By George Mansford

The night before the historic day, campfires were well alight Burning with true blue flickering flames so bright Creeping warmth

Soldiers are trained to kill and endure battle din No second chance, no shoulder shrugging or apologetic grin They bayonet,

You ask this old soldier where I’ve been Oh, to see the space age medics and their teams So many

Stand tall and proud for all those yesterdays When our flag of unity was first flown to lead the way

It is nearing 68 years since I returned late at night after leave in WA, and reported to the orderly

Amid constant gloom and distant frowns Increasing debt, and heads drooping down Comes a time when a youngster will ask

Faith, Hope, Unity and Purpose are Powerful National Weapons When you hear Mother Nature is about to tear us apart

Major General R.A. Grey AO, DSO – a salute from all his centurions, living and dead Find me the soldier who

I watched as the young widow laid her wreath. I wanted to tell her I was with her husband shortly

In the mist of time, Jock’s fond familiar image reaches out Fleeting frames of determination, duty and a heart so

Born on the sands of Egypt, christened with rum, then issued 303s Your sacred Cloths now stitched with proud deeds

Can you hear the stirring sounds of band and drums? As ghosts of Two Squadron’s many generations march as one

With familiar sounds of whips cracking, Down Under led the Planet’s pack Visionary, bright, united and proud, we never ever looked back

Such a sacred oath to swear Of duty, discipline, and risk of life itself A proud flag to carry, and the nation’s cloth to wear.

No matter age or season, the God of War is never far away One small chink in a tribe’s armour,

Oh, how old soldiers remember past days with bayonet drill The shrieking orders; “on guard, thrust, parry, feint” “Go for

You, precious youth, are our nation’s future Look back beyond yesterday to unfold true history

We swore sacred vow for very good reason For love of country, not broken promise and false gold Ready to give all, many did in bloody season