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Prose & Poetry - War Poetry of S J Robinson - Tour of the Camp

German retreat through The Netherlands, in 1918....German Soldiers leaving their weapons at the bridge in Maaseik to Roosteren Reproduced within this area of the site are present-day First World War poems written by S. J. Robinson.  Click here for an introduction to the poems.

Tour of the Camp (13th CCS)

(OC) Welcome to our new recruits
Come to settle world disputes
Resplendent in your shiny boots

To have you here, we're awf'lly proud
On victory's front there is no cloud
By Christmas you'll be cheering loud!

(SA) Far ahead like tiny buns
Encased in concrete are the guns
(Tommy) But not enough to kill the Huns...

(SA) If a look behind you'll toss
(Tommy) See an array of cross on cross
This is the censorship's 'light loss'

Of battle they're the only fruits
And, despite what staff reputes
The General couldn't give two hoots

OC = Officer commanding
SA = Subaltern/second lieutenant

One in five of the Australians and New Zealanders who left their country to fight in the war never returned; 80,000 in total.

- Did you know?