By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
Despite the misery around them, World War I’s Diggers showed admirable cheer, says Heathmont poet and former journalist Jim Brown.
In a tribute concert The Anzac on the Wall in Dandenong next week, Brown unearths long-forgotten poems and songs from the time of the Great War, teaming up with multi-instrumentalist Vince Brophy.
Brophy, an award-winning Croydon songwriter, plays Celtic-style guitar, banjo and an Irish bodhran drum to evoke the sounds of 100 years ago.
The concert grew as a tribute from one of Brown’s best-known poems of the same title.
In his research, Brown tried to unlock the thoughts of soldiers and their families at the time.
The Anzacs’ letters revealed a cheerfulness and a selfless concern for the plight of their families and home towns, he said.
Brown’s pilgrimage started when he was moved by Turkish general Kemal Ataturk’s tribute to fallen Anzacs at a memorial at Gallipoli.
“You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace, after having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well,” Brown recounts the tribute.
As Brown wandered those bloodied shores wearing an Akubra, he was warmly received by locals. “They’d walk up and shake my hand, and say, ‘Welcome to Turkey’. Considering we killed so many of them . . . it was life changing for me.”
Though loath to glorify the war, Brown has an abiding need to keep alive the Anzac spirit, to remember the 300,000 Australian soldiers who died in World War I — and the equal numbers of maimed who returned.
“This was a massive blow for the country. It was such a great loss of its young generation who were following the call for fighting in the war. In percentage terms, it was equivalent to losing 1.2 million lives today,” Brown said.
“We should be proud of what they achieved. It wasn’t a waste. It helped shape the nation, to help us understand mateship, loyalty and courage.”
He said the Anzacs distinguished themselves as among the world’s best fighters. “Even though they were away for years they seemed to have a great feeling of ‘can-do’.
“No one speaks badly of the Australian soldiers, whether in France, Turkey, Thailand. That’s something we should be grateful for, the legacy that they left through the world.”
As the show has toured, audience members have shared their own anecdotes of the era. “The stories never stop,” Brown said. “Every year the Anzac pride is getting bigger”.
He hopes the show will grab people, and be a part of Anzac centenary celebrations in 2015.
As one of his songs says, “100 Aprils later and we will never forget them”.
Anzac On the Wall is at Drum Theatre on April 17 and 18 at 10.30am. Details: drumtheatre.com.au or 9771 6666.
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