War - Ww1 - The Measuring Stick Poem by Paul Warren

On the 6 August 1915 on Gallipoli there was an Australian attack
Against the Turkish Lone Pine who fiercely held them back
Their attack was a brigade in a diversionary battle
Capturing the main trench really showed their mettle
For three long days they fought for the ground
Against Turkish counterattacks to grind them down

There was hand to hand fighting and no quarter given
With dead and dying mates on the floor of the trench striven
The only concession that was made to each poor dead soul
Was not to step of their faces while they measured the toll
The Australians didn't give up the hard won ground
And it was the measuring stick when comparing later battles found.

© Paul Warren Poetry