Tribute
This poem was read at Brigade Hill by a 2008 Kokoda Kid whilst walking the Kokoda Track. Brigade Hill was the site of one of the most horrific battles of the campaign in Papua New Guinea, Australia lost 62 brave Diggers at this location where they were out numbered ten to one. To all the past and present soldiers this is our tribute.
The poem was created by 2005 Kokoda Kid, Tomas Perzelt and 2008 Kokoda Kid, Chelsea Kokshoorn.
Tribute to our Diggers
Early September,
1942.
Outflanked by the Japanese,
and demoralised too.
A hand full of young boys,
they stand their ground.
Prepared to fight,
and make their mates proud.
Out numbered by the odds,
unforetold.
They stood their ground,
bruised and mauled.
Rugged terrain,
and lack of sleep.
The constant fire,
of the 303.
They saw their mates,
fall left, fall right.
They kept heads high,
throughout the fight.
62 fell,
their sprits live on.
Their efforts remembered,
decades on.
They dug in tight,
and sharpened metal.
They stoop their ground,
so mighty, so proud.
Blood and bone,
they soon combine.
Flesh and blade,
like bread and butter.
Tears and screams,
are common traits.
These sounds and sights,
they’ll never forget.
62 bodies,
scattered remain.
On Brigade hill,
our boys of fame.
All that remains,
are sticks and twigs.
Of our strong boys,
a courtesy to weep.
Their bodies fade,
of time, of grey.
But yet their sprits,
still remain.
Listen quietly,
while we take a step.
Into the journey,
of our great young men.
No boyish smiles,
are left to see.
No young cackles,
are left to hear.
One battle – Horrific
along with others.
Has taken our boys,
from their mothers,
and left us men,
We Will Remember Them.
Never forget them,
our boys, their fight.
Never forget them,
through courage untold.
Never forget them,
as endurance unfolds.
Never forget them,
thou mateship grow old.
Never forget them,
their sacrifice so BOLD.
