Original subtitles

(MILITARY DRUMMING)

(FLUTES PLAY JOLLY TUNE OVER DRUMS)

(MUSIC ORCHESTRATION SWELLS)

(TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS)

Three.

You awake?

Pity Flanagan's such a restless sleeper.

What's that writing up there mean, mate?

40 men or 8 horses.

The French certainly care about their horses, eh?

Go easy, will you, mate?

Thinks he's a bloody conductor.

What's the book?

'Such Is Life' by Tom Collins.

That's one of my favourite books!

You one of the fair dinkums?

You know, anybody who joined up after the mess at Gallipoli

had to be fair dinkum.

Oh, I see.

Roly Collins.

Wilhelm Schmidt. Pleased to meet you.

Jesus! Did you hear that? We've got a bloody Hun here.

Ha! Wilhelm Schmidt. How'd ya be?

A bloke travels 12,000 miles to fight the bludgers,

and there's one right here with us.

Schmidt the spy.

This bloke's a fair dinkum - a volunteer like every one of us.

Don't give me that, he's gettin' a train ride home.

Hey! Get off me bloody hand, you mug!

Why don't you stand up and say that, soldier?

OK. Don't get off your bike. Having a bit of fun, that's all.

Keep your mouth shut, then.

OK.

What's your name? Dinny Gordon.

"Dingo' would suit him better.

(Others chuckle) (Sarcastically) Ha ha ha ha.

He looks like a dingo too.

Welcome aboard, mate. Name's Flanagan.

Pleased to meet you.

A good man. Is he one of the originals?

Yeah.

Well, not really.

He joined us as a reinforcement at Gallipoli.

How many originals are there?

Only six out of 40.

Martin Barrington, the corporal -

well, he should be an officer, but he won't.

I don't know why.

Bill Harris... he's a Pom,

and a bit of a mystery.

And that's Pat Cleary.

He's bulletproof.

How do you mean?

Well, he's got so many wads of money on him, it's like armour.

Oh, and there's Sergeant McArthur and Mr Armstrong,

except they're travelling first-class.

And there's me.

You were wounded twice, Roly?

Most of us got in the way of something.

Wilhelm, with your name and all...

Well, what I mean is...

...you must've thought hard about joining up.

My father, who brought us out from Germany...

...he always taught us that freedom has its price.

Tell you what, this looks like a fine country to be fighting for.

(TRAIN WHISTLE TOOTS) Sure beats Egypt.

Oh, it's a beautiful country. Mmm.

(Giggles)

Sheilas!

(All laugh) MAN: What are you talkin' about?

Are they laughing at you or it, mate?

Whoo-hoo!

White sheilas!

What's your name, mate?

Pudden, they call me.

Pudden from Patchewollock.

Patchewollock?

Well, Pudden, if you've gotta go, you've gotta go, mate.

'Wilhelm'?! We can't keep calling you Wilhelm.

Yeah, it's the same name as the Kaiser.

That's what we'll call him. Kaiser.

ENGLISHMAN: Bayonet! 18 inches of cold steel.

That would've drawn every sniper on Gallipoli.

Bayonet...

...weapon of the assault.

The spirit of the bayonet must be inculcated through all ranks

so they go forward with aggressive determination.

Sergeant, put on the killing face.

On guard!

(Others chuckle)

Stone the crows! That's the face that killed his mother-in-law.

One more remark like that and you're up on a charge.

That man...

...stand out here by the bayonet dummy so I can keep an eye on you.

We have been warned about you Australians.

Absolutely no discipline!

Well, let me tell you,

you're not fighting the Turks now.

This isn't the Bashi-Bazouks.

It's a real war against a first-class enemy.

But the Hun can't stand cold steel.

Sergeant... final demonstration.

(Shouts threateningly)

(Others laugh) (Continues shouting)

(Others mock) Kill. Kill. Kill. Kill.

Platoon... left turn!

Stand at ease!

Stand easy.

Been at the bayonet demonstration, have you?

Might've been useful at Waterloo.

Up the line, they mostly get used for opening jam tins.

Let's have a look at the real queen of the modern battlefield.

Number one, load.

Number two, load.

Number one ready, sir!

Number one, fire! (MACHINE GUN RATTLES LOUDLY)

That, gentlemen, is why there's a continuous trench

from the North Sea to the Swiss border.

