Eric Bogle was born in Scotland, came here in his early 20s, and became a nationalised Aussie. I still can't listen to this without a tear, it hits me in the feels every time. Thank you for reacting to this
A good reaction 👍 This is one reason why Aussies commemorate this tragic event from April 25th 1915, in losing so many young men in what was a small population, and we repeat to ourselves the words Lest We Forget. ❤.
9:00. Trying to hold back the tears ... "never knew there was worse things than dying" Thank you to all veterans that live with the trauma of war, both physical and psychological.
The ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) were sent to conquer the Dardanelles, so as to control access to the Black Sea. The British officers landed the troops (at night) in the wrong place at Gallipoli, where the terrain was totally against them. The Turks (fighting with Germany) had the high ground, whereas the ANZACs, British and French were on the beaches below. Despite fighting fiercely it was a massacre, something that the fledgling country of Australia (with only 5 million people then) was not expecting. The death of 8,700 men plus 18,000 wounded was a sobering blow that has had reverberations down the years to this very day. (Total battle deaths on both sides exceeded 100,000 plus many times that were wounded or died from disease.) Australia's annual military commemoration is not focussed around any great victory; but a devestating defeat, with our most revered public holiday, ANZAC day, being held on April 25th, the day of the Gallipoli landing. I consider this to be the most devestating anti-war song I've heard (just above I was only 19).
Thank you for that. It is, quite simply, one of the best war songs about. My grandfather was there, and may have liked that song, but after getting through WW1 died by his own hand just after WW2. Never spoke about it.
This song hits home really hard . Thank you to all the vets that served in all wars . Men and women sacrificed their lives for the freedom we have today . Let’s never forget that . To the men and women that returned much respect to you and to your families. Senseless wars and it’s still happening today. When will they learn war is not the answer. Such a heart felt reaction 😢 thanks Mike 😢
Hi Steve here from Australia. Love the review bring tears too my eyes. If you appreciated this song then i suggest you have a listen to " i was only 19" by Red Gum. The story was the same but a different war [ Vietnam}...cheers from Australia
Yeah, conscription was rejected in two referenda. But that doesn't mean there wasn't tremendous social pressure to enlist. I wish the very worst for every coward who sent a man a white feather.
The same in WW2 and Korea, they were all volunteers as well. The first time we had conscription was Vietnam and that was put an end to in 1973 after Whitlam was elected. We haven’t had it since.
@@miniveedub I'm afraid that's wrong. Two of my uncles were conscripted to fight in New Guinea during WWII. They definitely were not volunteers. My Grandfather joined up as well, to look after them (but he had to lie about his age).
@@sundoga4961 you’re right. I looked it up and apparently members of the CMF (Citizens Military Force) who originally were only required to serve in Australia were later required to serve in Australian territories like PNG. I was a teenager when Australia entered the Vietnam War and was under the impression conscription was something new we had never had before. My husband was conscripted in 1970 and served in Vietnam, 1973 was the first election he and I were old enough to vote in.
@@miniveedub The conscription in WWII and National Service statutes after don't get a lot of attention today. But it's the kind of thing we need to remember, if only to stop such things happening in the future.
Thanks, Jeff/Geoff. Thanks, Mike, for your heartfelt reaction. Eric Bogle is wonderful. This is so bittersweet. The reference and pictures was definitely WWI, but so many consistencies with Vietnam, obviously. My family didn’t live in Australia yet during the first world war. My grandpa was in the British Royal Navy (like so many men back then he lied about his age) to do ‘his bit’ in the conflict and was involved in battle in the Baltic Sea, and was badly injured. Grandpa had a special badge to show that he had fought in the war, because apparently if one didn’t have that badge, people would think they were ‘cowardly’ and show them white feathers. RIP Grandpa. ❤ I will never forget you.
I believe this battle (Gallipoli) and the Battle of the Somme are two of the worst in history of modern warfare . They stand out because of the very nature of trench warfare and the length of time the rotten trenches became home. It’s important to learn and understand about this specific event. This isn’t just about soldiers and war and remembering the fallen- Gallipoli is a stand out event for Australians and war historians generally ❤
Eric Bogle is a phenomenal songwriter. There are two more of his songs, based on war themes : "No Man's Land " and "It's as if he knows" - both are worth listening to. The first is about a man, talking to the grave of a fallen soldier. The second one is about the 120,000 horses, that were sent overseas, as part of the Australian light horsemen in WW1 - Of the 120,000 horses that were sent, only one returned to Australia.
664 Officers & 17,260 enlisted just from Australia were injured in this campaign, out of a total of 142,000 were injured in the action. He wrote this song after seeing his first Anzac day parade in 1971
Australian casualties at Gallipoli ( 25 April 1915 - 9 January 1916 ) were between 8,100 to 8,700 KIA and around 18,000 wounded Not to diminish the losses at Gallipoli but on the first day of the first major battle by Australians on the Western Front was at the village of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 with over 5,500 casualties while over 46,000 Australians were KIA on the Western Front
During the First World War the AIF was a 100% volunteer force. My family had 4 brothers and father fight in the war, we lost 2 both at Gallipoli. If you get a chance, watch the 80s movie Gallipoli with Mel Gibson. It's a great anti war film. Thanks for all your reactions.
A great classic song about war and its effect on people. As a ex marine you will get this song more than most. Look into Gallipoli it may interest you.
This video with the photos was excellent ! Congratulations to the maker. Eric Bogle, who wrote and sang this song, is a Scottish - Ausratralian who speaks with a Scottish accent. He did a good job of (almost) imitating the Aussie accent. 'Waltzing Matilda' means to go around the countryside seeking work. A 'matilda' is a swag of possessions rolled up in a tent and carried. Many young men and boys volunteered to go to this war, WW1, excited to see the world. They had no real understanding of what war was like. The army kept them together if they came from the same town/area. This was a mistake as many small towns had their population of young men wiped out. It was never repeated.
