By the courtesy of the Australian Broadcasting Commission I’m able to send a few words of farewell to my old comrades of the AIF and the NZEF, for throughout the war we were one force in spirit and brotherhood.
Twenty-three years have passed since we first served together at the beginning of the war. As time goes on, the bonds that brought us all together and kept us together – bonds of common loyalty, determination of each of us to do our utmost for the cause for which we fought and, as far as I am concerned, of esteem, affection and pride in my comrades – have drawn much closer as the years pass by.
The reception given to me in Perth by the very large number of my old AIF comrades can leave no doubt in the mind of anyone as to the fact that old memories are not forgotten and we can each of us feel that we are still members of that band of brothers which I believe we all hoped ourselves to be at Anzac.
The long-forgotten memories revived as we have together fought our battles over again – incidentally, perhaps, revivified by my recent visit to the peninsula – have indeed been wonderful, and have often brought back, so clearly, thoughts of the gallant deeds of some of our bravest who, alas, are now no longer with us.
Amongst others whom I have been able to visit are the comparatively large numbers who, I’m sorry to say, are still in hospital. It must sound paradoxical to say that I have been both glad and sorry to see them; really deeply sorry that after all these years there should still be men suffering as a result of wounds, gas and TB, but proud and glad to see the really wonderful way in which, without exception, their suffering is being faced and cheerfully borne. Indeed, the bearing of these men is an object lesson to every one of us.