As long as the machine gun's intact,

neither side can cross no-man's-land.

Our enemy, the German army,

is extremely skilful in their use of it.

Their gunners are hand-picked, and they use them like this.

Crossfire.

The entire front is crisscrossed like that.

What's the answer, then, sir?

Guns... bombs...

Bravery, perhaps.

There isn't a real answer.

Not yet.

(GUNSHOT)

Nice, quiet sector here, Mr Armstrong.

(DISTANT GUNFIRE)

Not short of guns here, Sarge.

Freeze.

Not the usual fireworks display.

Didn't look like this in the brochure.

I played footy on a ground like this once.

Very good for the small men.

Yeah, the big man's buggered in the wet.

MCARTHUR: Move forward.

The nursery sector, Mr Armstrong.

After you lads have settled in, the brass hats will find a job for you.

See you later, chum.

Barrington, move some of your men into the next bay.

MARTIN: Bill, Roly, Pat, Upton, Bluey, follow me.

How are we gonna go in this?

I don't know.

Not a gang of Abduls flooding in,

bloody German army out there.

They can't be any better than old Johnny Turk.

Course they bloody are.

This line hasn't advanced in a year and a half.

Armies from all over the world against them, they're still there.

How the hell are we gonna shoot them?

Come and have a brew.

(Whispers) Keep it quiet, and come up here.

Mrs Baker?

Mrs Baker?

May I sit down?

I hope you don't mind my intruding like this.

It's just that no-one at Tolangerook has seen you these last few months.

I thought, perhaps...

Thought you could play the lady bountiful.

Mrs Baker, that's not at all...

I've had all the connection I want with the Barringtons.

First I lose me husband with them, and then me boy.

That's the most horrible thing I've ever heard.

Your Martin...

...he was there when Dick was killed.

You disgraceful woman.

You know Martin would have done anything for Dick. Anything.

And where do you think Martin is now?

In some safe place behind the line?

No.

Oh, look... stay, please.

(WISTFUL PIANO MUSIC)

I know what it feels like.

Hoping against hope.

I'll put the kettle on.

Actually...

...I came to ask a favour.

Of me?

Yes.

You see, with all the men at war

and some of the girls working in munitions,

we're desperately short of help at the house.

I was wondering...

Wouldn't want to live up there no more.

That wouldn't be necessary.

Oh...

Well... would, em...

...Mondays to Fridays be OK?

I'm... l'm going to enjoy this cup of tea.

(Men sing) Goodbye, Piccadilly

Farewell, Leicester Square

It's a long, long way to Tipperary

But my heart's right there.

Dingo Gordon, 40 francs.

Cleary, me old mate, I'm flat broke.

You're always flat broke, aren't you, Dingo?

That's 10 francs. All you've gotta do is find another 30.

Where will I steal that, mate? You'll manage.

15 francs. Bill.

Shylock. Shylock?

Just a hardworking bookmaker, mate.

Anyway, Shylock charged interest.

He's right, Bill.

Is he, Pudden?

And who was Shylock?

The bloke Pat told me about.

Officer material, Pat?

Born leader of men, Bill.

Morrissey!

Oh. Didn't see you there, Pat.

Bad luck, was it, eh?

Yeah. Yeah.

35 francs.

Better luck next time.

Hey, Bill...

Got a minute, mate?

Listen, I've got a bit of a job on later tonight.

Wondered if you could give me a hand. I would if I could.

But I'm on a carrying party at 0300, carrying 2 tons of barbwire,

ammunition, duckboards and orders of the bleeding day

up into the line.

Listen, I'll help you with that if you help me with my little job.

Ah. Wouldn't be against King's regulations, would it?

Ah! Heaven forbid.

Special orders from General Haig, mate.

Could shorten the war by months.

Matter of fact, the high command specifically requested

that I have at least one Pom on the job.

In that case...

Pudden, Upton.

Thanks for the bloody company.

There you go, boys. Have one on me.

(Laughs)

So, there. Absolute vigilance, do you hear?

This consignment of whiskey is for general headquarters.

Every case must be accounted for,

particularly as there are Australians in the area.

Carry on, Corporal.

Sir, good as done, sir!

Right, lads, move it! Prepare to begin.

Stop! Look! There's one of them.

Arrest him.

Hang on, fair go.

We were ordered here to pick up the padre's altar wine.

A likely story.

