A great song to be sure; not as epic as "The Band Played . . .", but a fitting sequel nonetheless.

Sidenotes:

The song was written to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Galipolli, when as many veterans as were able to make the trip were taken back to Suvla Bay for the ceremony.

Another interesting parallel: Galipolli marked the first time the Australian Army had fought as a unit under its own officers; much as the battle of Vimy Ridge was the first that the Canadian Army fought as itself rather than under British officers as part of the Allied Expeditionary Forces.

Near the end of "The Band Played . . ." is the line: "But year by year more old men disappear; soon no one will march there at all." The last of the surviving veterans has passed away. For the last 2 years there has been no-one left to "answer the call".


And lastly to 'Marion from Cornwall', thank you so very much for the chords. You've made things much easier for me; I am in your debt.