Germans in Australia as the Great War began attracted great suspicion and had to make hurried decisions about what to do, what to say. One hundred years ago today the Australian Worker broke into verse.
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"FRIENDS IN NEED.
"The bandmaster of one of the German [oompah] Bands in Sydney was asked if he and his men were returning to Germany. His reply was: 'No. We stay here, and if there is any fighting to be done we fight for Australia.' "
Within the sullen skies afar, a bloody dawn flames red,/Slipped from their leash the dogs of war - vultures wheel o'erhead./ Like autumn leaves battalions fall, In some far distant land./Are we downhearted? Not at all. We've got the German Band!
The grand old Mother [Britain] soon may be involved in fearful fight./Then who will help us oversea - through War's abhorrent night?/ In dreadful isolation must Her southern daughter stand?/ Ah! no, they'll see us through or bust - The good old German Band!
Five thousand leagues of coastline wait The coming of the foe,/ And there is many an open gate, and forts are few, you know./Then must defeat's embittered cup be thrust within our hand?/ Not much — they're going to back us up, - The dear old German Band!
And all the years that I may live, I shall regret, I own,/The pennies that I did not give The man with the trombone./ 'Tis only in our hour of need such things we understand./Some live for Glory - some for Greed - but God bless the German Band!
