Black diggers quotes based on themes

Racism

1. “Oh hell, don’t tell me it’s a bloody picaninny.” (Settler, Page 13). Picaninny means a small
black child. Here, the theme of racism is present, the white settlers discriminate against
Aborigines and do not treat them the same as white people.
2. “let the dogs worry about it”. (Boundary rider, Page 13). The Aborigine is described as it,
shows the white people’s condemnation of Aborigines and how they are not considered as
worthy as them. The baby is compared to an animal, showing their discrimination and
highlighting how the Aborigine is not worthy to live.
3. “Perfect specimen”. (Taxidermist, Page 14). This shows how the baby Aboriginal is being
looked at as though it is an animal. The writer implies here the lack of equality shown for
Aboriginal Australians compared to white people. Tom Wright criticizes the Australian
government for the discrimination shown towards Aborigines and the suffering that they
inflicted on Aborigines.
4. “No, he’s an ape. But they’re related to us”. (Taxidermist, Page 19).
5. “I’ll tell you one day. Look, a chimpanzee. They are our closest relatives”. (Taxidermist, Page
20).
6. “The world- the bigger, grown up world- is a complicated, difficult place.” (Taxiddrmist, Page
20). The taxidermist is talking to Nigel as his son wanting to protect him from the horrors of
the world and not yet tell as to how his parents were killed.
7. “Reason: Of strongly Aboriginal appearance” (Ern, Page 23).
8. “Substantially European”. (Recruiting SGT, Page 23).
9. “Flat feet (Aboriginal)” (Norm, Page 23).
10. “No white parentage” (Bob, Page 23).
11. “Very strongly aboriginal in type”. (Clerk, Page 25).
12. “We can’t have darkies in the same battalions as white chaps”. (Page 24). The secretary at
the recruiting hall demonstrates the attitudes of many about Indigenous trying to enlist in
the army. Aboriginal people are seen to be inferior compared to white people.
13. “Them Australian niggers, live on the creek bank, never wash.” (2 nd Trinidadian, Page 36).
This demonstrates the stereotypes and attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians.
14. “They slow, them Australian niggers”. (2nd Trinidadian, Page 36). This demonstrates the
stereotypes and attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians.
15. “That’s what the world’s like, son. You can go to the Tower of London or the Pyramids or
wherever, it’s still the world. And you won’[t be allowed through the wire”. (Bertie’s mum,
Page 40). Bertie’s mum seems to have a pessimistic mindset to the world based on her
experiences of being discriminated during to being an Aboriginal. This relates to the theme
of belonging and discrimination. Tom Wright places emphasis on the importance of
optimism and respect towards Aboriginal people. The taxidermist is forewarning Nigel of the
true reality of the world.
16. “Even the officer looked at me with new eyes, the half caste was rising in estimation”.
(Ghost, Page 47). The ghost believes he was looked upon more favourably after he’d
successfully taken three German machine gun nests.
17. “But me, I’m moving, Moving in my own way across rivers, even if they aren’t my own. And
I’ll be here til everyone’s forgotten everything that happened and the dirt can go back to just
being dirt”. Ghost, Page 48). This foreshadows Bertie, Harry and Ern’s treatment after the
 war, they are still being discriminated the same way after the war. The ghost reflects on
being buried on foreign land.
18. “No one mentioned the colour of my skin from the day I enlisted. I copped more for going to
a private school”. (Nigel, Page 55). Nigel talking to a prisoner of war. This shows how the
colour of his skin has not caused him any issues since he’s been in the army. This conveys
how the attitude towards Aboriginal Australians have temporarily changed due to the
occurrence of the war.
19. “When they look at you, they cannot see the Australian. Just as when they look at us, they
cannot see we are British. (Indian, Page 56). Tom Wright highlights the attitudes that were
shown towards Aboriginal people.
20. “Come back to what remained of my land and farm it and try to heal this massive wound”.
(Mick, Page 74). The massive wound is the discrimination that Aboriginal Australians felt
21. “And now I get back and you say a stroke of the pen has just swept aboriginal land off the
map”. (Mick, Page 75). This shows white men’s refusal to include Aboriginal people into the
land.

