was also the first time in the history of the world that Combined Arms was used effectively. One of the forgotten names of the first world war, General (Sir) John Monash devised a battle plan which incorporated close cooperation and communication between aerial, artillery, armoured (tank) forces and infantry. The American troops were ordered to pull out of the battle by General John (Black Jack) Pershing when he heard about it because he believed that they needed more training, much to the chagrin of the US troops who were itching to join the action. Unfortunately 🤣 the message was not received by several US units who took part in the extremely successful battle and gained invaluable experience.

[@angusmckenzie9622]

@gtbumps "..My extended family lost three killed, one wounded and one captured in WW1..." Similar, some buried in France. Descendents of 19th Century immigrants to our 4 countries will find relies in each others. Several of families in my lineage have re established connections with distant families in the US, Ireland and Britain, my wife's sister is now a Canadian. Americans, Canadians, New Zealanders and Australians are an extended family.

[@lindsayspears5760]

The best thing I can say about Australia is that our most sacred day is the commemoration of when we got our arses kicked, but we honor our vets.

[@jemxs]

One of the most graphic and saddest songs about war..yet still so beautifull.

[@bluestarblue22]

This is about our Aussie identity. Hard to explain. We were a young country.

[@G.H.O.S.T.254]

As a Aged Care nurse I was looking after an older English Vet. He never served in the usual sense of a soldier, he was a Cook, Corporal I think he was. He was in the truck convoy moving to the back line for his first deployment. His truck hit the mine and got blown off the side of the cliff they were on. He woke up a couple weeks later in a full body cast, he found out he was the only survivor. After healing he did serve as the Cook for the Mess hall for the Officers and also ran the second kitchen for the rest of the military. He had plenty of stories to tell of his time in the middle east front.

[@mattfrancis8826]

I am Australian - I visited our national war memorial in Canberra recently and was blown away. It’s a world class museum display of thousands of war artefacts, and has so many personal stories. Also has the tomb of the unknown Australian soldier, with the words “he is all of them, and he is one of us.”

[@heatherwickstead7980]

Thankfully Aussies are not forgetting their servicemen now and even grandchildren are marching with their grandparents' medals, and many people get up early on Anzac Day to go to a remembrance service locally at a war memorial in a park, or the big one in the city. 👍

[@tammiefoster-arundell1200]

This beautiful song always makes me cry... lest we Forget Anzac stands Australian and New Zealand Army Corps

[@daviddou1408]

*ANZAC, lower case for Anzac Day, Anzac biscuits etc.

[@erinchild1860]

As a proud Australian Veterans Wife, Thank you for service and for sharing your story and experiences with us. I remember watching 9/11 Live with my then boyfriend now Husband and being terrified that when he went to work on Base the following morning (Australian time) whether he was going to come home and tell me that he was being deployed to war. That fear never left and still today I prey all these years later for our Veterans, currently Serving Personnel and our Children .

[@davidpeacock7186]

G'day Australian Here, loved the Video. Points for Effort as you were very close but ANZAC (Ann - ZaK) Day we have a parade in which local current in enlisted and veterans often march in remembrance.

[@RobertRobert-d2r]

Waltzing Matilda is a song written by a legendary bush poet, A.B [Banjo] Paterson which is considered one of Australia's 3 national anthems. It is about a swagman [hobo] and the Matilda in the title refers to his swag, which was a hobo's pack of his worldly possessions. Gallipoli was in Turkey where Australian and New Zealand troops were dropped on the wrong beachfront by incompetent English commanders [they made all the military decisions] and it was an absolute bloodbath that lasted 8 months and cost the lives of more than 8000 young Australians. ANZAC is Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. If this song does not make you cry, you are not a true Australian

[@daviddou1408]

Gallipoli is short for the Gallipoli Peninsular, the Australians were at Ari Burnu just a very small section.

[@ozstarr4583]

Australians don’t glorify war , we remember.

[@jasonwebb7978]

"So they gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun and they waltzed me right off; to the war" I think he has mellowed his lyrics in his old age.

[@SuperPhilkat]

ANZAC day has actually become stronger as the years have gone on. As a child we always had services at school back in the 60s . Today large crowds attend the dawn services which is testimate that we will not forget our fallen or the horrors of war .

[@aussiekat6379]

We will never forget our servicemen & woman it’s etched into our DNA.. this song always hits hard especially on Anzac Day and The 11th of November, but it’s beautiful wrote and sung and always brings a tear to the eyes. Thankyou for your service. My nephew was in Afghanistan he was just 19 he was never the same when he came back been through hell and back. He loved the army life and is so proud he served he finally learn to live life again and is married and he a amazing photographer and now has got into weightlifting and loving it, everyday it’s one foot in front of the other it’s how he copes as PTSD is always there it never goes away.. Lest We Forget!🇦🇺🌺

[@ranganuts213]

The best thing is ANZAC day in Australia is bigger and more respectful than ever now. We are educating the younglings

[@poltoons]

Thanks for reacting to this. It's one of my all time favourite patriotic songs. Brings a tear to my eye every time and I'm not even a vet.

