Newfoundlander Reacts to And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda | The Shared Legacy of Gallipoli

[@GENEVIEVEMCGOVERN]

On the wall at the Gallipoli Memorial in Turkye there's a quote from Ataturk their great leader for those foreign soldiers lost on Turkye’s shores in WW1: "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 faraway 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."

[@davidbarry994]

Every time I read Ataturk's gracious words I cry. WW1 was devastating to my family, but his words show the best of the human spirit.

[@jenniferharrison8915]

@@GENEVIEVEMCGOVERN We still have unbreakable bonds with Turks, they appreciated the ANZACS spirit of humour, respecting ceasefires, sharing supplies!

[@jpmasters-aus]

When I first heard this, I was hit with several emotions. The first one was how gracious Ataturk was in eventual defeat, although not through the Gallipoli campaign. He was a true leader, and that sort of leadership is much needed today around the world. Unfortunately, many younger Australians see people from Turkey as people of a different race, skin colour, and religion. While most will know the name Gallilopi, they aren't taught its significance today. WWI had a very serious impact on my father's home life, which was passed down to me even though my grandfather died some 5 - 10 years before I was born (he was also in the Army during WWII). My father, who I didn't get on with very well, there is always one thing that I am so grateful for. At the end of WWII, he was finally old enough to join the Navy (the younger age of entry). After basic training, he was assigned to the Australian Navy's flagship and battleship, HMAS Australia. HMAS Australia was the first ship in WWII that was attacked by Kamakazies (although the American's of course want to claim that!), where many men were killed. The Navy didn't bring the ship home for repairs but took it to Port Vila, where the Americans had built a base. Given the nature of the event, they were concerned that many sailors would go bush and never be found to go back to sea. After being repaired, the ship joined the American Fifth Fleet to liberate the Philippines. The Japanese thought they had destroyed the ship before, so they were a bit unhappy that the ship turned up. So, over 3 days, the ship was attacked by five kamikazes, and in one of those attacks, my dad was injured; whilst not physically severe, the long-term health and mental health impacts were huge. This is the point of this history note. Dad upset many of his Navy mates because he never held any anger against the Japanese fighters. He saw them as responding to their leaders, just as he did as a teenager. He held the leaders accountable, not the Japanese people. Later in life, he joined Rotary and had Rotary Exchange Students. One year, it was a Japanese girl. Dad had no hesitation in having her as part of the family (I had moved interstate by then, but they came to my place for a week's break). Many people were surprised he welcomed her into our home to live with them for three months. Dad never mentioned anything of his background. He just wanted her to have a good experience of Australia and the Australian people. Her parents came for a visit while she was at our place. Dad had a sketch of the ship on the wall of our snooker room. When her parents had dinner at our place, apparently, the father saw the sketch, and he knew his WWII history. No comments were really shared, but he was surprised, given that history, that we would have a Japanese exchange student and generously host her parents. In response he gave our family a forever invitation to stay with them in Japan. A few years later, I had an opportunity for a several-week holiday, and Dad really encouraged me to take up the offer and visit Japan, staying with her family. I was treated like a king. I asked my dad why he was so insistent that I go to Japan when I spent a couple of days with them in Hong Kong (they were on holiday there) before heading to Japan. His response was, 'I never want to see another world war. One way to play a part is to get to know and enjoy our former enemies, as in a crisis, personal connections are one thing that might stop another world war from happening.'

[@jenniferharrison8915]

@@jpmasters-aus Wonderful! 🤗 My father hated them for bringing war to Australia, and taking his Idol and oldest brother in WW2 (a bomber pilot), we were never allowed to watch war movies or read about war! He was also a musician and one of his band members married a Japanese, so had a big decision to make, he accepted her and so his anxiety was healed too! 🤗

[@heatherwickstead7980]

​@@jpmasters-ausWhat an amazing story, and an amazing Dad. Despite his scarring from the war he showed such wisdom and grace and did what he could to prevent war in the future. If only there were more like him. My own Dad was in New Guinea and Indonesia as a map maker for the bombed out airfields (in the Air Force) and also seemed to hold no animosity. I was very surprised when a primary school friend's Dad couldn't understand why my Dad bought Japanese cars! I've shared your story with my ex-US Navy husband who also had no idea about the HMAS Australia. Thankyou again.

[@simbob26]

The fact that the Royal Newfoundland Regiment fought side by side with the ANZACs just reinforces the bond that we have always shared. We are brothers from across the sea. Canada and Australia have always been, and will always be, like family.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@simbob26 👊

[@davidhuett3579]

Very true! In fact .. to me .. Canada IS family. I am Australian born but my mother was Canadian .. lived just east of Winnipeg in a town called Kenora where she met my father during Bomber Air Crew Training during WW2. Always wanted to travel to Canada to see her home town and the country in general, but time has passed by and that may never eventuate. I've always felt a real 'affinity' with Canada .. even though I've never visited.