For Australia WW1 was a voluntary war no conscription and 60,000 died from a population of under 5 million. The much bigger US lost 58,000 to fighting (Spanish flu killed more soldiers). Please watch " I was only 19" a Vietnam war song best version may be by skinnious chinnious but the offical Redgum version (A walk in light green) is also good. Makes you want to cry for all those poor bastards sent off to war.
ANZAC day is a very big thing in Australia. Our dawn services have big turn outs from every ages. Even over Covid, people lined up on their driveways at 4.30am to honour our fallen.
I remember when I was a boy in the early 1960s, I would see the old Anzacs with their missing arms, legs and crutches.There was also a lot of repatriation hospitals scattered around the suburbs and filled with wounded soldiers who were physically destroyed.
Australia lost up to 1.3% of its population in WW1. That may not sound like much, but for such a small nation that had barely even been a nation for a decade, the effect was monumental. We learn about Gallipoli and the ANZACs in school, but this song puts it into all too real human perspective. I tear up every time I hear it.
Yes life was fairly hard here in those days early 1915...and many young innocent men saw it as an opportunity for something better....many 'kids' also ran off to join some only 15 or 16...but I've heard those ships were landed on the wrong beach....and the 'turks' had massive artillery and soldiers dug into the side of the hills. But we do 'Remember' those fallen in all wars each A.N.Z.A.C. Day ..They march NOT to glorify war but to 'Remember' the fallen and also the serving soldiers of today. 'Lest We Forget' 🏵
I loved that intro. Thank you for sharing a slice of your life. Contrary to Bogle's lyric that the war is forgotten, that's not the case. Australians have a public holiday, ANZAC Day, that commemorates that terrible loss of Australian and New Zealander life in the defeat at Gallipoli in WWI. Children grow up learning about the ANZACs, schools hold an ANZAC ceremony close to the date that usually includes the story of that battle in some form. The march includes vets from all the wars since WWI, and children and grandchildren will march carrying or wearing the medals of vet parents and grandparents. We don't glorify war here.
There was no conscription in WW1 in Australia. They were all volunteers! My grandfather signed up underage he was 15! They discovered this when he was about to storm the beach at Gallipoli, the fight this song is about. He was transferred to a hospital ship and sent to England. All of his mates were killed there, he was the only survivor of his group. The Australians were sent to Gallipoli as a distraction to where the British troops were landing further up the coast. They were cannon fodder! The British were sitting drinking tea on their beach, while the Australians were being slaughtered. After that my Grandfather held a deep hatred for the British and the fact that the English monarchy were the Australian head of state. He became a life long Republican arguing for Australian independence! So many lives lost for nothing!!
I've heard that about 500 times and it still gets to me today. War is a crazy thing where old men send young men to die, unfortunately, it's sometimes necessary to stand up to evil.
Thanks Mike! I’m now crying into my cereal while watching this! This is beautiful, however EXTREMELY sad! Thank you again! Love your channel! Peace and Blessings to you and your family from Australia.
A beautiful song as I listen again after many listens. I do take issue with his inference that people have forgotten their sacrifice, not so, all our WWI soldiers have gone, even most of our WWII warriors have now gone, but they will never be forgotten. Those waving flags and attending dawn services and watching marches is growing each year. Australia does teach subsequent generations how important those wars were, all wars since in fact and the sacrifices that were made. In fact Australia's identity as a very young country was forged during the theatre of The Boer War and WWI. May I suggest Mike, you check out a video on our National War Memorial in Canberra. It is the largest memorial in the world. To honour and remember our dead and those maemed, well it is impossible to put into words how much it means to us, but it is just who we are. We will remember them....
That's a great (real) movie! Unlike America, Australians do not glorify war and make it more popular by adding ridiculous romantic scenes or songs to attract a greater audience! 🙋
G'day mike Thanks mate It's tough but honest song Yeah Hollywood does glamorise it I'm fortunate that I've never had to serve But I respect those who do and have These guys never treated right if they make it back Our l8fes are because of these very individuals Aussie's haven't forgotten the turn out to ANZAC day Are bigger then ever more young attending They are taking as children to dawn memorials then the march Most are taught the family history and why we do it Because almost if not ever family born here have losted atleast one person to war The best thing is even the people migrating and visitors at this time come and support the day So it'll be a long time before they're forgotten and no one marching The family members are allowed to march in their place's once they've past and can wear the metals in honour But can't wear full uniform as none serving and some kids march with their grand parents medals at young age accompanied by a adult guardian so their sacrifices is never forgotten Even during lock down covid they banned it but couldn't stop the people celibating it People up at crack of dawn stood at their fence and remembered them and radio stations played the ceremony There's always some who hate it and saying it shouldn't happen as glorifying war but very much the minority As they get explained we are not glorifying war but honouring those who had to sacrifice everything for you and us To be able to have what we can today Even you free speech against the day We all can agree wars horrible but that's not what the days about and by keeping it reliviant as history It's something we can learn from and try to avoid if ever possible and that's what all history is to learn from good and the bad For future of our country and humanity There's no winners in war just tragedy for all involved especially those who in the firing line and there families As no one comes back the same and battle hardening is a true thing and never leaves them Because they've need to be like that to survive and something never can be turned off Why some can't re-adjust to society anymore and others fight it for the rest of their lives but manage to function in various ways in society Cheers again Mike 🦘🇦🇺👍
HI Mike, this was the 1st ww I would recommend the Australian Vietnam war movie Danger close if you can find it, it's not Hollywood scripted so its as close as you would get to the real thing, I wasn't there so this is only my opinion of cause
great reaction. the futility of war has always left me wondering who is benefiting from the conflicts other than the people making money from the arms sales.?