[@pjones1461]

The words "and people turned their faces away" when the wounded & maimed were carried down the gangway, is a reference to members of the public being embarrassed at the soldier's situation & not knowing whether to look or look away.

[@Garage-uj7pv]

Thanks for your reacts mate, this song brings me to tears every time ❤

[@GaryNoone-jz3mq]

The waltzing refered to was what an Australian bushman would use to refer to wondering the bush and matilda is the bushman's pack, or swag. So waltzing matilda was trekking with a pack.

[@Bolted_C]

I’m 41 years old now and I can say we were taught EXTENSIVELY about WW1, WW2 and a bit less so about Korean and Vietnam War at school. We went to ANZAC Day dawn services with school etc. at the time this song was written I believe younger people had not been educated as much but we did improve that and ANZAC Day is very highly respected here since I was a child. In a previous job our cab drivers (from all corners of the globe) would volunteer their time and we would pick up veterans for dawn services and the march every year at 4:00am, we would get them breakfast and then drive those who couldn’t march themselves in the cabs through the parades.

[@ktwashere5637]

People treated the returning soldiers like heroes for WW1 but i think the reference in this song is how shocked people were at the damaged soldiers getting off boats.

[@RickWilliams-hb7mb]

Mate, you got me with your take on this song. Your take on what 9\11 meant to you and how you saw it ......Respect! Australians now get it. They know the sacrifices through songs like this one. I can say without any reservations that Australians see soldiers as people to respect. They are not responsible for decisions of politicians . They are honoured warriors and remembered as elite humans. The young line the streets in greater numbers today than ever. I never went to war, I never qualified but its people like you and my grandfather, uncle and great uncle that make me proud of the history of the military service you provided.

[@laurapoole6323]

Thanks

[@mishonaccomplished6344]

In Australia as kids we always commemorated the Anzacs and go to dawn services as they landed at Gallipolli at dawn. We don’t forget they sacrifice to this day

[@jayweb51]

It is encouraging, that there is now a significant increase to the number of children attending ANZAC Day Dawn Services and the ANZAC Day March. This is held on 25th April, come rain or shine.

[@stephenarmiger8343]

This says a lot that a song written to commemorate those who served so long ago and so far away resonates so deeply with you. I was very fortunate, during the Vietnam War, my ship was deployed to the Mediterranean. Not a war zone, but many of my friends were deployed in Vietnam. And now, this bloody war in Ukraine. We can feel compassion even though many of us will not be involved. Bless you brother. This cannot be easy for you. USS Forrestal CVA 59.

[@leilanibarber608]

He asked himself the same question, when people have forgotten about what fighting for family freedoms and country means. Our schools have forgotten to pass the torch of what it means to give such sacrifice.....but the old men still answer the call, that's why, and if that spirit can touch the heart of even one young person that might be in a position one day to spread that message, than its not in vain. In the bigger picture, he is also asking why mankind do such harm to eachother, and that is where the understanding and acceptance of who we are must play a role in our process of life.

[@royferntorp]

My wife, Ret US Sgt Julia was fortunate to pull Alaska and Japan. I was in Aust AF as a Chief Officer. An airbase where speccy's would go in and out. Tough guys and girls. Much respect.

[@katryna0003]

I lived a free heartfelt "normal" childhood because of the the selflessness and honour our forebears had... for which i shall ever be grateful... Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn... At the going down of the sun...and in the morning...... we shall remember them... Lest we forget!"

[@daviddou1408]

* We will remember them

[@tommyau2006]

very perceptive and heartwarming reaction mate. Thank you

[@MargPaskevicius]

Those who forget the past, are condemned to repeat it in the future..

[@skasteve6528]

I'm English and am eternally grateful to the sacrifice of the many Commonwealth & Empire soldiers in both world wars. The lives of so many young men were squandered due to arrogance. The British army knew that they would suffer heavy losses in this campaign and didn't want to attack, but Churchill was adamant that there would be a second front, so the attack went ahead. Similarly many Indian and British soldiers were needlessly killed in what is now Iraq, because the commander went against orders and carried on advancing towards Baghdad, despite not having sufficient logistics or intelligence.11,000 were KIA, a further 5,000 died from their wounds, nearly 13,000 were captured & almost 17,000 died from disease.

[@SuperJuxtaposition]

This song brings Australians to tears

[@SuperJuxtaposition]

ANZAC day is in April

[@browniewin4121]

Excellent song, so heartfelt and emotional.

[@malalexander3515]

Both this song and Only 19 bring me to tears every time. Gday from a former Australian serviceman.

[@vinboxshall3015]

My grandfather was in the 8th Australian light horse regiment and when they left for Gallipoli at the age of 18 they had to leave their horses in Egypt and then go onto Gallopoli, he was one of the lucky ones who came home, he was also in France on the western front, him and my Great grandfather used to break the horses for the Army, my father and his brothers were all in the 2nd world war and seen fighting in Papua New Guinea against the Japanese thankfully they all came home my Grandfather tried to re-inlist in the second world war but he was to old by then but what upset him the most was he had to shoot his horse as they were not allowed to bring them home . Thank you to all who served their countries.