[@leonhalliday1429]

Hey Kevin . I like your content very much. As a kiwi who lives in Australia, I have one comment to make to my Australian brethren. You don't own the Anzac acronym, or the Anzac Spirit, whatever that means . Kiwis , Canadians, the English , Ghurkas all died side by side , for NOTHING. Our blood ran just as red as yours . I think the true meaning of Anzac Day is lost on most Australians . It's commercialised, generic and Uninformed.

[@simbob26]

@@leonhalliday1429 I did not mean to imply that our Kiwi brothers are not also a part of the family. I am not from New Zealand, so I can only speak as an Australian, but I think all three countries are similar in all of the important ways. ANZAC is just one of the many historical landmarks that Aus and NZ share, and I think that anyone who forgets that we are so joined does so at their own peril. I agree that the symbolism and soul of ANZAC day have become watered down in general society, but there are still many who carry the torch.

[@krisushi1]

There has been a great misunderstanding here. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment never fought side by side with the ANZACS. We were both part of the Gallipoli Campaign, which was fought over the Gallipoli Peninsula, yet assigned to different areas. The ANZACS landed at Gallipoli Cove on the 25th April, 1915, midway along the peninsula, yet the Royal Newfoundland Regiment didn't arrive to Suvla Bay to fight with the British Forces until 20th September, 1915. The only Australians to fight at Suvla Bay were 300 men from the Navy who took part in the August Offensive. Australia and New Zealand will always have a special bond with Canada because of our connection with the Commonwealth, but it's important to get our facts straight.🇦🇺

[@suemontague3151]

Don't apologise for your emotions, I think most Aussies 🇦🇺 tear 😢up listening to this song

[@rogergibbs2937]

You got that right, and i'm one of them, had to reach for a tissue.

[@Darryl.M]

Every time.

[@JacksonDean-nx9yo]

Yep

[@AW-id3cg]

100% we do

[@goaway2803]

Every time and the last post gets me too.

[@frannytren]

Don’t be sorry, you’ve just had the reaction that every Australian has when they hear this beautiful heartbreaking song about the horrors of war. ❤️‍🩹💔

[@debbiebriscoe293]

My Great Uncle was a kid that lied about his age so he could go fight for his country. He got to fight & died for his country at Gallipoli. He was announced missing in action, then a few years ago a mass grave was found & he was DNA tested like all the other bodies found & that’s how we found him. He is buried in Gallipoli with a headstone & no longer missing. This song is the heart of Australia. Thank you for your respect & this song makes all Australians cry. ♥️♥️♥️🇦🇺

[@brettanthonypalmer2956]

Lest we forget

[@TheSparky62]

ANZAC day is now a mix of children and grandchildren proudly marching along with returned and serving service personnel. We wear campaign medals on the opposite side to declare ourselves relatives, not the earner of the medals. The march is to remember sacrifice, not to glorify war.

[@NikkieMaguire]

I'm an Australian nurse working in long term care, the honour I feel being able to look after our aged vets, hearing their stories and listening to their lives that once was has changed me forever. 🇦🇺❤️🕊️

[@lynndally9160]

Don't apologise Kevin, i cry every time I hear this song - EVERY TIME!

[@Just-Incredible420]

I know every time its crazy an I never been to war I hate guns

[@Just-Incredible420]

Also I live out bush an I couldn't imagine not being able to

[@Darryl.M]

Yes. Every time.

[@eddielia3177]

Don’t worry big fella, I’m a 65 year old Aussie, and I’m teared up just as much as you are. I always do when I hear this song. 😢

[@lync8884]

I’m 66 and cry to this song every single time and I’ve heard it a lot. ❤️

[@brucelamberton8819]

Me too.

[@marieewings1435]

I'm a 52 year old woman, and I cry every time as well

[@garydawson5928]

67 same 😪😪 every time

[@Darryl.M]

56 and wiping away the tears as I type this.

[@ShelleShred-zc6vm]

My Great Uncle served in the Australian Army at Gallipoli, was wounded in the May, was discharged when he recovered from being shot but re-enlisted and was KIA in the August. He was never found but lies in the hills of Gallipoli. He was 21 & will always be remembered for his courage and sacrifice. Thankyou for treating our Anzacs with such reverence

[@carolmurphy7572]

My condolences to your family on the loss of your great uncle. Much respect and gratitude to him, and to all his comrades. May they rest in peace. #WeWillRememberThem

[@tonym7012]

"No one will march there at all" couldn't be further from the truth. Anzac day marches are still huge with later generations honouring their forebears, many wearing their medals on the right side of the chest to recognise that the medals belong to someone else.