War, Violence and shellshock

1. “Here in the shit every face is brown”. (Page 31, line 5 in the poem the world’s turned upside
down). This is a song to explain how the situation has changed since the war has begun.
2. “You see the world’s turned upside down”. (Page 31, Line 6, 7 and 9 of the song “The world’s
turned upside down”). This is a reflection as to how the war has worsened and has
ultimately changed Australia’s position.
3. “Can’t put history back in the bottle, mate.” (Ern, Page 43). Ern tells this while he and some
mates are expressing their frustration for the lack of progress in the war.
4. “And all these hedges and flowers and we don’t know the names of any of them. And when
they burn the smoke is different and it will lead him a different way”. (Bertie, Page 44).
Bertie explains the importance of the land to Indigenous people and is worried that Frank’s
spirit may not make it back home.
5. “He shot himself in the face”. (Archie, Page 52). In his letter to Aunty May, he emphasizes
the traumatic and detrimental effect that war has had on many individuals.
6. “He hasn’t got a face”. (Archie, Page 52). The repetition of this line emphasizes the futileness
and the traumatic experiences of war. Archie emphasizes the horror of the wars.
7. “We are in good spirits here, all is well. Your loving son”. (Medical orderly, Page 57). The
medical orderly tells Bertie to lie to his mother. This shows how the Australian government
prevented soldiers from saying anything to home that would allow citizens to comprehend
the horror of war. In doing so, Tom Wright criticizes the Australian government.
Australian nationhood and indigenous dispossessions

