POPULAR letter-writer in the Mail over many years, Jerry Hughes of Mount Dandenong, has contributed the following poem about Gallipoli.
Mr Hughes suffered from a stroke in 2008 and lost his capacity to write letters or poetry, which was his passion.
He wrote this poem in 1995 and asked the Mail to publish his work, which has given him and his family great joy.
The poem is entitled ‘Gallipoli’ and reads as follows:
‘How we blooded youth for battle’
It came.
The command.
Take the hill.
But, Sir … ?
No buts Captain, take the hill.
Sir, I must protest.
Captain, you’re facing
A court-martial for insubordination.
Take the hill, now!
***
Sparks, have you got the line
To HQ fixed?
Not yet Captain, shouldn’t be long.
Sparks, every moment counts.
I’m doing my best, Sir.
Sorry lad, I know you are.
Let me know the second.
The second Sir.
***
Lieutenant Hadley?
Sir.
Fixed bayonet charge.
Sir, we’ll be massacred!
Fixed bayonet charge,
That’s the order
Pass the word.
Yes, Sir!
***
Sparks, how’s it going?
Nearly there, Sir.
It better be soon.
Won’t be long Sir.
***
Lieutenant?
Sir.
We go with the flare.
Are they ready?
Ready, Sir.
***
Oh, Christ, there it is!
Lead the charge with me?
I’m with you Captain.
***
Rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat, rat-a-tat.
They died with yells frozen in their throats.
Sir, I’ve reached HQ. They’re on the line.
Sir?