[@NannaK-b2c]

My grandfather was a veteran of Gallipoli. He never spoke of it, but he used to travel every year from 500 miles away to come to Adelaide form Anzac Day and we would attend the dawn service and off he would go to the city to join the Anzac Day March and catch up with his mates until he could no longer physically do it. I will never forget the men and women who have fought wars for our freedom. 🇦🇺Lest we Forget🇦🇺

[@martymcnab2118]

You're a good-hearted man, Kevin. Never apologise for showing true emotions, especially for something worth getting emotional over.

[@Rubytuesday1569]

I'm proud to say that every year in Australia the ANZAC day march grows in number. Lest we forget.🕊️ The day we are not emotional in response to these stories, is the day we are lost. ✌🏼

[@ruthdorward6105]

Hi from a Canadian born (Ontario), and now naturalized Australian. Thank you for such a great reaction and for making the effort to research the background of the story. The ANZAC identity is embedded in Australian culture, and both world wars had such an impact on the country. You live in a beautiful part of Canada ❤🇦🇺🇨🇦

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@ruthdorward6105 I used to live in Ontario too, Milton, Brampton and Burlington.

[@brucelamberton8819]

I knew that Canadians fought at Gallipoli but didn't know it was the Newfoundland Regiment. My grandfather was a Lighthorseman at Anzac Cove,which I'm very proud of, so I'm glad to have this shared connection with you.

[@郑颍]

No Canadians served at the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Newfoundland Regiment served but Newfoundland did not become part of Canada until 1949

[@scottbennier1335]

My Maternal Grandfather was sent off to Galipoli, he was an orphan, he survived Galipoli and was sent on to France……. Finally after being wounded 3 times and 4 years of service he was sent home …… marked “No Longer Fit for Active Service”. He carried mustard gas scars, shrapnel in his legs and PTSD for the remainder of his life. ……… I tear up terribly with this song. 😔

[@davidbarry994]

Same. My maternal grandfather was a cockney. In WW1 he volunteered and was sent to Ypres - enough said. In 1920 he, my grandmother and my mother migrated to Western Australia on the disastrous Soldier Settler Scheme. In WW2 he volunteered and was sent to the Kokoda Track - enough said. It wasn't until I got his military record a few years ago I had no idea why he acted as he did, but PTSD pretty much explains it.

[@shezza66]

My maternal grandfather was at Gallipoli and then went to France where he was wounded in the chest in 1917. He was only visiting relatives in Australia from England when war broke out. My paternal father was in the German side.

[@gjamieson1956]

@@davidbarry994 walk in my shoes ,before you make a silly statement

[@vancouver63-p5w]

If you didn’t tear up after that great Aussie song,you’re not human.

[@bjlewis5431]

Yeah, this, Redgum's Only 19, and Dire Straits 'Brothers in arms' often do that to me too, mate..

[@redddo1]

100% mate

[@KeithHulme]

Thank you for caring. Keith Hulme, Vietnam, 1970.

[@WSSHW__1854]

Don't be sorry mate, you're alright, this song always has me in tears

[@RoseHagan-d6z]

I am a 60-year-old woman, and my Grandfather was in the 2nd World War. He was in Middle East and in the war for 5 years and came home with horrendous PTSD, at times running through the house with an axe screaming, "The Palestinians are coming", among other horrendous scenes. My grandmother had to deal with this alone - there was no help nor understanding of PTSD at that time. My father said he left when he was 4 and the man that came back caused horror in the house that had previously been a happy one. He had no respect nor relationship with him. My point is that my father had his own PTSD from the war and this was passed down in a sense to me and my brother. I made a very conscious effort to ensure that it was snuffed out with my child. But it was a very conscious effort. My point the horrors of war are passed down for generations!! God bless you, Granddad.

[@robertclothier3597]

Interesting. My dad was also a vet 2/25th , El Alamein, Tobruk etc. He also came back with PTSD, it wasn't a recognised thing back then. Poor buggers were just expected to just come back & get on with it. How the hell would you be able to live a "normal" life after all that killing & bloodshed. Upshot is that I also have inherited PTSD, yes it's a real thing. I have more than enough odd quirks of my own. So yes inter-generational trauma is a real thing & I totally get what you're saying

[@RoseHagan-d6z]

@@robertclothier3597 My grandad was in the same places and was 2/101 General Transport. Funny if they knew each other. Where was he from?

[@robertclothier3597]

@@RoseHagan-d6z lol yes that's be a coincidence wouldn't it? When he enlisted he was from a tiny little whistle stop town called Yuleba just to the south of Roma in Qld. I believe he signed up in Brisbane, basic training in Cairns & Darwin. Originally they were meant to go to New Guinea but were sent to the Middle East instead. There is a "famous" pic of the sign at El Alamein railhead with scrawled graffiti around it with an arrow pointing up saying "heaven" & another arrow pointing to the right towards the battle area saying "hell". He did that on a whim while on short respite from the action lol

[@RoseHagan-d6z]

@@robertclothier3597@robertclothier3597 My Grandad signed up in Paddington, NSW, with his 4 brothers while they were out drinking for his birthday. Served in the Middle East and New Guinea over 5 years. All 5 came home, but my Uncle Norman spent most of the war in Changi prison in Singapore. Had every bone in his body broken there. Funny, the other 4 brothers, my grandad included, died in their 50s, but my Uncle Norman outlived them all and lived into his 80s. bless them all.