Yes Mike this is a special song for us mate, the only good thing that came out of the battle of Gallopili after 9 months of endless carnage was the evacuation that was so secret and so well planned that none were injured or even heard by the Turkish troops, who the next day sent in a huge charge at the trenches only to find them empty except for some gifts left behind by the troops. As a man who served his country Australia in uniform I appreciate your heartfelt love for all military services mate. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘❤❤❤❤🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶
Lest we forget, and I agree Eric Bogle & John Williamson do sound similar, John has actually covered this song as well. Thank you for this reaction mate, I think most Aussies have a soft spot for this and other songs honouring our military, not from any instilled patriotism but more from simple appreciation, all of us would have some connection to the armed forces, some family member who served, I guess when you have a small population it stands to reason.
The Australian forces in world war one were all volunteers, no conscripts. The government of the day tried to introduce a draft, but it was defeated in a referendum (if I remember correctly).
Mate !!! Well done ! Slim Dusty doing his outdoor night time fire side Waltzing Matilda , I'm sure the comments will help you out about the story line . R.I.P SLIM .
Thanks for your posting this and your insight. Firstly allow me say this..... This was the first Baptism of Fire our Australian Troops faced in WW1. Sent to Turkey to fight the Turkish and keep the Dardinelle Straights open to shipping. The British Intellegence to us that the Turks were 'not up to a fight' bcause they were porely equipt and not much of an Army. How worong that intellegence was. Turkey was suppied arms and ammunition by the Germans and had prior knowledge of our arrival by sea. Secondly, instead of sailing and landing at a given point on the Penisular where it was safe to land and a gentle rise from ocean to land and move forward, they were given wrong information and instead of easy progress off the beach, the Australian landing at Suvla (now called ANZAC Cove) they were immediatly faced with cliff faces over hundreds of feet tall. They became easy target for the Turks. All of them were Australian and New Zealand soldiers. The British used them as cannon fodder. A massive error by the British Government and British Intelligence. A battle we will never forget and hence our ANZAC Day Commeration is held 25th April on the day in recognition going back to 1915 when our troops landed here during the darkness of dawn. I'm a 76 year old Veteran that served in two different theaters of war. Firstly Malaysian/Indonesian Confrontation and then years of back-and-forth to Vietnam. So maybe I am biased.
I'm not sure if anyone has explained, a Matilda is a swag or backpack for more modern day word. And a Swagman / Swaggy, is like your old Hobo's who would jump Trains or walk everywhere.
Mike, in the first WW our Ties to England were greater than now and our men volunteered to go protect England. You are right about the futility of war. My grandfather served in France and was gassed , however survived it. While difficult to understand now, it was a thing at the time that as part of the British Empire we had to defend England.
my grandmother often said it was such a crime to see all those tall healthy good looking boys marching off to that horrible war. our government wanted to make a good impression so the first ones were selected from the cream of our countries men. her stepfather came back after being gassed in france, it got past his eyes and slowly ate away at his brain until he shot himself under the apple tree.
Mason Cox , is a fellow Texan , he plays AFL for Collingwood , people say he’s picked up an Aussie accent , you should watch and listen to him and see if he’s “ lost “ his Texan Twang 🖤🤍🖤🤍
Every Australian soldier in WW1 was a volunteer. There was no conscription. The ANZAC day marches allow us to remember and appreciate the sacrifices of our service people. Nowadays, it is children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who march with the medals and banners of WW1, WW2 and other wars. I like this song, but the question why people march is not to glorify war or courage in battle. It is to remember those who fought so we can live free in the luckiest country on Earth. Lest we forget.
I couldn't agree more. Men fight so that the bratty rich can get their hands on resources or just to get their own way. It's time that people woke up to this. We are fighting other humans and killing each but for what?! They mean us no harm to us and we mean no harm to them, we are pushed to fight each other. It's sick! I once watched a video where an American man was in tears after watching this.
Australia definitely does not glamorise War. We understand the importance of it to defend outselves, but it takes a very real threat for us to get riled up enough to go to war. Me morn for all those that served both dead and alive. We do not celebrate war but we commemorate their lives and pay our respects for those that served. RSL's are dotted all over the country in each town and suburb. Each of them with their alters or monuments with every local's name that died and didn't always return. Aussie movies tend to be very brutal and honest to show the horrors that happen. They do not glamorise it.
If you can get to the end of this song without a tear in your eye, you aint human. It is the saddest most poignant anti war song ever. It is right up there with the last few minutes of "Blackadder goes forth"
Gallipoli ( Mel Gibson ) WW 1 Paradise Road ( Glenn Close Frances mcdiarmed Changi . Australians aren’t scared to show the Brutality of war especially in “ our Neighbourhood “ I showed Paradise Road to my 10 year old son , it was his 1st war movie
I went to Gallipoli as an Australian tourist in 2013. I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life. We invaded their country and killed 90 thousand of their citizens and I’m wondering about in a Hawaiian shirt with a camera. The Turks lost 87,000 and we (Anzacs ie Australia & New Zealand, British, Dutch, Americans) lost 40,000 and there were nearly 400,000 injured. The battles lasted 260 days and at the end we still didn’t control the Dardanelles but did know that someone defending their home AIN’T going to give up. Same thing happened in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Ukraine and so on and so on. It’s a sacred site to Australians, it’s a VERY important part of our history as it is when we became a nation internationally but it’s also a sacred site to the Turks, you can feel the ghosts, and I was uncomfortable being there.
