Eric Bogle - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

To me, Bogle infers that the Australians were conscripted into the Army.
"Country said son...they gave me a tin hat and gun and they marched me away to the war"
No one was forced into the Australian forces in WW1 they were all volunteers.
The only all volunteer Army.
This is why the Aust. Govt. refused British demands to introduce the death penalty for destertion and cowardice.

Great song, but 50,000 Aust.deaths in Gallipoli is incorrect.
Aust.lost 60,000 in WW1
Most lost their lives fighting in France.
Canadian and the Anzacs were the most feared troops on the West.Front.
Battles of Le Hamel and Amiens master-minded by Australian General John Monash (later knighted in the field by the King, first time in 200 years)were the turning points of WW1. Ludendorf described Amiens as "Germany's blackest day"
Field Marshal B.Montgomery said Monash was the best General in WW1.

Ah. this reminds me of a book [it has no relation to the song though, just world war 1 book from a germans view]. see if you can find 'all quiet on the western front.' :]

Lest we forget. Won't forget my experience of Gallipoli 2006. We WILL remember them.

eric bogle (scotish born) now lives in oz god he has written some great moving music

Only? Get a grip on death Cobber!

Shock troops of Empire, canon fodder for the incompetent British generals, until commanded in 1917 by their own General - Monash- arguably the greatest general of the 20th century.

I couldnt agree any more, perfect comment

As Australians we should be very proud of the fact that our ANZACs can be shown to Canadian children for the heroes that they are. Canadian children can see the relevance between our diggers and their own soldiers currently serving their country even if nearly 100 years has passed. It is a hauntingly beautiful video - Eric Bogle does a magnificent job of the song.

Read the comment below about how nothing is changed, but yes, it would have made more sense if they had a modern Australian soldier as opposed to a Canadian one. However, the person who made this film is Canadian which would more than explain the reasons why.