[@郑颍]

Sorry ... why would he call out about 'palestinians'? Australians fought the French, not 'palestinians'.

[@mitchellbeston1033]

Yes i was aware that Canadian forces were at Gallipoli. I believe Canadians also fought with the ANZACs at Passchendaele. Thank you for your respectful reaction.

[@catinthehat906]

The Commonwealth soldiers were often used as shock troops, they were volunteers rather than conscripts and a lot of them were used to living outdoors in rough conditions and handling a gun.

[@Dogrockdog]

Us Aussies love Canadians

[@georgesmith4509]

Thank for that bit about the Newfoundland and ANZACs. There are 4 things about War: Politicians justify it, Young men fantasize about it, Old men remenisce about it, The Soldier just wants to be out of it.

[@davidboon8993]

The Newfoundland regiment arrived in Gallipoli in August 1915 along with other Commonwealth regiments. My great uncle Robert Nelson Jackson, a proud Tasmanian and Australian, was among those August 1915 reinforcements. He was one of those in that secret withdrawal. He was killed in his first battle on French soil at Pozieres. Military historian, Charles Bean, wrote that Pozieres Ridge " is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth."

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@davidboon8993 wow! I love that story and knowing that our 2 nations had such a deep connection.

[@davidboon8993]

@@discoveringnlwithkevin and we still do. The University of Tasmania has an exchange program with Memorial University. My eldest son spent a semester studying in St John's. He works in fisheries management. The salmon industry is big in Tasmania.

[@daviddou1408]

September 20th, not August.

[@davidboon8993]

@@daviddou1408 you are quite correct. I just found a more reliable source that backs up your date.

[@郑颍]

The Newfies were not Canadian until after WWII (1949).

[@davidbrown9015]

In 1934....Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, wrote a tribute to the Anzacs that included the line, "You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace": Atatürk also said, "There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours". He also addressed Anzac mothers, saying, "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". Atatürk's tribute is inscribed on the Kemal Atatürk Memorial in Canberra, Australia. Atatürk was a Turkish field marshal, revolutionary statesman, author, and the first president of the Republic of Turkey. He was also a commander of Ottoman forces during World War I at the Dardenelles. I believe the very final scene in the video shows the ANZAC Day service held each year at Gallipoli in Turkey.

[@micheledix2616]

Hi Kevin, as an old Aussie, I can tell you that in my old Queensland schooling we were not told that the Canadians on Gallipoli were the Newfoundland Regiment. It was just taught as Canadians , Indian military and the Brits. The Australian & New Zealanders and now I suspect the Newfoundlanders were just all lumped together as British troops in official documents

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@micheledix2616 Newfoundland wasn't even part of Canada then, we didn't join Canada until 1949!

[@micheledix2616]

@@discoveringnlwithkevin yes another commenter has been kind enough to also tell us. In British official documents any military personnel from a then ' Commonwealth country was called British. About 3 decades back I.had to do extensive reading (.helping children with accuracy for high school assignments) of Charles Bean's massive work on Australian's at war in WW1. I do not remember reading anything about the Newfoundlander Regiment. I am wondering now if even Bean didn't separate the Newfoundlanders from Canadians. I have been told that Bean was very accurate. Very interesting. Interesting indeed. Traditionally we Aussies use the poppy for Remembrance Day but Rosemary and other remembrance badges ( sold by Return Soldiers league volunteers) on ANZAC Day which is a public ' holiday' and is very special and solemn to honour all our returned military and those who gave their lives. It is more important to most Aussies & New Zealanders than Remembrance Day. Although everyone possible does give the minute of silent at 11am on the 11th of November. I do even if I am home alone as it is something I have done from.a very small child. Your posts are great.

[@CarolGration]

There's a movie many years ago named Gallipoli with Mel Gibson, all war is so tragic and sad but a lot still pay their respect.

[@queenslanddiva]

Aussie here - I did not know about the Newfoundland connection, but it doesn't surprise me. Aussies have always had an affinity with our Canadian cousins. I can't even get through the first verse of this song without crying - EVERY time. Thank you for your thoughtful reaction.

[@TheSparky62]

It is also important to remember no Australian or New Zealander was conscripted in WW1. They were all volunteers. Read up on General Monash. He saved many ANZAC lives by using combined arms tactics replicated decades later by Germany in their Blitzkrieg.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

It was the same for Newfoundlanders

[@HenryDewinter-u7h]

You would be very proud to see our Anzac march with the grandchildren, and great grandchildren of the fallen war heroes marching proudly in their place. It's enough to make any grown adult shed a tear. WE WILL REMEMBER THEM......AMEN.