He's right, sir. It's all in order.

Well, there's no wine here, so clear off!

Clear off? If there's no service tomorrow, there'll be hell to pay.

The padre would wanna know... Get out!

We were gonna be altar boys. Go!

Our first mass.

Carry on, Corporal.

MAN: Right, left. Right, left. Right, left. Right, left,

Right, left. Right, left. Right, left. Right...

Detail... halt!

Detail wheel advance, right turn!

(Loudly) Corporal McLeod,

extra security detachment from Railyard HQ, sir!

We have been informed there are Australians in the area.

Quite.

You're a bally disgrace!

Do up that top button! What unit are you from?

You horrible wee man!

How dare you speak to an officer without permission?!

203rd Light Rail Company, sir. You can't pick and choose these days.

Absolutely right.

With your permission, sir,

I'll post these two at the door of the rail

and I, myself, with Jones there will take post at the lorry.

They'll personally count every item in there.

(Shouts) Detail, move!

One!

Er... begin! Have the men count loudly.

CORPORAL: Three...

...four...

...five...

...six...

MAN: Four! Seven... Come on, lads.

Eight...

...nine...

21... 22...

Stop! 23...

Stop!

How many did you say?

16, sir... I think.

16?

I'll stay here now.

Ready, and I want to hear the count loudly.

32...

CORPORAL: 23... Come on! 24... 17!

...25... 18!

...27... 19!

...27... 20!

62... MAN: 28.

MCLEOD: 70!

...63...

71.

...64...

72.

...65...

73.

116... 100.

...117...

101.

...118...

102.

...119...

104.

...120...

105.

...121...

...122...

106.

Oh, come on, you slackers, there's another 25 to come off yet.

Beggin' your pardon, sir, but there's only two left.

What?!

We've been robbed!

Aye, sir. There's the man responsible.

I'll nab him. Security detachment, follow me!

Come back, young man. Come back!

You're under arrest!

One... two... three... four...

Five. Yes, thank you, Corporal.

Sir.

Six... seven... eight...

PAT:9... 10.

22 exactly.

Ma belle France. That'll do me.

(French accent) Pardon? France.

More opportunities here

for an enterprising businessman such as meself.

Found Gallipoli a bit restricting in that way.

You do not expect me to keep this loot here?!

Loot? Oh, no, we're just minding it for General Haig.

See, it's got his name on the bottle.

(Scoffs) How you say? Bull!

Oh, just for a while, anyway.

Anyway, you're gonna have to... mind it

until we get the marketing operation under way.

No. Why should I have the risk?

'Cause half of it is yours.

Why you do this?

Oh, I don't know. Can't help myself.

Generosity runs in the family.

Besides, it'll mark the beginning of our, ah... partnership.

Partnership?

There's a lot more stuff like this out there

just waiting to fall off the back of a truck.

(SULTRY MUSIC)

Ho ho! Thank you, General!

No worries.

ARMSTRONG: All present, Sergeant? Sir.

PAT: Yeah, all here -

Dead-Eye Dick, Mexican Pete, and Sambo.

Shut up, Cleary.

Right, I'll run through the details of this trench raid one last time.

But firstly I want to say

that brigade staff are terribly keen about this stunt.

Maybe they should do it instead.

So all eyes will be on our performance.

I want every man to give of his best.

Our aim is to gather information on the German unit opposite us.

Ideally, we would like a prisoner.

If not, documents or unit identifications.

The search party will be led by me.

Corporal Barrington will be second-in-command.

The covering party will be in the command of Sergeant McArthur.

I want you in and out of those trenches in five minutes.

The box barrage will begin at 0300 hours.

Any questions?

(EXPLOSION)

Now it's time to move.

Good luck.

(Upton sings) Oh, the Camptown ladies sing this song

Do-da, Do-da

Camptown racetrack's 5 miles long...

PAT: That's a good idea, Upton. Sing, let 'em know we're coming.

Don't fiddle with that revolver, Pudden.

Ah, "trench raid' -

is that a staff name for keeping the troops on their toes, sir?

Well, they have to put something in the communiques.

Martin, when are you gonna apply for a commission?

You sound like my father.

You know you should.

Ah, no. I'm happy here... with my mates.

Mates can be one burden too many in this war.

(Clears throat) Ah, how's the time, sir?

It's time.

