What a monumental waste of life and resources was that war. The only war story from my grandfathers lips, was the pain of losing his brother on the same front under the same circumstances.

Then came another five years in WW11, for him and his son.

I thank him to this day for his intervention in stopping me from attending a similarly waste of resources and men, Vietnam. Only after I completed my voluntary military training: I remember the shock of his words: Over my dead body you'll be going to Vietnam. I didn't.

I didn't finish my Vietnam Nasho training and my father said he'd face the murder charge and tried to shoot me for not going. Australians volunteer when needed. The Viet ballot for my call-up was 25% of 20 year-old men. For a Liberal government there would be at least 50% men who agreed with the war . So about 12% were forced to go by the 50% who refused to volunteer. Democracy..Anzacs..

A great, heartfelt, article by Brian Murphy.

My Grandfather fought at Gallipoli and then in WWII.

My father in Vietnam.

Of my father I wrote, for his funeral, this year:

Delivered as part of the Family Eulogy at Dad’s Funeral Duntroon Chapel Canberra, July 12, 2018.

"After talking to Dad for many years I’ve written a short poem that imagines:

WHAT DAD MAY SAY TODAY

When tomorrow starts without me
Just like yesterday
On this cold Winter afternoon
I have some things to say.

In 1970
I expected Vietnam would kill me
My end coming by a mine or RPG
Blowing up my APC.

But I lived 48 more years
Till 85 years old
Two diseases promised life till 2020
Then my heart gave out early.

I know I wasn’t perfect
Many things I regret
I had my faults
But please forgive me yet.

Life needs more forgiving
That’s the way we learn
It bonds us all together
For the better life we yearn

If I could relive yesterday
Even for a while
I’d crack a joke
And make you laugh
And even make you smile.

So when tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me
I’m right here in your heart."

see http://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2018/07/why-submarine-matters-quiet-since-june.html

More on World War One and wars generally at "Some Anzac Day Songs" at http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=8819

Dear plantagenet,

What beautiful tributes.

Brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks Foxy

Pete

On the 11h day of the 11th month, two days hence, One will remember them and contemplate the absolute absurdity or war! And the countless waste of lives.
Alan B.