[@dellishart9535]

I’m crying and remembering the history with you. Lest we forget 🇦🇺🕊️🇳🇿🎖️

[@jamesmatheson5115]

This is one of a few songs about the wars that bring a tear to my eye every time I hear them, "I was only 19" is another one.

[@kirkgannaway5098]

There are 267 Canadians soldiers buried in The Australian National Memorial and Military Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux France.

[@_alifeallmine_]

One of the things that makes me a proud Australian is how we celebrate (for want of a better word) our Soldiers, and their sacrifice and bravery, whilst acknowledging the futility of War through Gallipoli. There’s predominantly no Chest beating, just reverence and reflection. Being Born during the Vietnam War, I had it in the back of my mind that maybe I’d be called up one day, so I took it all very seriously. Remembrance is essential, lest we make same mistakes (Politically) all over again. Also it’s amazing to hear that you guys were Brothers in Arms. You should watch the Film ‘Gallipoli’ with Mel Gibson, it’s a very impactful Movie.

[@jenniferharrison8915]

Definitely recommend that movie video, it's authentic because it's Australian, and you can connect with those young men through the actors too! 👍

[@chrmnlp4413]

Honour would be a better word than celebrate.

[@moderatemiss2281]

Oh yes .. the End

[@neilstrang8855]

Every Australian soldier was a volunteer. My mother’s father fought in WWI, 2x at Gallipoli, 1x Flanders & survived!

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

Same with Newfoundland soldiers.

[@reckdesh]

My great grandfather and his 3 brothers all also fought at Gallipoli and then in the Somme and thankfully all returned

[@goaway2803]

I was crying the whole song, it's an absolutely harrowing song and the war meant I never met my Grandfather. The worse part, he made it back but there was nothing known about ptsd back them. My Mum told me how awful it was for, but he never spoke about what he went through. Thank you for looking into this song, Mate.

[@Sticks31]

Like many other Australians and New Zealanders I have been to Gallipoli and visited the monuments there with my wife. It was one of the most emotional times of my life to see the lists of young men who lost their lives there in WW1. Two of my grandmother's brothers fought at Gallipoli and eventually lost their lives in France. Reading through their service records brings home just what a terrible time it was.

[@mariabettega3513]

The ship at the Quay shows streamers the people throw to those leaving that are on deck. It was a tradition that lasted up till the end of sailing ships coming to Australia before you could fly here,

[@AnnQlder]

Much appreciate the extra info on our brave Newfoundland cousins who suffered with us 🇨🇦🍁🇦🇺🦘

[@rosssemmens4826]

AS said.......I'm 75 and have heard this song many many times, especially his live performance. I also tear up ever time

[@valenciacuttriss4259]

I wasn’t born in Australia but migrated in 1978 and hearing this song …l am crying with you. I love this country and the mateship of the Aussies.

[@brendoncrofts6714]

Best words ever put to paper ,we owe who served so much , thank god for the anzacs and all who have served ,lest we forget

[@Leo-hv9mm]

You're a very decent bloke Kevin. I think most decent men shed a tear in connection with how it is being a man and understanding what men go through. I love your videos Kev.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@Leo-hv9mm thank you 🙏

[@necianicholas2878]

Lest We Forget 🌹

[@aaronlaird5136]

The Anzacs used food cans and string, tied to a trigger. The water would drip, over hours, eventually providing enough weight to engage the trigger. As the boys slipped away, the Turks were still being shot at. The battle was a horror, a mistake, and a failure. The retreat was almost perfect - largely because, by that point, British orders were being ignored and flat out refused. Churchill may have became the man Britain needed in WW2 but the blood on his hands from the utter indifference to strategy, accuracy, and allied lives of the men he commanded in the Gallipoli campaign will never come off, in my book

[@erniefoster7116]

Well said mate. I too am against war but sometimes there is no alternative. I feel for and applaud the people of Ukraine who for no fault of their own are fighting for their land. Don’t apologise for crying because song always gets me as well.

[@WorChemecs]

Thank you for recognising the the contribution of Australian and New Zealand forces. I had a great- grandfather that died in in 1915. And both my grandfathers did service with the Australian army and RAAF. I serviced in the Australian army as well. I also recognise the service of Canadian troops. Thanks for making this connection.

[@kerrylynch449]

Never a need to apologise for being human. Love your work Kev. It's heartening to know that the youth of today in Australia have found a new respect and reverance for our veterans.

[@djlow2398]

Thanks for sharing that from Newfoundland. I had not heard about them with the Anzacs before. Really appreciate it.

[@wayback479]

Such a powerful emotional song with a real film clip and pics 😢. Lest we forget .

[@briangill4000]

Yep, love this song.. went to the Gallipoli memorial in St John's Newfoundland..awesome sight.