@@A2thaMFK not my words. I read a biography of the commander of one of the British naval vessels. Sorry can’t remember his name but he said “ We were tasked by the Admiralty to land an invasion force on the beaches of Gallipoli with acceptable casualties”. An invasion force is, by definition, invading
something you should check out is the battle of Hamel it was the first time Australia and America went into battle side by side as far as battles on the western front go it was a bit of a side show Australian General Sir John Monash planned this battle down to the last detail he was pissed off because he planned it to last 90 mins it went 92 min but what set this battle apart was the fact it was first time combined arms were used in battle the Germans had know idea what them
Lest We Forget🌺 50°f is about 10°c, general rule of thumb is Fahrenheit to Celsius subtract 30 then divide by 2. Celsius to Fahrenheit times by 2 then add 30. This will give you a close approximation
Australian war movies do not glamorise war. American war movies do. Australian war movies tend to be dark and brutal and there is no flag waving. The Gallipoli campaign of ww1 was a turning point in Australian history and will never be forgotten.
Son of Buck, {Mike}. Thank you for playing this song, sadly as time goes on great songs of story telling fade from ones memory, I do know that I have this track somewhere in my record collection, but as I said, songs fade into the past as we continue our journey through life. As I said at the beginning, thank you for playing it, and thank you to the person who requested that you play/listen to it. I also appreciate your commentary, it is so insightful and I along with others get to understand the subject in a whole different light.
Ever Australian soldier in both World wars were ALL volunteers. Only those that fought in the south pacific in WW2 fought for Australia. All others fought to save Britian without much thanks, I may add.
if you're a horse person the poem "the last parade" read by lea taylor is hard to listen to. the last few verses have been omitted from most publications due to early government pressure but can be found if you look, it makes a big difference.
For a really good Vietnam movie, you could do worse than watch "The odd angry shot". Came out in 1979. One of the first, and best. Boredom in the most part, brutal for a bit, (the depiction of war that is, the way they deal with that is the entertainment). All in all, a movie that transcends battles to depict the eternal soldier/conscript throughout history, seeing/doing terrible things, trying to make it through. And Chance is up front as always. Like the reacts. Getting the Australian pile-on I see. Still, could be worse. You could have got NZ.
In Australia we commemorate our heroes of all wars on what we call ANZAC DAY, 25th April, every year. We don't "celebrate" with parties and fireworks like some countries do. We start with a dawn service, because that's when the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli. many go on to have a 'Gun Fire Breakfast' at their local Returned Serviceman's Club, then maybe on to watch the veterans march to the local cenotaph where another service is held. Respects to your reaction, but we didn't forget those who gave so much for us '6 months later'. Well over 100 years later We Still Remember Them and appreciate all they gave for us in all wars. Ex Navy. Australia.
Absolutely WRONG...both world wars were significant in a country with a small population and they were never forgotten and they DID have a choice, they VOLUNTEERED ~!!!!
Mason Cox , is a fellow Texan , he plays AFL for Collingwood , people say he’s picked up an Aussie accent , you should watch and listen to him and see if he’s “ lost “ his Texan Twang 🖤🤍🖤🤍
first in today
👏👏👏👍🍺🎉
@@briangill4000 thanks mate
John Williamson also sings this 😢
@@kevinwall8893 🥇
Please react to Slim Dusty singing. The man from Snowy River I love Eric Boogles music
Eric Bogle was born in Scotland, came here in his early 20s, and became a nationalised Aussie. I still can't listen to this without a tear, it hits me in the feels every time. Thank you for reacting to this
Yep. Tears EVERY time.
A good reaction 👍 This is one reason why Aussies commemorate this tragic event from April 25th 1915, in losing so many young men in what was a small population, and we repeat to ourselves the words Lest We Forget. ❤.
9:00. Trying to hold back the tears ... "never knew there was worse things than dying"
Thank you to all veterans that live with the trauma of war, both physical and psychological.
Lest We Forget ♥
The ANZACs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) were sent to conquer the Dardanelles, so as to control access to the Black Sea. The British officers landed the troops (at night) in the wrong place at Gallipoli, where the terrain was totally against them. The Turks (fighting with Germany) had the high ground, whereas the ANZACs, British and French were on the beaches below. Despite fighting fiercely it was a massacre, something that the fledgling country of Australia (with only 5 million people then) was not expecting. The death of 8,700 men plus 18,000 wounded was a sobering blow that has had reverberations down the years to this very day. (Total battle deaths on both sides exceeded 100,000 plus many times that were wounded or died from disease.) Australia's annual military commemoration is not focussed around any great victory; but a devestating defeat, with our most revered public holiday, ANZAC day, being held on April 25th, the day of the Gallipoli landing. I consider this to be the most devestating anti-war song I've heard (just above I was only 19).
Thank you for that. It is, quite simply, one of the best war songs about. My grandfather was there, and may have liked that song, but after getting through WW1 died by his own hand just after WW2. Never spoke about it.
Damn. Sorry my friend for your loss
This song hits home really hard . Thank you to all the vets that served in all wars . Men and women sacrificed their lives for the freedom we have today . Let’s never forget that . To the men and women that returned much respect to you and to your families. Senseless wars and it’s still happening today. When will they learn war is not the answer. Such a heart felt reaction 😢 thanks Mike 😢
@wayback479 well said, young man.
They were all volunteers !
"No glamour in war" - wise words. Thank you Mike.
