George Mansford

THE COST OF SOLDIERING

There was some news the other day
With an official announcement to the press
“There’s more to soldiering than just the pay
We provide everything free; beds, food and the rest
When we send our military overseas to fight
We work hard at it with all our might”

Let’s hope the tax man wasn’t listening to the show
Decides money’s to be made and follows in hot pursuit
Gawd, imagine how the coffers of Treasury could grow
With heaps more ill gotten gains and loot
By changing rules which would also be retrospect
Then recover costs by credit card, cash or cheque

A Bill for rent of trenches where veterans slept
Rates for water drunk from rivers and brooks
And cost of rations for each hungry mouth to be kept
Medical fees for treatment when wounded or crook
And if a bloke or Sheila uses too much ammunition
The culprit must pay up as part of the contrition

How the money could roll in, over and over again
Don’t forget fares that have to be paid
For travelling to war in ships, trucks, trains and planes
Or hiring out parachutes for those special raids
Even better, the use of horses, dog, mules and camels too
And there has to be an IOU on toilet paper for the loo

In Canberra where pencil pushers seek fame
It seems common sense will never ever be found
Nor to understand ordeals of those in the soldiering game
Where warriors serve and by solemn oath are bound
So when officials boast that every thing is free
Never forget the price paid in life and limb for you and me

Author’s Note: In Canberra an official spokesman in defending the charge of five dollars per can of beer for soldiers on Christmas Day pointed out that the government gave them free accommodation, food and other considerations when deployed overseas.