[@brianmurphy6243]

Thanks mate . Im crying. My great uncle Henry has a memorial at Lone Pine. Thanks to Kitchener.

[@lillibitjohnson7293]

Thank you for sharing the history. I didn’t know about the Newfoundlander’s at Gallipoli. I’m 63. Never too old to learn our history and who shared it with us.

[@wallywombat164]

Good onya mate. Sadly Most emotions are steered the wrongvway these days. Showing and sharing your feelings proves to me that you are a real man. Once again, THANK YOU MATE.

[@Louise-d-1]

This makes me cry, too. A huge shout out for my Grandfather and his 4 brothers who went to and returned from WWI and WWII, being Aboriginal Aussies they were not allowed to have a beer in our local pub on their return from service, so the brothers returned to the pub one night armed and took over, no one was hurt only feelings, I think that was fair enough for 5 brothers who loved Our great country. We are all good now in our community. We share and care.

[@ganatswingaway]

Hi Kevin. I'm Australian and ex serviceman. Studying Military history is my legacy of service. Another Very poignant song, from the British perspective is a piece written and performed by the English rock band Motorhead. It's an amazing and evocative look at the first day of the battle of the Somme and does it to me every time.. Peace brother.. I'd love to share a beer with you..

[@ganatswingaway]

Sorry.. The name of the song is 1916

[@RoxanneHudson-dd3bs]

Kevin, I'm so glad you have done the research here - I knew the Canadians were there, but not specifically Newfoundland. You and your people are our brothers and sisters. I wish it was ANZACNL. Each ANZAC Day you will be in my heart. ❤

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@RoxanneHudson-dd3bs back then, Newfoundland was not part of Canada.

[@RoxanneHudson-dd3bs]

​@@discoveringnlwithkevin I apologise for my ignorance. Since I've been born Newfoundland has been called Canada. I suppose it's like people not knowing Australia only became a nation in 1901. ❤

[@Dr_KAP]

Hehe I’m so glad I mentioned the Newfoundland involvement in your last reaction, I had no idea you didn’t know! So many Aussies don’t even know about the Newfoundlanders fighting with us at Gallipoli and are often shocked to see Canadian footage of ANZAC day events. Even though it was before Newfoundland was part of Canada I believe the day is commemorated there, just not to the same extent. Thanks Kevin take care ❤ Dr_KAP

[@MyMaggieMay]

Thank you Doc you tube reactors are very lucky for all the hard work you do and we appreciate it too hope you’re recovering btw 🫂

[@daviddou1408]

In fact the Newfoundlanders didn't fight with us, the Newfoundland Regiment's 1,076 men landed at Suvla Bay on September 20, 1915, not at Ari Burnu where the Australian and New Zealand forces were.

[@郑颍]

The Newfies were not Canadian until 1949. 34 years after 20 Sep 1915

[@briangill4000]

Been to the Gallipoli memorial in St John's.... our taxi driver immediately recognised us as Aussies and took us on a guided tour no charge. The friendliest place i have ever been.

[@MyMaggieMay]

@ yeh she knows that why not read the comment again mate. She said even though it was before they were part of Canada it’s still commemorated there today !!

[@originalpottsy]

I was fortunate this year to fly from Oz to Turkey to meet a mate who bought a 60ft sailboat to explore Turkey, Greece and Italy. We went to the Anzac day service and also went back the next day to walk the length of Anzac Cove and visited every memorial. Love to hear that NL joined the fight, something I've never heard before. The terrain was in favour of the Turks who had the high ground and I couldn't understand how anyone survived.

[@Guvament_bs]

I am glad and impressed that you show a genuine interest in our history and culture. Thank you.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@Guvament_bs do I ever! That said, I'm actually quite surprised at just how interested in Australia I've become. What an amazing country, culture and history!

[@grahamejohn6847]

We were and still are brothers with Canada. Never be sorry to show emotion it's good for you it's one of the reasons women live longer than men. Australia lost over 61,000 dead in WW1 from a population of less than 5 million a whole generation of young men was lost then. Thank you for caring.

[@gjamieson1956]

@@grahamejohn6847 👍

[@user-dw2wy8zq7u]

waltzing matilda ( Matilda is the name given to there swag or bed roll ) and waltzing is as the bag/ roll moving as you walk along , swagman is the name of the person that carries it , no fixed address ( homeless ) just on the road looking for work

[@Sophira1]

I had no idea that the Royal Newfoundland Regiment fought beside us. Thank you for all your research on this. Now I am going to learn all I can about Newfoundland and maybe I can go there one day with thanks to those who fought and died. ANZAC Day is still an important day of remembrance for all of us. We will never forget. xxx

[@chippydogwoofwoof]

Wish I could give 2 thumbs up one for the reaction & one for the poppy. Lest we forget.

