WHOBAA COMMUNITY MESSAGE FORUM - By digitalcreations

A Waler's not for sailors they're for people on dry land
they were bred for working cattle and for war in foreign lands
they are honest, they are faithful, give their all when asked to do
yes the Waler from Australia they are Aussies through and through

Nobel and courageous
Wise, quiet and serene
Not just a beast of burden
A true friend on which to lean

Yes, the Waler from Australia
His story we will share
For gallant deeds in days gone by
No other can compare

The evolution of the Waler
To thrive and prosper on their own
Where weekness shows no mercy
In a land they call their home

Wide as a truck and ugly as sin
Who knows where the bugger has bin
Too wise to believe and makes you think twice
Is it good to be taught instead of versa vice
Hairy and scary and right out of fashion
They get to ya - but -
Is it madness or passion?!

No matter the look nor colour of mane
A heart full of courage
A hand full of grain
Would carry our diggers
Until they were slain
These Walers who went off to war

The struggle for freedom has ended they say,
The days of fatigue and Remorse,
But our hearts one and all are in memory today,
We are losing our old friend, the Horse.

The old quadruped that has carried us thro'
The sand ridden caravan track
And shared in the charge of the gallant and true
With the boys who will never come back.

Oh those long weary days thro' a miniature hell
Short of water and nothing to eat,
Each hour we climbed down for a few minutes' spell
And dozed safe and sound at your feet.

When the enemy shrapnel broke overhead,
As we passed up that Valley of Death,
You never once slackened in that hail of lead
Though the boldest of all held their breath.

But we never forgot you, old Comrade and friend,
When the QM Dump hove in sight.
What the Buckshee to Gippo's we scored in the end
And your rations were doubled that night.

Then came the long journey, the greatest of all,
The cavalry stunt of the world.
The sons of Australia had answered the call
And the Ensign of Freedom unfurled.

And now we are leaving you footsore and worn
To the land where the Mitchell grass grew,
Where you frolicked like lambs in the sweet scented morn,
To the song of the Dismal Curlew.

So farewell to the Yarraman old warhorse, farewell,
Be you mulga bred chestnut or bay.
If there's a hereafter for horses as well
Then may we be with you some day.

[/b]From the archives, author unknown

Gees, what can I say,
but give me some hay
I am weeping and my wallet, it's seeping

So our Waler from Australia has fared well
From the desert, barren plains they have fared well
From the scorching sun out west
From the scars upon his chest
Yes! our Waler from Australia has fared well

now give me a rebel yell

This was published in The Cape Argus, May 2nd, 1904, sent in by "Mercy" of Barnet Street, Gardens, Cape Town.
In support of young Witton, last man left of the Morant courtmartial...

Behind stone walls and iron gate
Within a dungeon grey,
A soldier - a boy - a prey to fate,
Has languished many a day.

His loved ones in a far-off land
In silence sad await
The effort of a sturdy band
To open the prison gate.

Through Empire you may hear ring
The cry of thousands strong:
"Release this soldier of the King"
And right "an Empire wrong".

Your Royal mercy, Sovereign great,
We pray for this poor lad;
Oh free him from his cruel fate
And make an Empire glad.

Did this lad decide himself,
my anger I will vent?
or, orders from an officer,
is this the true extent?

Take his hand, stand by his side,
Oh Sovereign Lord we pray,
grant him peace and rest his soul
To-Day, is Judgement Day.

Wow, did you make that up? Pretty good! Witton got freed eventually I guess you know.
oops I better make a rhyme

The Bushveldt Carbineers
Got a few bum steers
Two got shot
One was not
Let's toast them with some beers

If you want to wash the dust from your eyes, check this by Eric Bogle

http://www.ericbogle.net/lyrics/lyricspdf/asifheknows.pdf

Sign beside paddock containing various breeds of horses and one Waler; at Collingwood Children's Farm, Vic.

"Pick the Waler"

"Strong of bone, sure of feet -
A truer friend, you’ll never meet.
Work the stock, pull the cart -
Plain of looks, big of heart.
Hard of hoof, soft of eye -
Bears the blood of days gone bye.
Bred to work, not to show –
The Waler horse …so now you know"