War - Ww2 - The Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion Poem by Paul Warren

In 1942 in the dark days of World War Two
The Japanese went south blasting through
Australia had to enlist men to fight them
Forming the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion

These men decided that they would defend their land
And to a man volunteered to make a patriotic stand
So they manned defences around Horn Island
Standing shoulder to shoulder with Allied Servicemen

This story had a twist that was difficult in today's world to define
About equality and proper treatment of these soldiers in mind
The Australian Government decided that equal pay for them
Would not occur worrying about post war wages for these men

So it was half wages while they manned these defences
Taking the same chances during Japanese Air Raids
As did each Australian and American soldier boy
With less money earned during the time deployed.

© Paul Warren Poetry