[@bigpuppy9923]

My mother's half brother was sent to Gallipoli. He lasted 2 weeks, before being taken out by a Turkish sniper. His name is one of many on the walls of our National War Museum, where we stick paper poppies against family names.

[@AW-id3cg]

This 30 yr old Aussie bloke can’t help but tear up every time I hear this. Your reaction is greatly appreciated. We’ll share this history in our cultures forever mate

[@getcracking8655]

I listen to you, hear your story about the Newfoundlanders fighting with our ANZACS, coupled with my favourite musical Come from Away, the amazing thing you guys did post 9/11. Us Aussies and you guys are built from the same strong heart and desire to help out when it’s needed. We are so similar.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@getcracking8655 🙏

[@RolandHermens-i2d]

A “waltzing Matilda” is the movement of your swag (back pack) as you walk (march). Your mate ( friend) behind you would watch your “waltzing Matilda”.

[@kafunkalear]

Each small town to the cities have memorials to our fallen . The worst is when you see many sons, uncles ,cousins all gone from a small community. Lest we forget.

[@paddymccarthy6212]

Lest we forget Didn’t know about Newfoundland Regiment. Thank you for that. War doesn’t decide who is right, only who is left!

[@chillybogart8165]

I'm an Aussie and I didn't know about Newfoundlanders. RIP.

[@sharonconstable4483]

I enjoyed your review and if this song. I play this song every ANZAC DAY AND REMEMBER DAY & have tears all the time.The thing that gets me the most is hour young so of them where . The youngest are 16 years old

[@johnwallace6429]

This clip just brought back my memories of spending time with my Great Uncle. I always thought he was distant and very stern. But it wasn't untill I was in my late teens that I found out more about him. Like alot of young men in NZ he answered the call of Mother England and left the family farm on a big exciting adventure. He spent very limited time in battle succumbing to a wound to the jaw that luckily had him removed from the front. And It has only now after the recent passing of my mother that I have uncovered letters written by him to his sister. The letters just are filled with Love for and little details that are so personal. And here in NZ the Dawn Parades are filled with more younger people each year. Canucks.. Aussie.. Kiwis.. All Brothers from another Mother.

[@nnoddy8161]

They still march every ANZAC Day, now the great, great grand children of the veterans.

[@bar-d1423]

You can drive through rural Australian towns down long avenues of trees. Each tree is for a soldier from the district who died. And in some towns, those avenues of remembrance are really long. Just thinking of Ballarat in Victoria, but I’m sure there are so many like that.

[@Ezra1499]

The part that gets me is 'Nearly blew us right back to Australia'. Thank your boys for keeping our boys company during this time, the invitation still stands, come to Australia and we will look after you like a brother. All the best mate.

[@AlexandraLynch-x1v]

We still show our respect for our ANZACS on Anzac day in New Zealand and Australia over 100years after Gallipoli. ..

[@Wolty-s9n]

No need to apologise. It's a very tough song for Australians to listen to as well.

[@stephaniehawkins5211]

Thank you for your heart felt reaction and information about Newfoundlands troops that joined Anzacs. Englands prime minister, Winston Churhill blundered badly. The Gallipoli landing on April 25, 1915 was marked by several mistakes, including: Landing at the wrong beach. The Anzac forces landed about a mile north of the intended site, on the wrong side of a steep hill. The landing site was loosely planned, and the troops had little understanding of the terrain. The Turkish troops and artillery were waiting, contollling the high ridge. Australian and New Zealand troops were mowed down as they entered the water. The Gallipoli campaign, 8,709 Australians and 2,779 New Zealanders were killed.

[@catinthehat906]

It would all be done differently now, no warning bombardment, they would have sent in special forces at night to secure the high ground before the main amphibious landing.

[@FionaMcDonald-k6o]

It’s a very poignant reminder to never forget and to honour the past so we don’t repeat it ❤

[@TheSamleigh]

No I didn’t know - I’m glad in a way the connection is there. Salute man - cheers to the connection.

[@paullees5705]

Kevin, thank you so much for reviewing this song, like you, it also got me right in the feels. The song and the accompanying videos of only 19 and Waltz in Matilda show the horrors of wars.

[@skullandcrossbones65]

G'day, This is a more than a music reaction, this was a WAR reaction. Thank you. Looking forward to a few more.

[@nicolecrichton9654]

ANZAC Day is such a good day…we appreciate our new and old Vets. My granddad was a merchant marine in the UK during ww2 before he came here.

[@simbob26]

Eric Bogle is a class act. He was born in Scotland and moved to Australia as a young man. He is as unabashedly proud to be Australian and is one of our most cherished folk musicians. This song is probably his most famous, but my favourite is called "Shelter"... a very moving song about Australia. It has also been covered by another Aussie folk music legend, John Williamson.

[@444dkm]

I also like The Gift of Years and No Man’s Land. Two other WW1 related tunes. Bogle is a great National Treasure of Australia. Have seen him play live too.