1. “Oh hell, don’t tell me it’s a bloody picaninny.” (Settler, Page 13). Picaninny means a small
black child. Here, the theme of racism is present, the white settlers discriminate against
Aborigines and do not treat them the same as white people.
2. “let the dogs worry about it”. (Boundary rider, Page 13). The Aborigine is described as it,
shows the white people’s condemnation of Aborigines and how they are not considered as
worthy as them. The baby is compared to an animal, showing their discrimination and
highlighting how the Aborigine is not worthy to live.
3. “Perfect specimen”. (Taxidermist, Page 14). This shows how the baby Aboriginal is being
looked at as though it is an animal. The writer implies here the lack of equality shown for
 Aboriginal Australians compared to white people. Tom Wright criticizes the Australian
government for the discrimination shown towards Aborigines and the suffering that they
inflicted on Aborigines.
4. “No, he’s an ape. But they’re related to us”. (Taxidermist, Page 19).
5. “I’ll tell you one day. Look, a chimpanzee. They are our closest relatives”. (Taxidermist, Page
20).
6. “The world- the bigger, grown up world- is a complicated, difficult place.” (Taxiddrmist, Page
20). The taxidermist is talking to Nigel as his son wanting to protect him from the horrors of
the world and not yet tell as to how his parents were killed.
7. “Reason: Of strongly Aboriginal appearance” (Ern, Page 23).
8. “Substantially European”. (Recruiting SGT, Page 23).
9. “Flat feet (Aboriginal)” (Norm, Page 23).
10. “No white parentage” (Bob, Page 23).
11. “Very strongly aboriginal in type”. (Clerk, Page 25).
12. “We can’t have darkies in the same battalions as white chaps”. (Page 24). The secretary at
the recruiting hall demonstrates the attitudes of many about Indigenous trying to enlist in
the army. Aboriginal people are seen to be inferior compared to white people.
13. “Them Australian niggers, live on the creek bank, never wash.” (2 nd Trinidadian, Page 36).
This demonstrates the stereotypes and attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians.
14. “They slow, them Australian niggers”. (2nd Trinidadian, Page 36). This demonstrates the
stereotypes and attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians.
15. “… you reckon you can waltz around with all the white boys do you? That they’ll make life
easy for you, suddenly you’re their dearest little black mate. Suddenly, you’ll be a man, and a
white one at all? That doors will open for you? Do you?” (Mum, Page 38). Bertie’s mum is
not convinced that Bertie will achieve equality and isn’t sure what Bertie hopes to achieve by
enlisting in the army. The things that Bertie’s mum enlists are the things that Aborigines
hope for; equality, opportunity, friendship and freedom.
16. “Think the coppers like to talk about it. Must be a magic fairy land somewhere with oak
trees and shepherds pie. Don’t see much Australia round here.” Bertie’s mum shows the
concept of Australia as a nation is not supported by everyone and that there is still a division
in attitudes. In doing so, Tom Wright criticizes the Australian government in the 1900s for
their racism and segregation between white people and Aboriginal, highlighting the
importance of equality and unity within a country.
17. “That’s what the world’s like, son. You can go to the Tower of London or the Pyramids or
wherever, it’s still the world. And you won’[t be allowed through the wire”. (Bertie’s mum,
Page 40). Bertie’s mum seems to have a pessimistic mindset to the world based on her
experiences of being discriminated during to being an Aboriginal. This relates to the theme
of belonging and discrimination. Tom Wright places emphasis on the importance of
optimism and respect towards Aboriginal people. The taxidermist is forewarning Nigel of the
true reality of the world.
18. “That’s what this war will be like for you. There’s no fancy land at the end”. (Bertie’s mum,
Page 40). This foreshadows what Bertie’s life will be like after serving for his country in the
war; that his life will remain the same. Bertie’s mum is not hopeful for change for
Aboriginals. Bertie will still be discriminated against even after sacrificing his life for his
country.
19. “Someone decent. All these blocks, you’re going off to lick their boots. Same blokes, same
boots that have kicked us for years. And you can’t wait”. (Bertie’s grandad, Page 40). Bertie’s
grandad cannot understand why Bertie would want to enlist. This was a common attitude for
 a lot of the older generation and many Indigenous soldiers believed things would change
once they had served.
20. “Can’t put history back in the bottle, mate.” (Ern, Page 43). Ern tells this while he and some
mates are expressing their frustration for the lack of progress in the war.
21. “And all these hedges and flowers and we don’t know the names of any of them. And when
they burn the smoke is different and it will lead him a different way”. (Bertie, Page 44).
Bertie explains the importance of the land to Indigenous people and is worried that Frank’s
spirit may not make it back home.
22. “Can’t make it out. Hold on. We have to find a way to get him home.” (Bertie, Page 44).
23. “This is the first one who looks like me. No, he can’t get buried in this dirt. Or if he is we
need to make sure he knows how to follow me, to get back, follow me on the ship, follow
me on the train, back to the river”. (Bertie, Page 44). Bertie continues to express his
concerns.
24. “No one mentioned the colour of my skin from the day I enlisted. I copped more for going to
a private school”. (Nigel, Page 55). Nigel talking to a prisoner of war. This shows how the
colour of his skin has not caused him any issues since he’s been in the army. This conveys
how the attitude towards Aboriginal Australians have temporarily changed due to the
occurrence of the war.
25. “When they look at you, they cannot see the Australian. Just as when they look at us, they
cannot see we are British. (Indian, Page 56). Tom Wright highlights the attitudes that were
shown towards Aboriginal people.
26. “But one day we shall not be British. This Private will always be Australian, he has nothing
else to be”. (3rd Indian, Page 56). An Indian prisoner of war demonstrates his understanding
of how Nigel is nothing but Australian.
27. “Not that you’ll know mind, but you’ll feel it. You’ll be somebody”. (Ern, Page 58). Ern tries
to reassure Bob, but is also reassuring himself that things will be different when they come
home. This relates to the theme of hope. Both Ern and Bob long for the desire to be seen as
equal as white men and to be treated the same, i.e have the same opportunities, land, etc.
28. “They won’t forget you mate. You’ve fought for the King for Country. For our country. For
Australia”. (Ern, Page 58). Ern tries to reassure Bob, but is also reassuring himself that things
will be different when they come home. This relates to the theme of hope for change. Both
Ern and Bob long for the desire to be seen as equal as white men and to be treated the
same, i.e have the same opportunities, land, etc.

29. “Schwarzer teufel. Schwarzer teufel mit weisse Augen”. (Austrian, Page 65). This translates
to Black devil. Black devil with white eyes. The Austrians are referring to the Aboriginal
people and this juxtaposes between the racism shown towards Aborigines by white people
in their society.

30. - “I always thought that fighting for our King and country would make me a naturalized
British subject and a man with freedom but they place me under the act and forced me onto
a settlement like a dog”. (First letter, Page 83). This shows how the attitude towards
Aboriginal Australians did not change after the war.

31. All of the letters in Correspondence add to the effect and emphasis on the exclusion of
Aboriginal people within the Australian community in the 1900s.
 32. “Therefore, why not offer to every faithful ex- service aborigine the hand of friendship and
goodwill, and tender to him equal rights with the white community?”. (Seventh letter, Page
84).