Lest We Forget 🇦🇺 🇳🇿
Hi Steve here from Australia. Love the review bring tears too my eyes. If you appreciated this song then i suggest you have a listen to " i was only 19" by Red Gum. The story was the same but a different war [ Vietnam}...cheers from Australia
13:05 Every Australian soldier, sailor, airman, and nurse was a volunteer in WW1
Yeah, conscription was rejected in two referenda. But that doesn't mean there wasn't tremendous social pressure to enlist. I wish the very worst for every coward who sent a man a white feather.
The same in WW2 and Korea, they were all volunteers as well. The first time we had conscription was Vietnam and that was put an end to in 1973 after Whitlam was elected. We haven’t had it since.
@@miniveedub I'm afraid that's wrong. Two of my uncles were conscripted to fight in New Guinea during WWII. They definitely were not volunteers. My Grandfather joined up as well, to look after them (but he had to lie about his age).
@@sundoga4961 you’re right. I looked it up and apparently members of the CMF (Citizens Military Force) who originally were only required to serve in Australia were later required to serve in Australian territories like PNG. I was a teenager when Australia entered the Vietnam War and was under the impression conscription was something new we had never had before. My husband was conscripted in 1970 and served in Vietnam, 1973 was the first election he and I were old enough to vote in.
@@miniveedub The conscription in WWII and National Service statutes after don't get a lot of attention today. But it's the kind of thing we need to remember, if only to stop such things happening in the future.
Thanks, Jeff/Geoff. Thanks, Mike, for your heartfelt reaction. Eric Bogle is wonderful. This is so bittersweet. The reference and pictures was definitely WWI, but so many consistencies with Vietnam, obviously. My family didn’t live in Australia yet during the first world war. My grandpa was in the British Royal Navy (like so many men back then he lied about his age) to do ‘his bit’ in the conflict and was involved in battle in the Baltic Sea, and was badly injured. Grandpa had a special badge to show that he had fought in the war, because apparently if one didn’t have that badge, people would think they were ‘cowardly’ and show them white feathers. RIP Grandpa. ❤ I will never forget you.
Thanks for sharing... my grandfather was a desert rat
@@briangill4000❤
I believe this battle (Gallipoli) and the Battle of the Somme are two of the worst in history of modern warfare . They stand out because of the very nature of trench warfare and the length of time the rotten trenches became home. It’s important to learn and understand about this specific event. This isn’t just about soldiers and war and remembering the fallen- Gallipoli is a stand out event for Australians and war historians generally ❤
For me, it's the no more waltzing Matilda that breaks me. The total freedom of packing your swag and going walkabout, gone forever
Every Australian soldier (400,000) was a volunteer in WW1 - no conscription.
Maj Gen Smedley Butler USMC said war is a racket. This was in a speech in circa 1933, which he later expanded it into a booklet.
Yes he did. A great Marine Corps officer who saw war for what it is.
This song always brings a tear to my eye
This is rhe most graphic and emotional so g about the fritillary of war. Thanks for the reaction and thaks Jeff for requesting.
Eric Bogle is a phenomenal songwriter.
There are two more of his songs, based on war themes :
"No Man's Land " and "It's as if he knows" - both are worth listening to.
The first is about a man, talking to the grave of a fallen soldier.
The second one is about the 120,000 horses, that were sent overseas, as part of the Australian light horsemen in WW1 - Of the 120,000 horses that were sent, only one returned to Australia.
Thanks Mike. Well said. Cheers from Sydney. P.S. "Lest we forget", too right!
You're right sir "lest we forget"
664 Officers & 17,260 enlisted just from Australia were injured in this campaign, out of a total of 142,000 were injured in the action. He wrote this song after seeing his first Anzac day parade in 1971
Australian casualties at Gallipoli ( 25 April 1915 - 9 January 1916 ) were between 8,100 to 8,700 KIA and around 18,000 wounded
Not to diminish the losses at Gallipoli but on the first day of the first major battle by Australians on the Western Front was at the village of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 with over 5,500 casualties while over 46,000 Australians were KIA on the Western Front
@malcolmrayner3480 hey Mal, welcome to Mike's place.
During the First World War the AIF was a 100% volunteer force. My family had 4 brothers and father fight in the war, we lost 2 both at Gallipoli. If you get a chance, watch the 80s movie Gallipoli with Mel Gibson. It's a great anti war film. Thanks for all your reactions.
I love that song, but cannot listen to it with out the flood gates opening! Keep doing what you're doing mate, love these reactions
A great classic song about war and its effect on people. As a ex marine you will get this song more than most. Look into Gallipoli it may interest you.
This video with the photos was excellent ! Congratulations to the maker. Eric Bogle, who wrote and sang this song, is a Scottish - Ausratralian who speaks with a Scottish accent. He did a good job of (almost) imitating the Aussie accent. 'Waltzing Matilda' means to go around the countryside seeking work. A 'matilda' is a swag of possessions rolled up in a tent and carried. Many young men and boys volunteered to go to this war, WW1, excited to see the world. They had no real understanding of what war was like. The army kept them together if they came from the same town/area. This was a mistake as many small towns had their population of young men wiped out. It was never repeated.
For Australia WW1 was a voluntary war no conscription and 60,000 died from a population of under 5 million. The much bigger US lost 58,000 to fighting (Spanish flu killed more soldiers). Please watch " I was only 19" a Vietnam war song best version may be by skinnious chinnious but the offical Redgum version (A walk in light green) is also good. Makes you want to cry for all those poor bastards sent off to war.
I LOVE your truck......I wrote this before I watched the reaction. I knew I would be in tears afterwards.
thank you
ANZAC day is a very big thing in Australia. Our dawn services have big turn outs from every ages. Even over Covid, people lined up on their driveways at 4.30am to honour our fallen.
