By Michael Shave

Comprised of three battalions and veterans every man, The brigade we sent from Moratai to occupy Japan.

I once killed a man briefly – for eternity.But first I watched him: He is untangling a vine that stops his progress. Engrossed.

November, many years ago, In youthful number, innocent; National Service trained then sent Them off – to Vietnam they went.

When I was posted at Duntroon As C.S.M of ‘weeds and seeds’, Its grounds I’d walk each afternoon, Reflecting on

When I was stationed at Enoggera, as a young platoon sergeant with 9RAR, a Merino ram was offered, and accepted,

‘Twas a bitter morning, With wind, icy hale, and snow. One’s fingers too cold to do buttons up. If you’ve served at Carlisle you would know.

On the retrospective prosecution of soldiers. Wring your hands and drape the bell. We’re looking at another one. We’re sending him to hell.

On 15 January 1959 I enlisted into the Army as a boy soldier. The weather was bitterly cold and I

I cannot help smiling whenever I recall my youth as a boy soldier, when bullying was practiced as an art form for ‘character building’.

I have often railed against DFDA believing those who promoted it in effect laid down the bed from which has grown the Brereton Report.

Lord Cardigan led an army Which he dressed to look right smart. So that even if they could not fight They’d damned well look the part.

So, being alive and because we can, Let’s raise our glass to the fighting man Of The Royal Australian Regiment.

Many years ago I trod lightly through the woods, Being careful not to crush the undergrowth with my feet. I

Rise up ye men of Essex. Come forth with me this day. For there’s Viking to be fighting, Their ships

This poem is for all those men and women residing in the Real World: – Stand at ease; Attention; Move

I thought “I’ll march this Anzac Day,” To Sydney thus I’ll make my way. But then, to set my medals

Beneath the jungle canopy all is quiet, and very still. The heat it prickles up and down my back, beneath

We of the Ninth in sixty-eight Embarking then for Vietnam; We lined the deck, we had such fun. You waved,

I was once a soldier smart, Learned to stamp my feet, the art Of calling out ‘The Time’, the thrill Of perfect, synchronising drill.

Keswick Barracks (November 2017) Being the 50th reunion of 9th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment —————- Old soldiers never die,