History, memory and the Archive

1. “The world- the bigger, grown up world- is a complicated, difficult place.” (Taxiddrmist, Page
20). The taxidermist is talking to Nigel as his son wanting to protect him from the horrors of
the world and not yet tell as to how his parents were killed.
2. “We can’t have darkies in the same battalions as white chaps”. (Page 24). The secretary at
the recruiting hall demonstrates the attitudes of many about Indigenous trying to enlist in
the army. Aboriginal people are seen to be inferior compared to white people.
3. “Them Australian niggers, live on the creek bank, never wash.” (2 nd Trinidadian, Page 36).
This demonstrates the stereotypes and attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians.
4. “They slow, them Australian niggers”. (2nd Trinidadian, Page 36). This demonstrates the
stereotypes and attitudes towards Aboriginal Australians.
5. “… you reckon you can waltz around with all the white boys do you? That they’ll make life
easy for you, suddenly you’re their dearest little black mate. Suddenly, you’ll be a man, and a
white one at all? That doors will open for you? Do you?” (Mum, Page 38). Bertie’s mum is
not convinced that Bertie will achieve equality and isn’t sure what Bertie hopes to achieve by
enlisting in the army. The things that Bertie’s mum enlists are the things that Aborigines
hope for; equality, opportunity, friendship and freedom.
6. “Think the coppers like to talk about it. Must be a magic fairy land somewhere with oak
trees and shepherds pie. Don’t see much Australia round here.” Bertie’s mum shows the
concept of Australia as a nation is not supported by everyone and that there is still a division
in attitudes. In doing so, Tom Wright criticizes the Australian government in the 1900s for
their racism and segregation between white people and Aboriginal, highlighting the
importance of equality and unity within a country.
7. “That’s what the world’s like, son. You can go to the Tower of London or the Pyramids or
wherever, it’s still the world. And you won’[t be allowed through the wire”. (Bertie’s mum,
Page 40). Bertie’s mum seems to have a pessimistic mindset to the world based on her
experiences of being discriminated during to being an Aboriginal. This relates to the theme
of belonging and discrimination. Tom Wright places emphasis on the importance of
optimism and respect towards Aboriginal people. The taxidermist is forewarning Nigel of the
true reality of the world.
8. “That’s what this war will be like for you. There’s no fancy land at the end”. (Bertie’s mum,
Page 40). This foreshadows what Bertie’s life will be like after serving for his country in the
war; that his life will remain the same. Bertie’s mum is not hopeful for change for
Aboriginals. Bertie will still be discriminated against even after sacrificing his life for his
country.
9. “Someone decent. All these blocks, you’re going off to lick their boots. Same blokes, same
boots that have kicked us for years. And you can’t wait”. (Bertie’s grandad, Page 40). Bertie’s
grandad cannot understand why Bertie would want to enlist. This was a common attitude for
a lot of the older generation and many Indigenous soldiers believed things would change
once they had served.
10. “Can’t make it out. Hold on. We have to find a way to get him home.” (Bertie, Page 44).
 11. “This is the first one who looks like me. No, he can’t get buried in this dirt. Or if he is we
need to make sure he knows how to follow me, to get back, follow me on the ship, follow
me on the train, back to the river”. (Bertie, Page 44). Bertie continues to express his
concerns.
12. “Even the officer looked at me with new eyes, the half caste was rising in estimation”.
(Ghost, Page 47). The ghost believes he was looked upon more favourably after he’d
successfully taken three German machine gun nests.
13. “But me, I’m moving, Moving in my own way across rivers, even if they aren’t my own. And
I’ll be here til everyone’s forgotten everything that happened and the dirt can go back to just
being dirt”. Ghost, Page 48). This foreshadows Bertie, Harry and Ern’s treatment after the
war, they are still being discriminated the same way after the war. The ghost reflects on
being buried on foreign land.
14. “Come back to what remained of my land and farm it and try to heal this massive wound”.
(Mick, Page 74). The massive wound is the discrimination that Aboriginal Australians felt
15. “And now I get back and you say a stroke of the pen has just swept aboriginal land off the
map”. (Mick, Page 75). This shows white men’s refusal to include Aboriginal people into the
land.

16. “I thought things would change after the War”. (Archie, Page 77). Archie comes to the sad
reality that after the war, white people’s views and values on Aborigines remained the same.
This relates to the theme of discrimination and hope for change.

