Poem supplied by Joan Cross [Joan.Cross-at-dsc.wa.gov.au]

PLACE A STONE IN BEGA PARK

Yes place a stone in Bega Park in memory of the boys
Who crossed the stormy ocean and left their friends and joys

They know no fear of danger or that death their hearts might chill
With patriotic spirits those brave young hearts did thrill

They needed not a trumpet call but went of their own free will
We love you Queen Victoria and we will conquer at your will

They shouted reign Victoria for your sons are by your side
True hearted bushmen every one Australia’s joy and pride

All hardships and all dangers they counted them but straws
And bravely met their daring foes and rushed to the cannon jaws

And onward like a caravan they travelled through Transvaal
And in force marched on the Veld till they camped across the Vaal

And stayed till oer Pitoria the Union Jack did wave
But some of them did not return but are sleeping in the grave

Yes far across the ocean Australian heroes sleep
And silently above their graves the bright green willows weep

So place a stone in Bega that strangers there may see
That Bega loves her heroes who sleep across the sea

Charles Leonard Jaggers