I remember when I was a boy in the early 1960s, I would see the old Anzacs with their missing arms, legs and crutches.There was also a lot of repatriation hospitals scattered around the suburbs and filled with wounded soldiers who were physically destroyed.
Hi from Australia, Thanks Mike you've differently won the Aussies over, I had an Uncle that died in Vietnam and your right what for. Cheers.🦘🇦🇺
Australia lost up to 1.3% of its population in WW1. That may not sound like much, but for such a small nation that had barely even been a nation for a decade, the effect was monumental. We learn about Gallipoli and the ANZACs in school, but this song puts it into all too real human perspective. I tear up every time I hear it.
Yes life was fairly hard here in those days early 1915...and many young innocent men saw it as an opportunity for something better....many 'kids' also ran off to join some only 15 or 16...but I've heard those ships were landed on the wrong beach....and the 'turks' had massive artillery and soldiers dug into the side of the hills. But we do 'Remember' those fallen in all wars each A.N.Z.A.C. Day ..They march NOT to glorify war but to 'Remember' the fallen and also the serving soldiers of today. 'Lest We Forget' 🏵
* Anzac Day. ANZAC when referring to the troops and Anzac for biscuits or whatever.
Yes my grandfather signed up when he was 15 and went to Gallipoli.
I loved that intro. Thank you for sharing a slice of your life.
Contrary to Bogle's lyric that the war is forgotten, that's not the case. Australians have a public holiday, ANZAC Day, that commemorates that terrible loss of Australian and New Zealander life in the defeat at Gallipoli in WWI. Children grow up learning about the ANZACs, schools hold an ANZAC ceremony close to the date that usually includes the story of that battle in some form. The march includes vets from all the wars since WWI, and children and grandchildren will march carrying or wearing the medals of vet parents and grandparents.
We don't glorify war here.
We have had a mini series called Gallipoli and another called ANZACS, before. That may interest you. Lest we forget.
There was no conscription in WW1 in Australia. They were all volunteers! My grandfather signed up underage he was 15! They discovered this when he was about to storm the beach at Gallipoli, the fight this song is about. He was transferred to a hospital ship and sent to England. All of his mates were killed there, he was the only survivor of his group. The Australians were sent to Gallipoli as a distraction to where the British troops were landing further up the coast. They were cannon fodder! The British were sitting drinking tea on their beach, while the Australians were being slaughtered. After that my Grandfather held a deep hatred for the British and the fact that the English monarchy were the Australian head of state. He became a life long Republican arguing for Australian independence! So many lives lost for nothing!!
You're a good man mate. Great reaction.
I appreciate that brother..
I've heard that about 500 times and it still gets to me today. War is a crazy thing where old men send young men to die, unfortunately, it's sometimes necessary to stand up to evil.
Lest we forget. And that light shirt is a flanno if we're doing Australian tonight. 👍
There can be no doubt that right was on their side in both World Wars. We are grateful for those who served.
Thanks Mike! I’m now crying into my cereal while watching this! This is beautiful, however EXTREMELY sad! Thank you again! Love your channel! Peace and Blessings to you and your family from Australia.
Me too...never fails
when my great grandfather joined the army for ww1 Gallipoli was over he served in France. ww2 my grandfather father served the army up in Darwin
A beautiful song as I listen again after many listens. I do take issue with his inference that people have forgotten their sacrifice, not so, all our WWI soldiers have gone, even most of our WWII warriors have now gone, but they will never be forgotten. Those waving flags and attending dawn services and watching marches is growing each year. Australia does teach subsequent generations how important those wars were, all wars since in fact and the sacrifices that were made. In fact Australia's identity as a very young country was forged during the theatre of The Boer War and WWI. May I suggest Mike, you check out a video on our National War Memorial in Canberra. It is the largest memorial in the world. To honour and remember our dead and those maemed, well it is impossible to put into words how much it means to us, but it is just who we are. We will remember them....
Eric is Scottish, and he has the accent to prove it.
I can recommend arguably the best war movie made, the 1981 movie Gallipoli. It stars a young Mel Gibson.
That's a great (real) movie! Unlike America, Australians do not glorify war and make it more popular by adding ridiculous romantic scenes or songs to attract a greater audience! 🙋
I have the same philosophy . If I wake up in the morning, then I am already having a good day.
The Australians in the first world war was the ONLY major force of soldiers that was all volunteer.
G'day mike
Thanks mate
It's tough but honest song
Yeah Hollywood does glamorise it
I'm fortunate that I've never had to serve
But I respect those who do and have
These guys never treated right if they make it back
Our l8fes are because of these very individuals
Aussie's haven't forgotten the turn out to ANZAC day
Are bigger then ever more young attending
They are taking as children to dawn memorials then the march
Most are taught the family history and why we do it
Because almost if not ever family born here have losted atleast one person to war
The best thing is even the people migrating and visitors at this time come and support the day
So it'll be a long time before they're forgotten and no one marching
The family members are allowed to march in their place's once they've past and can wear the metals in honour
But can't wear full uniform as none serving and some kids march with their grand parents medals at young age accompanied by a adult guardian so their sacrifices is never forgotten
Even during lock down covid they banned it but couldn't stop the people celibating it
People up at crack of dawn stood at their fence and remembered them and radio stations played the ceremony
There's always some who hate it and saying it shouldn't happen as glorifying war but very much the minority
As they get explained we are not glorifying war but honouring those who had to sacrifice everything for you and us
To be able to have what we can today Even you free speech against the day
We all can agree wars horrible but that's not what the days about and by keeping it reliviant as history
It's something we can learn from and try to avoid if ever possible and that's what all history is to learn from good and the bad
For future of our country and humanity
There's no winners in war just tragedy for all involved especially those who in the firing line and there families
As no one comes back the same and battle hardening is a true thing and never leaves them
Because they've need to be like that to survive and something never can be turned off
Why some can't re-adjust to society anymore and others fight it for the rest of their lives but manage to function in various ways in society
Cheers again Mike 🦘🇦🇺👍
HI Mike, this was the 1st ww I would recommend the Australian Vietnam war movie Danger close
if you can find it, it's not Hollywood scripted so its as close as you would get to the real thing,
I wasn't there so this is only my opinion of cause
great reaction. the futility of war has always left me wondering who is benefiting from the conflicts other than the people making money from the arms sales.?