17. “Why? Why would things change? The only thing that’s changed round here is you.” (Old
hand, Page 77). This reflects that while the Indigenous soldiers expected life to be different
when they returned home, this view was not shared by the wider population. The old hand
on the cattle station talking to Archie. He doesn’t share Archie’s view that things have
changed and he doesn’t want to challenge the status quo.

18. “ I remember a sergeant saying to me “no one cares what bloody colour you are you
useless bastard, get on with it”. And it was true. For three years no one said a bloody word
about my skin. And when I spoke I was heard. And when they called me mate they meant it.
And nothing has felt as good since the day I was demobbed”. (Norm, Page 79). Norm
explains how in the army everyone was treated the same regardless of their background.

19. “They painted my colour back on the day I got off that boat.” (Norm, Page 79). This shows
how quickly the discrimination returned once Norm was no longer in the army.

20. “This broken, weak, sad world. I like to think of another world. A better one. I like to think of
another world. A better one. I like to stay in the light, don’t want to wander back in the
dark”. (Laurie, Page 87).

Hope for Change

1. “The white man needs us coloured boys now (Page 31, Line 4 in Poem the world’s turned
upside down”). This shows how the Australian society fails to achieve equality and respect
Aboriginals. It is only when the war starts that white people only temporarily let their racism
inside to protect their country and survive. In a way, the war temporarily unites both
Aboriginals and White people.
2. “… you reckon you can waltz around with all the white boys do you? That they’ll make life
easy for you, suddenly you’re their dearest little black mate. Suddenly, you’ll be a man, and a
white one at all? That doors will open for you? Do you?” (Mum, Page 38). Bertie’s mum is
not convinced that Bertie will achieve equality and isn’t sure what Bertie hopes to achieve by
enlisting in the army. The things that Bertie’s mum enlists are the things that Aborigines
hope for; equality, opportunity, friendship and freedom.
3. “Think the coppers like to talk about it. Must be a magic fairy land somewhere with oak
trees and shepherds pie. Don’t see much Australia round here.” Bertie’s mum shows the
concept of Australia as a nation is not supported by everyone and that there is still a division
in attitudes. In doing so, Tom Wright criticizes the Australian government in the 1900s for
their racism and segregation between white people and Aboriginal, highlighting the
importance of equality and unity within a country.
4. “They need me. They need lads. For the first time, they need us. Changed the rules, make It
easier for aborigines they reckon”. (Bertie, Page 40). Tom Wright emphasizes that there is
only temporary acceptance of Aboriginals because of the downward state of war. Even when
Bernie serves his country, he is still discriminated against by his white peers.
5. “I can’t even imagine what it would look like. All I hope is that it’s changed.” (Harry, Page
41). Harry hopes for Aboriginals to be viewed the same as white people, that they are not
discriminated against. This was a common attitude for many Indigenous soldiers who
believed things would change once they had served.
6. “We’ll always have a beer with you”. (Stan, Page 41). Stan promises Harry that he will always
have a beer together afterward, which underlines Harry’s hope for race relations to change
in Australia because of Indigenous soldiers’ inclusion in the war.
7. “If you blokes have a beer with me, then that’s a start”. (Harry, Page 41). Harry longs for
equality between Indigenous Australians and white people, underlining his hope for race
relations to change.
8. “Not that you’ll know mind, but you’ll feel it. You’ll be somebody”. (Ern, Page 58). Ern tries
to reassure Bob, but is also reassuring himself that things will be different when they come
home. This relates to the theme of hope. Both Ern and Bob long for the desire to be seen as
equal as white men and to be treated the same, i.e have the same opportunities, land, etc.
9. “They won’t forget you mate. You’ve fought for the King for Country. For our country. For
Australia”. (Ern, Page 58). Ern tries to reassure Bob, but is also reassuring himself that things
will be different when they come home. This relates to the theme of hope for change. Both
Ern and Bob long for the desire to be seen as equal as white men and to be treated the
same, i.e have the same opportunities, land, etc.
10. “Maybe the folks will be different. But the land stays the same. The names get changed
around it, they change the names of the plants and the birds and the reivers and then they
change what the words mean. But the sun still gets up in the morning”. (Norm, Page 59).
Norm shares the sad reality that when the men return home; that things will have changed
but not the important things.
11. “But in the service, you are forged into something… not white, you’re not erased of your
past, but it’s… it’s… incorporated into who you are, and you realise- maybe on parade,
maybe with mates, I don’t know- you realise, “I belong”. (Bloke with a glass of wine, Page
67). This relates to the theme of belonging. This also juxtaposes many of Ern, Bertie, Norm
and Harry’s view that change in attitude towards Aboriginal Australians will change after the
war.
 12. “But on the other hand, it made me, and it made us, for better or worse. It bought us
together and grew us up”. (Bloke with a glass of wine, Page 67). The war temporarily put
white Australian’s prejudices aside to unite together to protect their country.
13. “We don’t see the skin, we see the service. And that you don’t want to bring down the
wrath of the RSL on you.” (RSL secretary, Page 72). The RSL secretary convinces the
cellarman and pub owner to allow Archie to drink in the front bar on ANZAC day. This
emphasizes how some Aboriginal Australians were treated equally after serving in the war
and how the attitude towards Aboriginal Australians are possible. In doing so, the director
praises some of the white men’s attempts to accept Aboriginal Australians and unite them
together as a country.

