A Jungle Bashers lot.
By
Dave Bishop
Somerset Light Infantry.
Malaya. 1954.

The jungle path was long and hard
Progress was measured by the yard,
How deep into the mass we'd go
Not even we would really know.
The sweltering heat the sodden rain
Would hamper every yard we'd gain,
As night would fall we rest in sleep
Untill the early morning creep.
Another day of search and track
With loaded kit upon our back.

Of weapons always at the ready, we carry on so sure, so steady.
A sound ahead, now what was that?
So for a while, listen and squat.
Was it the foe we'd come to hunt?
or was it just a monkey's grunt?
An eerie silence fills the air
A sign of movement some where, where?
So close are we to these our foe,
We must advance, and bravely go.
A fleeting glance, we first do see, as we creep to our enemy.

They scatter every way do them, but they cannot out run the Bren.
Some fall in death, for evermore,
A gruesome sight on jungles floor.
Young Lad's who'd grown up into Men,
Had done their job, but couldn't rest then.
For there is plenty more to do.
The follow up, the slightest clue.
Oh. When will this thick jungle ever end?
That had made Boys grow into Men.
Another night to sleep and rest,
Again tomorrow we'll do our best.
We'll carry out those we have slain,
We even do not know their name.
Strapped to a pole, for all to see.
Their bodies led beneath a tree.
A lesson there for, those who may,
To live their lives a better way.

If you have a anecdote, funny story, limerick or song that you remember from your service, we would like to publish it.
Please send your stories or songs to James Paul

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