Gallipoli

IMPORTANT:
THIS IS NOT MINE!!!
It was made by George deValier on fanfiction.net
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The lyrics interspersed throughout are from Eric Bogle's "And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda."

The Pogues version: (YouTube) /watch?v=GPFjToKuZQM

Joan Baez version: (YouTube) /watch?v=_E9Nu8JinM0

Two very different versions of this great anti-war song.

The traditional Aussie folksong 'Waltzing Matilda': (You Tube) /watch?v=7_iwMnzpiww

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Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand, the day we remember the first landings at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War One on April 25th, 1915. The day is often considered to mark the beginning of a national consciousness in both countries.

GALLIPOLI

Now when I was a young man, I carried me pack, and I lived the free life of a rover
From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback, well, I waltzed my Matilda all over.
Then in 1915, my country said 'Son, it's time you stopped rambling, there's work to be done.'
So they gave me a tin hat, and they gave me a gun, and they marched me away to the war.
And the band played 'Waltzing Matilda,' as the ship pulled away from the quay
And amidst all the cheers, the flag-waving and tears, we sailed off for Gallipoli.

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April 25th, 1915

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Australia leans on the deck of the ship and feels fiery excitement thrum through his veins. He breathes in the cold, clear air of dawn that gusts over him, carrying with it the clean and salty smell of the Aegean Sea. It is exhilarating to be this far from home. It feels like a lifetime ago that he left with his men, sent on their way to glory by cheers and applause and the strains of a familiar old folk song. Now, a million miles from home, the high, unfamiliar Turkish cliffs loom before him, but Australia just laughs defiantly at them. He knows his lads can give these Turks what for, and more besides. They will prove themselves capable just as Australia will. After all, he is a nation now, and war is where nations prove themselves.

Australia turns and smiles when his brother walks up beside him. New Zealand's blond hair is a tousled mess, his blue eyes tinged with red. He has obviously had very little sleep, and does not look nearly so eager as Australia feels. "G'day, N.Z."

"Morning," yawns New Zealand, pushing the hair from his eyes. "What are you doing out here so early? Have you slept?"

Australia shakes his head restlessly. "Can't sleep. Just lookin' at the ocean." How can he possibly sleep at a time like this, when he is about to make his destiny?

"Ah, the wine dark sea," says New Zealand softly, leaning on the railing and gazing out towards the horizon. The sky is still dark, but the softest hint of daybreak plays on the water.

"Huh?"

"This place is very close to Troy, you know." New Zealand's voice is slow and somehow distant. Australia just stares at him in confusion. "Troy... the Iliad..." New Zealand explains slowly. "Which was written by Homer, who often used the phrase 'wine dark sea.'"