14. “I thought things would change after the War”. (Archie, Page 77). Archie comes to the sad
reality that after the war, white people’s views and values on Aborigines remained the same.
This relates to the theme of discrimination and hope for change.

15. “Why? Why would things change? The only thing that’s changed round here is you.” (Old
hand, Page 77). This reflects that while the Indigenous soldiers expected life to be different
when they returned home, this view was not shared by the wider population. The old hand
on the cattle station talking to Archie. He doesn’t share Archie’s view that things have
changed and he doesn’t want to challenge the status quo.

16. “ I remember a sergeant saying to me “no one cares what bloody colour you are you
useless bastard, get on with it”. And it was true. For three years no one said a bloody word
about my skin. And when I spoke I was heard. And when they called me mate they meant it.
And nothing has felt as good since the day I was demobbed”. (Norm, Page 79). Norm
explains how in the army everyone was treated the same regardless of their background.

17. “They painted my colour back on the day I got off that boat.” (Norm, Page 79). This shows
how quickly the discrimination returned once Norm was no longer in the army.

18. “This broken, weak, sad world. I like to think of another world. A better one. I like to think
of another world. A better one. I like to stay in the light, don’t want to wander back in the
dark”. (Laurie, Page 87).

19. “As a proud aboriginal Australian and former soldier, I hope…” (Nigel, Page 88). This shows
the white people’s refusal to listen to Aborigines and further emphasizes the exclusion of
Aboriginal people into the Australian community in the 1900s.

