AustLit logo
The Coloured Digger single work   poetry   war literature   "He came and joined the colours"
Issue Details: First known date: 1994... 1994 The Coloured Digger
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

During World War Two, Sapper Bert Beros wrote this poem about one of his comrades, Aboriginal soldier, Private West, who attacked a Japanese machine-gun pit single handed. (Too Dark For the Light Horse, 1994) This poem was one of the inspirations behind the inaugural Coloured Diggers March.

Exhibitions

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Too Dark for the Light Horse : Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People in the Defence Forces : Resource Book : Memorial Box 03 Judy Crabb , Trevor Geary , Suzy Nunes , Gary Oakley , Judy Crabb , Madeleine Chaleyer (editor), Canberra : Australian War Memorial , 1994 8234982 1994 selected work information book children's

    'Educational material developed for the Museum-in-a-box scheme; includes case studies from the First, Second and Vietnam wars; documents; background historical material and a list of suggested activities for students; case studies profile; William Reginald Rawlings, Douglas Grant, Reginald Saunders, Leonard Waters, Charles Mene, Don Beale, Gary Oakley; suitable for secondary students.' (Source: TROVE)

    Canberra : Australian War Memorial , 1994
    pg. 8
    Note: Includes an introduction about the poem.
  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Koori Mail no. 399 25 April 2007 Z1386017 2007 newspaper issue 2007 pg. 4
  • Appears in:
    y separately published work icon Law Anthology Yarning Strong Law Anthology Mosman Melbourne : Laguna Bay Publishing Oxford University Press , 2011 Z1767936 2011 anthology extract poetry drama children's 'Law. A short word with many complex meanings. This anthology explores the effects British law has had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, acknowledges the many people who have struggled for change, and looks towards a time of reconciliation.' Source: www.lagunabaypublishing.com/ (Sighted 28/03/2011). Mosman Melbourne : Laguna Bay Publishing Oxford University Press , 2011 pg. 22
Last amended 21 Nov 2023 12:59:24
X