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Notes
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The poems, except 'Australians' by E. M. C. (the South African Ethel Campbell), are unattributed in this volume.
It is worth noting that this collection has exactly the same contents in the same order as Anzac Poems and the Landing at Gaba Tepe (1918) by Returned Soldiers. A third collection, Diggers' Poems: Including The Landing at Gaba Tepe (1918?) by Returned Soldiers, has the same content in a slightly different order. One of the poems common to all three works is Ethel Campbell's 'Australians'. It may be that these three works consist of varied collections of poems by different authors put together to raise money for returned soldiers.
It has not yet been possible to ascertain with any certainty whether C. and J. Ryan wrote particular poems or acted as compilers.
Contents
- The Landingi"You may talk of Balaclava,", single work poetry war literature (p. 3-4)
- Australiansi"We stand on the shore of Durban,", single work poetry war literature (p. 4-5)
- Jimi"We were mates were Jim and I-", single work poetry war literature (p. 6-7)
- Leave!i"A wandering thought, a tender heart", single work poetry war literature (p. 7-8)
- A Soldier's Farewelli"Farewell, dear Australia, the land of our birth;", single work poetry war literature (p. 8)
- Mother, We Meet Againi"Why are you sad, dear mother?", single work poetry war literature (p. 8-9)
- The Partingi"Dear little love, don't fret.", single work poetry war literature (p. 9)
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"What mean these great white ships at sea,"
Anzacsi"What means these great white ships at sea,",
single work
poetry
war literature
(p. 10)
Note: With first line: What mean these great white ships at sea,
- A Soldier's Dream of Homei"On a shattered field of battle", single work poetry war literature (p. 11-12)
- The Boy Who Went Awayi"There's a mother somewhere thinking,", single work poetry war literature (p. 12-13)
- Down in Our Zetoun Campi"I'm so lonely, Oh so lonely,", single work poetry humour war literature (p. 13)
- Gone - But Not Forgotteni"Your Australian Sons are sleeping, far over in a lonely land,", single work poetry war literature (p. 13-14)
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From Shovel to Sambrownei"Should you be lazy, dull and slow, and dopey as a mule,",
single work
poetry
war literature
satire
(p. 14-15)A highly satirical poem about a lazy incompetent soldier who rises through the ranks to become a major, wins decorations, etc.Note: With title: 'From Shovel to Sam Browne'
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'The Poisoner's' M. M.i"A 'poisoner' won the M. M., true!",
single work
poetry
humour
war literature
satire
(p. 15)
A humorous, satirical poem about a cook who wins a Military Medal. Following a successful action, Headquarters issues a batch of bravery medals. Due to the machinations of military bureaucracy, one is forwarded to a troop who were away from the line guarding prisoners at the time. Given the lack worthy recipients, the troop toss dice to determine who should get the medal.
- In Appreciationi"Dear stranger, I've read your grand verses", single work poetry war literature (p. 16)
