Inspired by the departure of WO1 Brian Moore, RSM, 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment and dedicated to all those ugly bastards who wore galloping horses and carried a pace stick
Imagine so many ghosts marching past
From the original senior soldier to the very last
One after the other in single file
Then reflect on their service for awhile
They began as recruits to learn the tricks of trade
In time, unit RSMs they were made
Watchdogs of their respective band of brothers
So erect and proud alongside others
Setting standards for all to emulate
With eagle eye for errant soldiers to berate
Be it in peace or war, these mentors set the scene
Demanding soldiering skills which otherwise would not have been
On the parade ground the RSM shouts and screams
God help any idle soldier in a dream
Blink, scratch a nose or lose step marching with a Band
Then watch out for The Terror with pace stick in hand
Always the master with often just one sharp word of command
And all on parade obey as one to his demand
When duty done and this mentor bids hooray
The cycle still continues forever and a day
A new RSM arrives and no change other than name and face
Another generation is prepared for Mars frequent bloody race
So, as that long ghostly single file from yesterday marches past
Perhaps you’ll hear a familiar scream “Idle soldier, stand fast “
George Mansford © September 2012
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