National Service 1950's

 

                          National Service 1950’s

Discipline, respect, manners, days of yore

youth, National Service, at attention swore

allegiance to Australia, heartfelt emotion,

prepare, Korean war, based on conscription.

 

Popular gossip, serve six months air force,

best mess meals, compared to navy, army, of course, 

arrived via Canberra, base Fairbairn aerodrome,

majority, first time away as a teen from home.

 

Nashos understandably lacked basic knowledge,

daily, officers strictly trained them to the edge,

creating team skills though from varied backgrounds,

“B” flight hut, now care and share, results profound.

 

Corporals pre breakfast inspect huts, beds,

bounce two-shilling coin, check firmness on ends,

if punished, forced to run with 303, overhead,

when completed, arms, legs, felt like lead.

 

Protocol strictly adhered, but hard to contain 24/7,

on occasions, transgressed by athletic young men,

roamed city on Saturday night, frolicked and dance.

Rumour:

Bromide in mess, deletes fulfilment, thus romance!

 

Pitch-black night major challenge by command

dropped squad near forest, just one compass on hand,

we smugly hired carrier, which tracked us to site,

when officers left, ate rations around fire, past midnight.

 

Hour’s fly, driver drops crew on road near base,

faking fatigue march to hut, then proudly embrace.

 

A daylight recce in pairs search for mystical enemy,

separated, lost Nasho locates edge of Murrumbidgee,

yelled out help to couple romancing, opposite bank,

inspired, nervous, in uniform slings rifle across his back.

Suddenly male lover hails!

Leave all gear behind, so naked, swims river in flood,

rug snug, driven to camp, but reception not good,

officers demanded, he must return, and locate 303,

next day, bonded mate joined him, ensuring empathy.

 

 

 Alan Pinkus                                                              alpinkuspoetry.blogspot.com