[@jamesblossom-y1u]

I got back from Vietnam in 1971 & heard this. It brought me to tears.

[@KelpieDog]

My grandfather was a lighthorseman and was over there. Never talked about it. God knows what he saw and went through.

[@Honkersification]

Nice one mate. I respect your courage. My 'shout'' at the pub.

[@traceymarshall7991]

Cheers and Blessings from an Aussie.

[@jonathanward6483]

When they returned from WW1 it was shock, no one had seen such devastation from war.

[@slowraceultra]

Classic song.

[@stephaniehawkins5211]

Thank you for your honest and heart felt reaction. This song means a lot to Australians. Australian slang for travelling on foot (waltzing) with one's belongings in a "matilda" (swag) slung over one's back. Billabong is an Australian English word for a small lake, specifically an oxbow lake. Hope this helps to understand the Aussie language

[@elizabeththomson9781]

Pronunciation correct at the first go :-) The wonderful Eric Bogle! From a Scot.

[@Marcrussophotography]

Thank you for covering this one and you did a great job with pronunciation and you’re not expected to understand or know some of these names but you did very well respect brother from Australia

[@TormentedVet_Reactions]

Thank you so much!

[@justcroozin1889]

One of the reasons this campaign, and this song, have so much meaning is that the Gallipoli campaign was the first time the Australians and New Zealanders had fought under their own flags, having fought as part of the British army up until that point. For Australians in many ways it marked the unofficial birth of the nation. Most Australians still saw themselves as British subjects, and you could argue that the disastrous Gallipoli campaign was the beginning of the country’s journey towards its own national identity.

[@geoffprice5357]

You doing a bloody good job Digger 👍

[@angelamosley4588]

Those words break you ......."never knew there was worse things than dying"

[@juliedunne2726]

The people that were saved, their countries that were not taken from them, they need to speak up and say 'What was it for'! It was for others and peace in the world. they need to get into every school and speak about what soldiers did for them and how grateful they are to be alive and free!

[@AndyFNQ84]

Eric's just been up my way in Cairns, still performing. Glad you got something out of it matey, thanks for shaing it with us

[@denisewest7166]

Both my Grandfathers were in WW1 one came back profoundly deaf and one came back badly damaged lungs from being gassed. He died when my dad was 5

[@amallon6363]

This song always makes me cry. Gallipoli was a massacre. Many of the soldiers were children who lied about their age. Whole families were wiped out. There were also Indians, New Zealanders and British who fought along the same coast near Canakkale in Turkey. This is Australian's song of remembrance. FYI - there is amovie from the 70's called Gallipoli starring Mel Gibson. If you can find it I would recommend watching it. You will get what this song is all about.

[@Honkersification]

Good on ya, mate. You're doing a great job.

[@evo1h]

Getting blown up today is one thing but getting blown up missing limbs in 1915 is another. Theres no knowledge, technology or awareness for society as a whole to help deal with this reality. It would've been absolutely brutal.

[@goannaj3243]

Yes, I drive past a rehab place often and see ppl learning to walk on artificial legs above the knee. above the knee and walking. No electric mobility scooters in 1915. Still rather not get blown up and sad it all started again

[@jayweb51]

When somebody asks "What did you do over there?". Just tell them "I was defending your FREEDOM!".

[@doddysees]

You are beautiful. Pronounce anything your way, we love you. 🇦🇺

[@stevewhite380]

Dude.. Thank you. For adding context to this really sad dirge that I have heard many times. As a 60+ man that has never had to face the horrific times that you have seen. And at often times has disagreed with the context in which you had to face it. I really appreciate you and your people that have protected me from it. I love a privileged life that I have never known war. Again I thank you.

[@angelamosley4588]

Thank you for reactng to this song. Lest We Forget

[@DaveSam-v5d]

Thanks for the reaction and your thoughts. For some conext of waltzing matilda, a matlida is old Aussie slang for a swag, a rolled bedroll containing meager positions of the swagman who was typically itinerant. Waltzing his matilda would mean walking long distances with his swag, looking for work.

[@barnowl.]

Another sad thing was that the young boys that volunteered to go to this war often stayed in a group with others from their own small country towns -- and died together as well. The army learned not to place soldiers in the same company as others from the same town as the young of the town could be wiped out as in WW1.

[@georgielancaster1356]

They were known as The Pals Battalions, I think. They stopped brothers serving together on the same ship, in the Navy, for the same reason.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

Dunolly in Victoria lost all but one of their young men. There is a gut-wrenching song. 'The Last Man from Dunolly' It's here on KZbin.

[@catherinemains3709]

If you ever get the chance, watch The Water Diviner starring Russell Crowe. About a family whose 3 sons went to Gallipoli. 😢😢