Great War Poetry, What's your favorite poem. Options

[frev]

a Memorial Booklet that contains anecdotes and some of his works.
Corporal Burns was killed in action at Gallipoli on Saturday, 18 September 1915,

Hi Wayne
Do you have a copy of his other works? I've only ever seen 'For England'.
I've been gathering info on him in regard to my project on the 'Southland' - he survived it's torpedoing on the 2nd Sept - only to be killed weeks later at Gallipoli.
Cheers, Frev

[Deleted_vauxhaul_*]

Mike

Woops!

pattern of each stanza seems to be rhyme on 1 and 4 , 7 and 8

substitute 'rare' for 'few' ?

[Wayne Saillard]

Hello Frev !

Thanks for your interest. With regards your question, yes, I do have a few more of his works. In fact I actually have an original copy of the Memorial Booklet itself, which is entitled "In the Dawning of the Day".

This particular copy was sent by his father to a 'Cousin Maggie' and bears a hand-written dedication dated 19 September 1916.

Regards

Wayne

[Wayne Saillard]

This is my absolute favorite 'military themed' poem. The sentiments expressed in the verses say it all - regardless of race, religion, etc. and have a special meaning for me.

NOT A HERO
(Clyde Hamilton)

The ANZAC Day march was over - the old Digger had done his best
His body ached from marching - it was time to sit and rest
He made his way to a palk bench and sat with lowered head
A young boy passing saw him - approached and politely said
"Please sir do you mind if I ask you what the medals you wear are for ?
Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in a war?"

Startled, the old Digger moved over and beconed the boy to sit
Eagerly the lad accepted - he had not expected this !
"First of all I was not a hero," said the old Digger in solemn tone
"But I served with many heros, the ones that never came home
So when you talk of heros, it's important to understand,
The greatest of all heros gave their lives defending this land"

"The medals are worn in their honour, as a symbol of respect
All Diggers wear them on ANZAC Day - it shows they don't forget"
The old Digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand
Carefully he removed the medals and placed them in his hand
He told him he could keep them - to treasure throughout his life
A legacy of a kind - left behind - paid for in sacrifice

Overwhelmed the young boy was speechless - he couldn't find words to say
It was there the old Digger left him - going quietly on his way
In the distance the young boy glimpsed him - saw him turn and wave goodbye
Saddened he sat alone on the bench - tears welled in his eyes
He never again saw him ever - but still remembers with pride
When the old Digger told him of heros and a young boy sat and cried

[Deleted_vauxhaul_*]

Hello Frev !

Thanks for your interest. With regards your question, yes, I do have a few more of his works. In fact I actually have an original copy of the Memorial Booklet itself, which is entitled "In the Dawning of the Day".


Regards

Wayne

This poem is the first featured in "Other Banners" an anthology of Australian Literature of the First World War, by J T Laird [awm & agps 1971].
The notes on authors mentions that the poem was first published in the 'Scotch Collegian', which Burns had edited as a student, and comments on "In the Dawning.."

The anthology includes several of my favourites, Vance Palmer [Farmer remembers the Somme], C J Dennis, Leon Gellert together with explanatary accounts from those who were there such as Bean Idriess and Frank Dalby Davison.

[Wayne Saillard]

Hello Vauxhaul !

Thank you for the extra information about the poem by J.D. BURNS. I would be interested in reading what the authors of "Other Banners" had to say about him and the Memorial Pamphlet "In the Dawning of the Day".

Is there any chance you could post the information here - or perhaps email it to me ?

Regards

Wayne

[Deleted_vauxhaul_*]

Gladly

James Drummond Burns [1895-1915] was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne. His poem "For England!" was first published in May 1915 in the "Scotch Collegian" of which Burns had been editor in 1913 and 1914. The poem was susequently reprinted in many periodicals and anthologies, and became one of the best known poems of the Great War. It also appears in the volume "In the Dawning of the Day", a memorial edition in honour of Burns, published in 1916, which contains a number of poems by Burns and tributes from those who had known him.

In "For England" and his prose writings for the "Scotch Collegian" Burns enthusiastically supports the Public School ideal of selfless devotion to the corporate entity, be it school, country or Empire.

In February 1915, Burns went into camp at Broadmeadows, and on 8 May sailed from Australia with his battalion. He subsequently embarked from Egypt for Gallipoli at the end of August. Ten days after landing, he was shot in the head. A tribute from 'a fellow soldier' tells us that "He died through being too brave".

.........

Incredibly, the only other selection in the anthology with England in the title, was from Zora Cross, next alphabetically in the notes on authors. The item is titled "England! For ever on your lips" and is an extract from her "Elegy on an Australian Schoolboy" which commemorates the death of her younger brother in WW1

[Wayne Saillard]

Vauxhaul,

Thank you for taking the time to post this extract.

Regards

Wayne

[Teamski]

I didn't see this one in any postings. I was looking up information on the 3rd Battle of Krithia in Gallipoli in a book, and this poem flew out at me. It was exactly what I was looking for! I don't know how somebody could of described that attack on June 4th, 1915 any better. Please note, "Towards a New Offensive" is the title of a chapter in the book, not the poem!