Isolation and Abandonment

1. “Oh hell, don’t tell me it’s a bloody picaninny.” (Settler, Page 13). Picaninny means a small
black child. Here, the theme of racism is present, the white settlers discriminate against
Aborigines and do not treat them the same as white people.
2. “Perfect specimen”. (Taxidermist, Page 14). This shows how the baby Aboriginal is being
looked at as though it is an animal. The writer implies here the lack of equality shown for
Aboriginal Australians compared to white people. Tom Wright criticizes the Australian
government for the discrimination shown towards Aborigines and the suffering that they
inflicted on Aborigines.
3. “No, he’s an ape. But they’re related to us”. (Taxidermist, Page 19).
4. “I’ll tell you one day. Look, a chimpanzee. They are our closest relatives”. (Taxidermist, Page
20).
5. “The world- the bigger, grown up world- is a complicated, difficult place.” (Taxiddrmist, Page
20). The taxidermist is talking to Nigel as his son wanting to protect him from the horrors of
the world and not yet tell as to how his parents were killed.
6. “Reason: Of strongly Aboriginal appearance” (Ern, Page 23).
7. “Substantially European”. (Recruiting SGT, Page 23).
8. “Flat feet (Aboriginal)” (Norm, Page 23).
9. “No white parentage” (Bob, Page 23).
10. “Very strongly aboriginal in type”. (Clerk, Page 25).
11. “We can’t have darkies in the same battalions as white chaps”. (Page 24). The secretary at
the recruiting hall demonstrates the attitudes of many about Indigenous trying to enlist in
the army. Aboriginal people are seen to be inferior compared to white people.
12. “… you reckon you can waltz around with all the white boys do you? That they’ll make life
easy for you, suddenly you’re their dearest little black mate. Suddenly, you’ll be a man, and a
white one at all? That doors will open for you? Do you?” (Mum, Page 38). Bertie’s mum is
not convinced that Bertie will achieve equality and isn’t sure what Bertie hopes to achieve by
enlisting in the army. The things that Bertie’s mum enlists are the things that Aborigines
hope for; equality, opportunity, friendship and freedom.
13. “Think the coppers like to talk about it. Must be a magic fairy land somewhere with oak
trees and shepherds pie. Don’t see much Australia round here.” Bertie’s mum shows the
concept of Australia as a nation is not supported by everyone and that there is still a division
in attitudes. In doing so, Tom Wright criticizes the Australian government in the 1900s for
their racism and segregation between white people and Aboriginal, highlighting the
importance of equality and unity within a country.
14. “That’s what this war will be like for you. There’s no fancy land at the end”. (Bertie’s mum,
Page 40). This foreshadows what Bertie’s life will be like after serving for his country in the
war; that his life will remain the same. Bertie’s mum is not hopeful for change for
Aboriginals. Bertie will still be discriminated against even after sacrificing his life for his
country.
15. “Someone decent. All these blocks, you’re going off to lick their boots. Same blokes, same
boots that have kicked us for years. And you can’t wait”. (Bertie’s grandad, Page 40). Bertie’s
grandad cannot understand why Bertie would want to enlist. This was a common attitude for
a lot of the older generation and many Indigenous soldiers believed things would change
once they had served.
16. The song ‘Our god, our help in ages past’ (Page 51) echoes the strong message of assurance,
promise and hope; assurance in the words ‘from everlasting you are God to endless years
the same’, promise in the words ‘our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home’;
and hope in the words ‘O god , our help in ages past, our hope for years to come’.
17. Time is an important theme in the song ‘Our god, our help in ages past’. In verse five, there
is a beautiful image of time ‘like an ever rolling stream’ bearing all its sons away. The world
sons brings to mind those who went off to war in Europe and Asia and never came back. God
is surely our “guard while life shall last, and our eternal home”. (Page 51, Song). This relates
to the theme of remembrance and forgetting, which juxtaposes Harry, Ern and Bertie being
forgotten after serving their country.
18. “Not that you’ll know mind, but you’ll feel it. You’ll be somebody”. (Ern, Page 58). Ern tries
to reassure Bob, but is also reassuring himself that things will be different when they come
 home. This relates to the theme of hope. Both Ern and Bob long for the desire to be seen as
equal as white men and to be treated the same, i.e have the same opportunities, land, etc.
19. “They won’t forget you mate. You’ve fought for the King for Country. For our country. For
Australia”. (Ern, Page 58). Ern tries to reassure Bob, but is also reassuring himself that things
will be different when they come home. This relates to the theme of hope for change. Both
Ern and Bob long for the desire to be seen as equal as white men and to be treated the
same, i.e have the same opportunities, land, etc.

20. “Schwarzer teufel. Schwarzer teufel mit weisse Augen”. (Austrian, Page 65). This translates
to Black devil. Black devil with white eyes. The Austrians are referring to the Aboriginal
people and this juxtaposes between the racism shown towards Aborigines by white people
in their society.

21. “You know you blokes aren’t welcome any other day. What’s different about today?”
(Cellarman, Page 71). This emphasizes how Australia’s prejudices remained the same despite
Aboriginal Australians sacrificing their lives to protect their nation. Aboriginal Australians
were still discriminated against.
22. “Come back to what remained of my land and farm it and try to heal this massive wound”.
(Mick, Page 74). The massive wound is the discrimination that Aboriginal Australians felt
23. “And now I get back and you say a stroke of the pen has just swept aboriginal land off the
map”. (Mick, Page 75). This shows white men’s refusal to include Aboriginal people into the
land.

24. - “I still don’t have the faintest bloody idea what we were fighting for. But I thought I won
something over there. And then I lost it back here.” (Norm, Page 79). This shows his
pessimistic view to equality between Aboriginal people and white people. This reflects the
feelings of many Indigenous soldiers who fought in the war hoping it would change things
once they got home, only to find out it was no different.

