Compilers' Note
Paul Barrett, Warrant Officer Class 2 and Kerry B. Collison
This anthology of poems about the military is by members and
ex-members of the Australian Defence Force and others, including
some by our Kiwi cousins. They span the whole of the twentieth
century, from the Boer War to peacekeeping in East Timor.
The title 'The Happy Warrior' is taken from 'Character of
the Happy Warrior', by William Wordsworth. Although this poem
was written about 200 years ago, its uplifting message is
just as appropriate today, with Australians adding their own
unique 'character'.
In making our selection, we searched far and wide for words
from 'unsung heroes' who had responded to the touch of the
Bard. Many of the poems are courtesy the Australian War Memorial,
Canberra. Others came to us by word of mouth as news of our
project spread. In some cases we had to choose from several
versions of a poem. Many were not signed or dated.
The writers of these verses are not professional or established
poets. They are straight from the war zones, the training
grounds, the home front or somewhere in between. Some went
to 'the front' in their tender years, or for other reasons
had little education. So much the richer, then, are these
verses, which show so many skills of the seasoned poet: rhyme
and rhythm or free verse in robust narrative or quiet reflection;
imagery and 'Aussie talk' galore; pathos and hyperbole, heroic
and mock heroic styles. At times imperfect, of course (beware
the purist!), but all with undeniable soul, spirit and 'character'.
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The people within these pages represent the thousands who
have given of themselves so generously towards Australia's
heritage, our traditions and our hope for the future. So this
anthology is of a special kind, with a special purpose. It
is partly to entertain. It is also partly to provide insight
into the minds and hearts of soldiers, sailors and airmen
and women who have served or are still serving their country,
thus to reach those little aware of their effort and sacrifice.
Editing has been minimal, retaining the original 'text' (at
times no more than a scribble) and adding an extra word only
where it appears to have been missed by mistake. Remember
while reading that most of these poems were written at a time
when there was no such thing as 'political correctness'! Punctuation,
where non-existent, has been inserted; where confusing, amended
as far as possible to honour the intention of the individual
poet. Verse and line structure have been arranged for visual
variation according to the era and style of poem. Ranks are
given as written at the time.
If you buy this book: thank you! The poems for the anthology
have been given free of charge and proceeds from its sale
will help ex-service personnel. Or you might pick the book
up in a library, or see it on the desk or bookshelf of a friend.
If so, and if you feel moved, you can make a donation to the
Returned and Services League or Legacy office, or the Regular
Defence Force Welfare Association in Canberra. To reassure
you, there are no administration costs: all moneys will go
straight to the point of need.
By the way, if you recognise a poem by 'Anon', and know its
author or anything about it, we would be grateful if you would
contact us with the information. Enjoy (and weep over) this
book - we did!
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