My fav song rips my heart out everytime I makes me cry everytime
Yes Mike this is a special song for us mate, the only good thing that came out of the battle of Gallopili after 9 months of endless carnage was the evacuation that was so secret and so well planned that none were injured or even heard by the Turkish troops, who the next day sent in a huge charge at the trenches only to find them empty except for some gifts left behind by the troops. As a man who served his country Australia in uniform I appreciate your heartfelt love for all military services mate.
Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘❤❤❤❤🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶
Thank you, and you too my friend.
Lest we forget, and I agree Eric Bogle & John Williamson do sound similar, John has actually covered this song as well. Thank you for this reaction mate, I think most Aussies have a soft spot for this and other songs honouring our military, not from any instilled patriotism but more from simple appreciation, all of us would have some connection to the armed forces, some family member who served, I guess when you have a small population it stands to reason.
The Australian forces in world war one were all volunteers, no conscripts. The government of the day tried to introduce a draft, but it was defeated in a referendum (if I remember correctly).
Mate !!! Well done ! Slim Dusty doing his outdoor night time fire side Waltzing Matilda , I'm sure the comments will help you out about the story line .
R.I.P SLIM .
The tale of retreat from Gallipoli is legendary Mike. Johnny Turk had no idea they'd gone. Won't explain why , because I would like you to look it up.
Thanks Mike. This is Eric Bogle's song however i grew up hearing John Williamson's version, which is equally as good.
Thanks for your posting this and your insight. Firstly allow me say this..... This was the first Baptism of Fire our Australian Troops faced in WW1. Sent to Turkey to fight the Turkish and keep the Dardinelle Straights open to shipping. The British Intellegence to us that the Turks were 'not up to a fight' bcause they were porely equipt and not much of an Army. How worong that intellegence was. Turkey was suppied arms and ammunition by the Germans and had prior knowledge of our arrival by sea. Secondly, instead of sailing and landing at a given point on the Penisular where it was safe to land and a gentle rise from ocean to land and move forward, they were given wrong information and instead of easy progress off the beach, the Australian landing at Suvla (now called ANZAC Cove) they were immediatly faced with cliff faces over hundreds of feet tall. They became easy target for the Turks. All of them were Australian and New Zealand soldiers. The British used them as cannon fodder. A massive error by the British Government and British Intelligence. A battle we will never forget and hence our ANZAC Day Commeration is held 25th April on the day in recognition going back to 1915 when our troops landed here during the darkness of dawn. I'm a 76 year old Veteran that served in two different theaters of war. Firstly Malaysian/Indonesian Confrontation and then years of back-and-forth to Vietnam. So maybe I am biased.
I'm not sure if anyone has explained, a Matilda is a swag or backpack for more modern day word. And a Swagman / Swaggy, is like your old Hobo's who would jump Trains or walk everywhere.
Mike, in the first WW our Ties to England were greater than now and our men volunteered to go protect England. You are right about the futility of war. My grandfather served in France and was gassed , however survived it. While difficult to understand now, it was a thing at the time that as part of the British Empire we had to defend England.
my grandmother often said it was such a crime to see all those tall healthy good looking boys marching off to that horrible war. our government wanted to make a good impression so the first ones were selected from the cream of our countries men. her stepfather came back after being gassed in france, it got past his eyes and slowly ate away at his brain until he shot himself under the apple tree.
poor man. RIP
Mason Cox , is a fellow Texan , he plays AFL for Collingwood , people say he’s picked up an Aussie accent , you should watch and listen to him and see if he’s “ lost “ his Texan Twang 🖤🤍🖤🤍
The BEST War Photographers in WW2 was an Australian 🇦🇺 man. I just can’t remember his name now. I will ask my sister.
Damian parer?
@@Teejayhaych28 Yes! Thank you.
Every Australian soldier in WW1 was a volunteer. There was no conscription. The ANZAC day marches allow us to remember and appreciate the sacrifices of our service people. Nowadays, it is children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who march with the medals and banners of WW1, WW2 and other wars. I like this song, but the question why people march is not to glorify war or courage in battle. It is to remember those who fought so we can live free in the luckiest country on Earth. Lest we forget.
I couldn't agree more. Men fight so that the bratty rich can get their hands on resources or just to get their own way. It's time that people woke up to this. We are fighting other humans and killing each but for what?! They mean us no harm to us and we mean no harm to them, we are pushed to fight each other. It's sick! I once watched a video where an American man was in tears after watching this.
Good thoughts Mike
Australia definitely does not glamorise War.
We understand the importance of it to defend outselves, but it takes a very real threat for us to get riled up enough to go to war.
Me morn for all those that served both dead and alive.
We do not celebrate war but we commemorate their lives and pay our respects for those that served.
RSL's are dotted all over the country in each town and suburb.
Each of them with their alters or monuments with every local's name that died and didn't always return.
Aussie movies tend to be very brutal and honest to show the horrors that happen. They do not glamorise it.
Gallipoli campaign, brought to you by Winston Churchill, a huge disaster for all concerned.
