“HE WAS MY FRIEND”

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22475, 9 January 1943, Page 3

“HE WAS MY FRIEND”

Comradeship Of War The following article by Colonel F. Waite, Patriotic Fund Commissioner in the Middle East, originally appeared in the “N.Z.E.F. Times,” to which Colonel Waite is a frequent contributor:— The great soldier, Julius Caesar, in one of his long-drawn-out foreign wars, discovered that his troops were discontented and becoming riotous, almost mutinous. He called them together, and, even on parade, the mutterings were loud and long. But the murmuring died away when, lifting up his hand, he addressed them simply as: “Comrades.” One of the redeeming things about soldiering overseas is the very real comradeship and friendship between officers and men of all ranks. In a volunteer citizen army such as the Second N.Z.E.F. this spirit is very noticeable. It is a valuable spiritual asset All our lives we have heard the phrase, “the brotherhood of man.” But not many of us really appreciate its full meaning until we have suffered in war. Common dangers and common sufferings make us plan and work and fight together in a great brotherhood. A wise man once wrote: "A true friend Is distinguished in the crisis of hazard and necessity, when the gallantry of his aid may show the worth of his soul and the loyalty of his heart.” A Wiser One still spoke these memorable words: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Friendship and comradeship in the army are built on trust, on learning that the man near you is dependable in the direst emergency. A soldier’s life is an insecure one, and full of hazards. He makes staunch friends, but he is continually being parted from them. His life is a succession of "good-byes.” It is not surprising that the favourite song of the New Zealand soldier is “Now is the Hour that We Must Say Good-bye,” with its haunting Maoriland melody and memories. To those of our friends whom we shall not see on this earth again, an Australian poet has written some beautiful lines. The Absent Comrade speaks: I ask one thing; that, in still far-off days, Someone who knew me should, *.n their daily round. Suddenly pause, caught by some sight or sound, Some glance, some phrase, some trick of memory’s ways, , Which brings me to their mind; then I

shall wait Eager with hope, to hear them say: "How great If he were here.” Then, softly, at the

end All that I ask for, just, "He was my friend."