-Ski

Attached File(s)

 new_1.jpg ( 27.43K ) Number of downloads: 1

 

[marina]

Hevn't seen that one before - strong stuff, Teamski.
Marina

[Jerrymurland]

Does anyone know the titles of the two volumes of War poetry that AP Herbert published?
Jerry

[marina]

http://www.answers.com/topic/a-p-herbert
Marina

[Jerrymurland]

Thanks Marina for the link, can't find the title of his two poetry anthologies though although I have a feeling one was called Bomber Gipsey and other Poems .......
Jerry

[GRUMPY]

Because, above and beyond all, the war would have been lost in a twinkling had it not been for those who created the modern army from the chaos of the Boer War, those who equipped, those who trained, and those who fought: The Old Contemptibles, Lions and Donkeys both, AE Houseman speaks to me:

EPITAPH ON AN ARMY OF MERCENARIES.

These, in the day when heaven was falling,
The hour when Earth's foundations fled,
Followed their mercenary calling
And took their wages and are dead.

Their shoulders held the sky suspended;
They stood, and earth's foundations stay;
What God abandoned, these defended,
And saved the sum of things for pay.
RIP Old Army.

[marina]

Thanks Marina for the link, can't find the title of his two poetry anthologies though although I have a feeling one was called Bomber Gipsey and other Poems .......
Jerry

Half Hours At Helles - the other one?
Marina

[marina]

Because, above and beyond all, the war would have been lost in a twinkling had it not been for those who created the modern army from the chaos of the Boer War, those who equipped, those who trained, and those who fought: The Old Contemptibles, Lions and Donkeys both, AE Houseman speaks to me:

[i]EPITAPH ON AN ARMY OF MERCENARIES.

Powerful one, Grumpy.
Marina

[Jerrymurland]

Nice one Guys - many thanks.
Jerry

[Derek Robertson]

Can anyone identify this poem and its author please?

I do not know your name, but I know you died
I do not know from where you came, but I know you died

Your uniform, branch of service, it matters not to me
Whether Volunteer or Conscript, or how it came to be
That politicians failures, or some power-mad ambition
Brought you too soon to your death, in the name of any nation


You saw, you felt, you knew full well, as friend and foe were taken
By blinking death, that your life too, was forfeit and forsaken
Yet on you went and fought and died, in your close and private hell
For Mate or Pal or Regiment and memories never to tell


It was for each other, through shot and shell, the madness you endured
Side by side, through wound and pain, and comradeship assured
No family ties, or bloodline link, could match that bond of friend
Who shared the horror and kept on going, at last until the end


We cannot know, we were not there, it's beyond our comprehension
To know the toll that battle brings, of resolute intention
To carry on, day by day, for all you loved and hoped for
To live in peace a happy life, away from blinking war


For far too many, no long life ahead, free of struggle and pain and the gun
And we must remember the price that was paid, by each and every one
Regardless of views, opinions aside, no matter how each of us sees it
They were there and I cannot forget, even though I did not live it


I do not know your name, but I know you died
I do not know from where you came, but I know you died.

[Ozzie]

Derek, it speaks volumes does it not?

Teamski, that also says what the men felt about Gallipoli.

Kim

[liverpool annie]

I found this Derek ! .... it says Kenny Martin ............... and in another reference it said 2003 !!

http://www.cabarfeidh.com/2006/07/war-poem-of-week_31.html

Annie

[Derek Robertson]

Annie,
You're a genius - thank you

[Derek Robertson]

Derek, it speaks volumes does it not?

Kim,
It does indeed:

We cannot know, we were not there, it's beyond our comprehension
To know the toll that battle brings, of resolute intention
To carry on, day by day, for all you loved and hoped for
To live in peace a happy life, away from blinking war

[Derek Robertson]

I found this Derek ! .... it says Kenny Martin ............... and in another reference it said 2003 !!
http://www.cabarfeidh.com/2006/07/war-poem-of-week_31.html
Annie

Annie,
The poem is also on this website:
http://www.warpoetry.co.uk/RemembranceB.ht...W%20YOUR%20NAME

It states that the poem was written by Kenny Martin following a visit he made with his son to Commonwealth War Graves in the Arnhem/Oosterbeek/Nijmegen area of Holland - his first ever poems.

What a talent.

[Ozzie]

May I direct people to here.

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/i...showtopic=62726

Eric has posted this and it is well worth reading.

Kim

[Michael Johnson]

Because, above and beyond all, the war would have been lost in a twinkling had it not been for those who created the modern army from the chaos of the Boer War, those who equipped, those who trained, and those who fought: The Old Contemptibles, Lions and Donkeys both, AE Houseman speaks to me:

EPITAPH ON AN ARMY OF MERCENARIES.

These, in the day when heaven was falling,
The hour when Earth's foundations fled,
Followed their mercenary calling
And took their wages and are dead.

Their shoulders held the sky suspended;
They stood, and earth's foundations stay;
What God abandoned, these defended,
And saved the sum of things for pay.
RIP Old Army.

I also like his other war epitaph:

Here dead lie we because we did not choose
To live and shame the land from which we sprung.
Life, to be sure, is nothing much to lose;
But young men think it is, and we were young.

It says it all about the Great War.