25. “For you the war’s over. What’s starting to dawn on me is that, for us, it’s never going to
end”. (Mick, Page 75). Mick realizes that he will forever be fighting for equality. Tom Wright
criticizes the Australian government for their discrimination against Aborigines and spreads
the message that for change to occur, an individual must be willing and persistent towards
achieving equality.
26. “Why? Why would things change? The only thing that’s changed round here is you.” (Old
hand, Page 77). This reflects that while the Indigenous soldiers expected life to be different
when they returned home, this view was not shared by the wider population. The old hand
on the cattle station talking to Archie. He doesn’t share Archie’s view that things have
changed and he doesn’t want to challenge the status quo.
27. “ I remember a sergeant saying to me “no one cares what bloody colour you are you useless
bastard, get on with it”. And it was true. For three years no one said a bloody word about my
skin. And when I spoke I was heard. And when they called me mate they meant it. And
nothing has felt as good since the day I was demobbed”. (Norm, Page 79). Norm explains
how in the army everyone was treated the same regardless of their background.
28. “They painted my colour back on the day I got off that boat.” (Norm, Page 79). This shows
how quickly the discrimination returned once Norm was no longer in the army.
 29. - “As a proud aboriginal Australian and former soldier, I hope…” (Nigel, Page 88). This
shows the white people’s refusal to listen to Aborigines and further emphasizes the
exclusion of Aboriginal people into the Australian community in the 1900s.

Human spirit

1. “The white man needs us coloured boys now (Page 31, Line 4 in Poem the world’s turned
upside down”). This shows how the Australian society fails to achieve equality and respect
Aboriginals. It is only when the war starts that white people only temporarily let their racism
inside to protect their country and survive. In a way, the war temporarily unites both
Aboriginals and White people.
2. “… you reckon you can waltz around with all the white boys do you? That they’ll make life
easy for you, suddenly you’re their dearest little black mate. Suddenly, you’ll be a man, and a
white one at all? That doors will open for you? Do you?” (Mum, Page 38). Bertie’s mum is
not convinced that Bertie will achieve equality and isn’t sure what Bertie hopes to achieve by
enlisting in the army. The things that Bertie’s mum enlists are the things that Aborigines
hope for; equality, opportunity, friendship and freedom.
3. “Think the coppers like to talk about it. Must be a magic fairy land somewhere with oak
trees and shepherds pie. Don’t see much Australia round here.” Bertie’s mum shows the
concept of Australia as a nation is not supported by everyone and that there is still a division
in attitudes. In doing so, Tom Wright criticizes the Australian government in the 1900s for
their racism and segregation between white people and Aboriginal, highlighting the
importance of equality and unity within a country.
4. “They need me. They need lads. For the first time, they need us. Changed the rules, make It
easier for aborigines they reckon”. (Bertie, Page 40). Tom Wright emphasizes that there is
only temporary acceptance of Aboriginals because of the downward state of war. Even when
Bernie serves his country, he is still discriminated against by his white peers.
5. “I can’t even imagine what it would look like. All I hope is that it’s changed.” (Harry, Page
41). Harry hopes for Aboriginals to be viewed the same as white people, that they are not
discriminated against. This was a common attitude for many Indigenous soldiers who
believed things would change once they had served.
6. “We’ll always have a beer with you”. (Stan, Page 41). Stan promises Harry that he will always
have a beer together afterward, which underlines Harry’s hope for race relations to change
in Australia because of Indigenous soldiers’ inclusion in the war.
7. “If you blokes have a beer with me, then that’s a start”. (Harry, Page 41). Harry longs for
equality between Indigenous Australians and white people, underlining his hope for race
relations to change.
8. “Maybe the folks will be different. But the land stays the same. The names get changed
around it, they change the names of the plants and the birds and the reivers and then they
change what the words mean. But the sun still gets up in the morning”. (Norm, Page 59).
Norm shares the sad reality that when the men return home; that things will have changed
but not the important things.
9. “And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (Archie, Page
62).
10. But in the service, you are forged into something… not white, you’re not erased of your past,
but it’s… it’s… incorporated into who you are, and you realise- maybe on parade, maybe
with mates, I don’t know- you realise, “I belong”. (Bloke with a glass of wine, Page 67). This
 relates to the theme of belonging. This also juxtaposes many of Ern, Bertie, Norm and
Harry’s view that change in attitude towards Aboriginal Australians will change after the war.
11. “But on the other hand, it made me, and it made us, for better or worse. It bought us
together and grew us up”. (Bloke with a glass of wine, Page 67). The war temporarily put
white Australian’s prejudices aside to unite together to protect their country.