Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

"The Sailing of the Troopship.

The following poem was composed by Private. W. S. Simpson, of Canterbury, who was in Egypt, on board a troopship, but now reported as missing. He is a nephew of Mrs. Whiffin, of Lower Heidelberg road, and prior to enlisting was a student for the Baptist ministry.

They strain, they slack, she gently heaves and sways; She hoots and creaks the sailors chant their lays;

Slow from the wharf she sings with circling gait, Her bulwarks line on line of human freight.

True as the hearts that beat'neath khaki cloth, Loud are the cheers that ring from men not sloth

To answer with their lives their country's call, Her honor to uphold in spite of all.

"Safe home ! Farewell!" the voices fainter grow. As outward bound the vessel points her prow,

Slow down the stream she drops, then gathering way Swiftly she bears her freight toward the fray,

Ne'er were there men so brave and true as these, Leaving behind their loved ones, home and ease.

Knowing the fate of those who went before, Whose blood was spilt to 'pease the God of War.

Now up, now down, she swings her onward course; Now to, now fro, her engines throbbing hoarse;

Proudly she mounts the hills, then sinks the vales, As mile on mile of azure main she sails.

And sweet the thoughts which dare link mind and mind Of those out here and loved ones left behind;

Whilst from the heart there speeds an earnest prayer "Of those we love, O God, wilt Thou take care?"

Still on, and on, across the trackless deep, By day by night, unerring doth she keep,

Her only will to do the will of man. Her best to give, and thus fulfil his plan.

Within her bowels unconsciously she holds God's greatest creatures - many precious souls;

And He it is Who never tires nor sleeps Spreads o'er His own a shield, and safely keeps.

Then on, press on, ye warriors brave and true, Fight for your God, your Country, and your King, And all the world forthwith your praise shall sing.

Ne'er was a battle lost when fought for right, For right was never worsted in fair fight.

Reward shall come, and strife will have to cease, And Earth shall have a universal peace." - from the Heidelberg News and Greensborough, Eltham and Diamond Creek Chronicle 04 Nov 1916 (nla.gov.au)

"MISSING SOLDIER.

Mr and Mrs R. Simpson of Daphne street, Canterbury, would be grateful if any returned soldier or their friends could supply them with any information regarding their son, Private W. S. Simpson, No. 3,239, B Company, 59th Battalion, 15th Infantry Brigrade, who has been reported "missing" since July 19." - from the Melbourne Argus 20 Dec 1916 (nla.gov.au)