ANZAC MYTHOLOGY

Army Songs Are Part Of Our Digger Tradition

Some of these songs emerged before active service and here's a classic I collected from Allan Brittan, of Kogarah, in 1986, about Puckapunyal training centre, Victoria, set to the tune of Bye Bye Birdie:

It doesn't take much for this type of parody to be born and circulated. Soldiers had to entertain themselves and some song titles scream out to have their words changed to suit the local environment. Joe Watson, of Caringbah, sang this one to It's A Long Way To Tipperary

Some ditties aimed themselves straight for the top brass reflecting the Australian myth that our soldiers were amongst the best in the world - but they wouldn't salute another man, whatever rank. There was also general discontent with army food.

And to the tune of McNamara's Ball the anonymous Private figured out military order.

Undoubtedly WW1 contributed more songs to our military song tradition than any other war. This has a lot to do with the influence of the early radio and gramophone industries in making music more accessible in a short period of time. It was also the first time songs openly expressed the emotional fears experienced by soldiers. This was new in the history of soldier songs and it was apparent the army 'brass' turned a 'deaf ear' to allow such fears, grievances and down-right bitch-sessions to be aired. It was also a lengthy war and the songs played an important role in maintaining solidarity and morale. There is something spirited in defiantly singing in the face of the enemy and possible death.

There is little doubt that the men and women who fought in our wars deserve our eternal gratitude. Long may they sing!