If you can get to the end of this song without a tear in your eye, you aint human. It is the saddest most poignant anti war song ever. It is right up there with the last few minutes of "Blackadder goes forth"
Gallipoli ( Mel Gibson ) WW 1
Paradise Road ( Glenn Close Frances mcdiarmed
Changi . Australians aren’t scared to show the Brutality of war especially in “ our Neighbourhood “
I showed Paradise Road to my 10 year old son , it was his 1st war movie
I went to Gallipoli as an Australian tourist in 2013. I’ve never been so embarrassed in my life. We invaded their country and killed 90 thousand of their citizens and I’m wondering about in a Hawaiian shirt with a camera. The Turks lost 87,000 and we (Anzacs ie Australia & New Zealand, British, Dutch, Americans) lost 40,000 and there were nearly 400,000 injured. The battles lasted 260 days and at the end we still didn’t control the Dardanelles but did know that someone defending their home AIN’T going to give up. Same thing happened in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Ukraine and so on and so on. It’s a sacred site to Australians, it’s a VERY important part of our history as it is when we became a nation internationally but it’s also a sacred site to the Turks, you can feel the ghosts, and I was uncomfortable being there.
And yet, had the Allies allowed free passage through the Dardanelles, we possible would have had a Kaiser visiting this week.
@@Bellas1717 Sorry I forgot the New Zealanders who were in the very thick of it. Unitentional. My apologies.
To say we "invaded" is a gross miss -reading of history and the situation at hand. Don't forget that the Ottoman Empire had allied with Germany.
@@A2thaMFK not my words. I read a biography of the commander of one of the British naval vessels. Sorry can’t remember his name but he said “ We were tasked by the Admiralty to land an invasion force on the beaches of Gallipoli with acceptable casualties”. An invasion force is, by definition, invading
@@Bellas1717 edited my statement but I don’t expect you to delete yours. You make a valid point about the Kaiser
The sad thing is that humans keep making the same mistakes, normally for greed or hatred. Lives lost or ruined for stupid reasons 😔
something you should check out is the battle of Hamel it was the first time Australia and America went into battle side by side as far as battles on the western front go it was a bit of a side show Australian General Sir John Monash planned this battle down to the last detail he was pissed off because he planned it to last 90 mins it went 92 min but what set this battle apart was the fact it was first time combined arms were used in battle the Germans had know idea what them
Very moving song.
Lest We Forget🌺
50°f is about 10°c, general rule of thumb is Fahrenheit to Celsius subtract 30 then divide by 2. Celsius to Fahrenheit times by 2 then add 30. This will give you a close approximation
8:55. Until "saving private Ryan" war was sanitised in movies... that movie showed much more graphically the horror and carnage of battle.
Australian war movies do not glamorise war.
American war movies do.
Australian war movies tend to be dark and brutal and there is no flag waving.
The Gallipoli campaign of ww1 was a turning point in Australian history and will never be forgotten.
Son of Buck, {Mike}.
Thank you for playing this song, sadly as time goes on great songs of story telling fade from ones memory, I do know that I have this track somewhere in my record collection, but as I said, songs fade into the past as we continue our journey through life. As I said at the beginning, thank you for playing it, and thank you to the person who requested that you play/listen to it. I also appreciate your commentary, it is so insightful and I along with others get to understand the subject in a whole different light.
Ever Australian soldier in both World wars were ALL volunteers. Only those that fought in the south pacific in WW2 fought for Australia. All others fought to save Britian without much thanks, I may add.
Morning Mike
if you're a horse person the poem "the last parade" read by lea taylor is hard to listen to. the last few verses have been omitted from most publications due to early government pressure but can be found if you look, it makes a big difference.
For a really good Vietnam movie, you could do worse than watch "The odd angry shot". Came out in 1979. One of the first, and best. Boredom in the most part, brutal for a bit, (the depiction of war that is, the way they deal with that is the entertainment). All in all, a movie that transcends battles to depict the eternal soldier/conscript throughout history, seeing/doing terrible things, trying to make it through. And Chance is up front as always.
Like the reacts. Getting the Australian pile-on I see. Still, could be worse.
You could have got NZ.
You fight for the guy next to you, so that he can fight for you.
Brother.
agreed...
Aah leaky eyes every time. If nly people could talk and find what they have in common. Before the fight.
Yes, perhaps due to the trench warfare, it is interesting how the Turks and Aussies went on to become lifetime mates! They shared so much!
ww 1 propaganda encouraged and often pressured men to enlist in the armed forces, duty for the British Empire, regular pay
and adventure
In Australia we commemorate our heroes of all wars on what we call ANZAC DAY, 25th April, every year. We don't "celebrate" with parties and fireworks like some countries do. We start with a dawn service, because that's when the ANZACS landed at Gallipoli. many go on to have a 'Gun Fire Breakfast' at their local Returned Serviceman's Club, then maybe on to watch the veterans march to the local cenotaph where another service is held. Respects to your reaction, but we didn't forget those who gave so much for us '6 months later'. Well over 100 years later We Still Remember Them and appreciate all they gave for us in all wars. Ex Navy. Australia.
Absolutely WRONG...both world wars were significant in a country with a small population and they were never forgotten and they DID have a choice, they VOLUNTEERED ~!!!!
WW1 1914-1918.
And then the Spanish Flu! 😪
Song , 'War , what is it good for ? Absolutely nothing !
Mason Cox , is a fellow Texan , he plays AFL for Collingwood , people say he’s picked up an Aussie accent , you should watch and listen to him and see if he’s “ lost “ his Texan Twang 🖤🤍🖤🤍
He did react to the video about Mason 😊❤