[@moderatemiss2281]

Yes Shelter is Beautiful I love Bare legged Kate

[@kerrynanderson1996]

Hey big man, you are feeling exactly what we feel every ANZAC Day. Utter sadness, and incredible pride for our service personnel. We have learned at lot over the years, and our service personnel are held in the highest regard. They don’t count the cost when they serve, and neither should we. Lest We Forget.

[@seaster2493]

No matter how many times I have listen to this song, the tears well up... collectively it brings out our empathy and the senselessness of war...this song sums it all up! allow the tears to flow, no sorry is needed, except to say sorry we have wars!!, the more we connect to the truth of this senselessness then, collectively one at a time we may heal this gapping wound in our humanity.

[@katsukirenka1629]

This song makes me cry every time. I work in a museum/memorial and a lot of veterans and serving defence members come through every day, as well as their families, and foreign defence groups. It's hard to know what to say when an older lady tells you she doesn't need a book about the Darwin attacks because she was there, or when a wife explains her husband's service dog (I didn't ask or judge, her husband and I had already had a good chat about loving dogs) and told me they'd had to leave early a few years ago because a kid was pretending to shoot people with a toy gun and it set off his PTSD. I don't know what to say when a veteran in his eighties told me he'd never march and didn't want any of his children or grandchildren to either. My great grandfather and grandfather were in WW2, one an engineer primarily with anti-aircraft divisions and one with a general hospital division, and they both came home though neither of them spoke about it. My great granduncle was in WW1 and never came home, nor was his body ever recovered. He joined after Gallipoli and was killed in France barely a year later. I didn't know about him until I started at my job and did some research. Now, whenever I'm able during my break, I go and find his name on the roll of honour and just stay with him for a while. I feel it's my job to make sure he is remembered as generations go on, along with everyone else, whether they lived or died. I am not part of a military family, I don’t always believe that the military is always right or that war is necessary, but I do believe in remembering and honouring those who tried to help others and tried to make a dark world a brighter place. What you said at the end really struck me - that wars are started by politicians. In Canberra there is a direct line of sight from parliament house to the war memorial, and that was purposefully done so that if the prime minister considered declaring or entering a war again, they would have to look directly at the memorial and remember what it costs to do so. The memorial was also campaigned for and founded by a war correspondent and historian named Charles Bean. He was at Gallipoli and other front lines and believed there should be somewhere for the Australian public to remember and mourn.

[@suemoore984]

Thank you for sharing your research with us. We hear far too much from your southern neighbours, yet we have much stronger and deeper bonds with the sensible people of North America. Never apologise for feeling emotions.

[@briangill4000]

When i was in St John NL 2010 i visited the Gallipoli memorial.... not far from the Labrador (dog) statue

[@philipheels822]

Thank you for your honesty and obvious respect for those who came before and served that we may have the lives was enjoy today. My family has been represented in the services since they first emigrated to Australia in the closing years of the 1800's. Several members served in the battle of Gallipoli and we lost a Great Uncle in the opening of the battle. I am so pleased to learn of the Newfoundland connection and proud to call you a brother. Well done and thank you again for a sensitive presentation of such an important event.

[@discoveringnlwithkevin]

@@philipheels822 🙏

[@amandacollins2854]

On Anzac day I would love to hear your song and our song played together. It would be a fine remembrance of the friendship between our heroes.

[@davidvernon4469]

Don't ever think you need to apologise for feeling like this, just shows that you're a good human. Take time for yourself. Older Aussie here, this style of writing always gives me wet eyes 😢

[@mals4125]

'No Man's Land (Green Fields of France)' is the sister song to this one written by Eric (one of Australia's greatest songwriters) Written about a soldier in World War One, but focusing reflectively on the Western Front of France. I will be another tear-jerker - well worth checking out - especially watch Eric singing it live.

[@moderatemiss2281]

Oh yes … I cry too

[@janettrethewey4233]

Canadians were also with the ANZACS on the Thai, Burma Railway and therefore the Bridge on the river Khwae ( Kwai ). The Thais had built a memorial to them at Kanchanaburi.

[@Darryl.M]

I can't help tearing up listening to this song and I understand people from other countries finding meaning in its words as a shared experience of war but the last part, the change of melody and singing Waltzing Matilda holds so much meaning to me as an Australian. It chokes me up every time.

[@neilstrang8855]

Read about John Monash. And the Villiers-Brettonieux campaign

[@brasschick4214]

The History Guy channel on You Tube has a good summary.

[@YeahNahMaybe947]

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk the Turkish field marshal words are on a wall on the Gallipoli Peninsula. 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 Mehmet's to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ,You, the mothers who sent their sons from faraway 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.

[@Just-Incredible420]

My favourite song rips me everytime

[@kellysharratt474]

I went to see Brian Nash at a concert in Liverpool. He sang this as he played the piano. I was crying my eyes out. Xx