WHEN Margaret Smith decided to clean out some cupboards at her Gelorup home, she did not expect to find a World War I poem among her uncle’s belongings.
Serving in both World War I and World War II, Salathiel Joseph Kent brought home various items from the wars.
A poem by an unknown author titled Welcome, Digger! Welcome! was one of these artefacts Mrs Smith found, evidently making its way into Mr Kent’s possession after he served in France.
An Australian citizen, Mr Kent moved to Scotland and married before joining the first war effort.
After the death of his wife, two daughters and son, a fighter pilot in World War II, Mr Kent returned to live in Gelorup until his death at 95.
Mrs Smith said the poem had great significance for the family.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen it. It will be handed on to my nephew because he’s very interested in this sort of history,” Mrs Smith said.
“The fact that the poem has been found is good because it can now be shared and will be put into safe keeping.”
You are welcome, digger, welcome!
To the land that gave you birth, you rank among the bravest men that ever trod God’s earth.
You’re not only soldiers, digger, you are men and mates as well; if the order came to do it, you’d have stormed the gates of hell.
You are welcome digger, welcome!
And we’re proud to take your hand in the name of young Australia and the dear old Mother Land.
You wavered not, nor faltered, let the odds be what they may; when the fighting was the fiercest ‘twas the digger lead the way.
You were glorious digger, glorious! When you checked the big advance and held them up at the Amiens for the sake of La Belle France; you held them, digger, held them!
For they could not break your line; which proves your fighting quality was extra superfine.
You are welcome digger, welcome!
And we’re proud to take your hand in the name of young Australia and the dear old Mother Land.
You stood firm as Gibraltar’s Rock and repulsed each fresh attack, ‘twas the digger that forged onwards, ‘twas the Huns’ picked troops fell back.
We will take our hats off, digger, to your comrades true and brave.
Who nobly sacrificed their lives and liberty to save.
Some are sleeping, digger, sleeping!
On Gallipoli’s rock bound stand; there are others sleeping soundly ‘neath Egypt’s desert sand.
Their names are shrined in glory, those brave boys who took their stand to fight and die for liberty and the freedom of our land.
