War - Ww1 - Aans In The Great War Poem by Paul Warren

When War was declared in 1914
The Australian Government was seen
To recruit soldiers for the Australian Imperial Force
And they needed nurses for the casualties of course

There was a reserve of civilian nurses who volunteered first
Who were patriotic to serve Australia in hearts to burst
So these nurses went to War with the men
And sometimes with brothers and fathers the AIF then

They were at The Landing of Gallipoli's fatal shore
Where it was difficult to stage a CCS to triage wounds and more
They took wounded and sick troops on the ships anchored near
Where 'black ships' we're used to transport the wounded in fear

These nurses were under fire from the Turkish held hills quite clear
One nurse whilst treating a wounded soldier on board quite near
A Turkish bullet from the shore killed him outright in front of her
Underlining how much danger they were in and safety was unsure

These brave women were able to use the title 'ANZAC' because of this
When they were under fire at ANZAC Cove dodging bullets as no bliss
And they stayed with the troops winning 7 Military Medals by the War's finish
Being mentioned in despatches ahundreds of times their bravery undiminished.

© Paul Warren Poetry