ROLY: It was a harsh introduction

to the way things were done on the Western Front.

None of us were happy about it, but nobody said anything.

We'd learnt that the front-line soldier

didn't get much say in his fate.

Mr Armstrong was outed by a drop short before it even began.

Trench raids were hated by everybody.

At worst they caused casualties,

and at best it goaded old Fritz into a bloody retaliation.

All for the dubious advantage of identifying some German unit

that might not even be there next week.

This one was attended by the usual confusion.

Upton!

FLANAGAN: Check there.

Even with all the chaos,

thanks to Pudden we did manage to get a prisoner.

Pat? Well, he was pleased to pick up his first valuable souvenir.

Jackpot.

Cleary!

Where are they others? Down further.

Get them out. Quick.

How's Morrissey?

Dunno, mate.

Come on, men!

MARTIN: Better get Cleary.

I don't remember seeing Sergeant McArthur in the enemy trenches,

but then it was all like a blur.

MARTIN: Come on. Move it.

Martin and Flanagan seemed to know more than they were saying.

And anyway, we were just glad to survive another trench raid.

Besides, everyone has his bad days now and again.

Harry? Harry?

Macca?

Macca? Macca?

Come on. You're alright. Come on.

Come on. Get up.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Alright. Off you go.

I got these from young Barrington. Magnificent.

(EXPLOSION) Hell's bells.

Congratulations, Armstrong. A prisoner too.

Don't thank me, Captain. I was knocked out by a drop short.

Sergeant McArthur here took over, then carried me out under fire.

Tremendous. Wait till the Colonel hears about this.

ARMSTRONG: Stand fast.

As you were, lads.

I have just had word from Brigade.

Our raid was one of the most successful and fruitful operations

of its type they've seen.

Jesus! What were the others like, then?

You have all acquitted yourself with very great distinction

and I am very proud to be able to serve with you.

In particular, I'd like to single out Sergeant McArthur...

...for his initiative in taking command.

And for also saving my life.

He has been awarded the military medal.

Drinks are on the Sergeant.

FLANAGAN: Good form, mate.

It's good rough shooting country round here.

The King could be interested.

What's in the diary today, Kiggell?

Oh, there's that long cable from Marshal Joffre

asking for details on the Somme Offensive.

He wants an early start.

Tiresome man!

When we no longer have to pull chestnuts

out of the fire for the frogs,

perhaps we can fight on ground of our own choosing.

Next year.

Anything else?

A Mr Murdoch this afternoon. Who's he again?

An Australian newspaper man. He's some...

An Australian and a newspaper man. That's doubly unfortunate.

He's some sort of informal representative

of the Australian Prime Minister.

I really don't need to be reminded that the Australians are in France.

There's been reports of thefts, disorder in back alleys.

It's South Africa all over again! South Africa?

Yes, the colonial hooligans.

We were gonna pack off home, then. And did you, sir?

They were useful against the Boer command.

The same sort of ragamuffin mentality.

We shot a couple, as I remember. Yes. So we did.

Probably have to do the same again. I'm afraid not, sir.

After that affair,

the Australians abolished the death penalty in their army.

The devil they did!

Oh, we'll have to change that.

Make a note that I raise the matter with this Murdoch fellow.

Right, sir.

If not, Kiggell, we must blood 'em as soon as possible.

Somme should be ideal.

Quieten 'em down.

Oh...

(Speaks French)

C'est une bon bouteille, monsieur.

Know it all, don't you?

Oh, not quite all.

Oh, just showing off in front of an ignorant country girl.

I like showing off in front of you. I always have.

Dick and I used to laugh about that all the time.

Remember the time you fell out of the red gum?

Just because I said you couldn't reach the top.

Yeah, I did reach the top, though. (Chuckles)

(Speaks French)

To the manor born.

Ah, who's he?

Just a bloke I know.

Doesn't speak French as well as you do,

but he is a captain.

Kate, I, ah...

Nothing. No.

Nothing at all?

Just that it's... a pleasure to have lunch with you like this.

(WHIMSICAL MUSIC)

G'day, ladies.

(Women giggle)

Bonsoir, mademoiselle. Mademoiselle.

(Women giggle)

Smooth, aren't ya? Notice there's not many blokes around?

It's the war, mate. The war! All the more sheilas for us, eh?

Eh, cop a look at this.

You two men, stand fast there!

Don't you salute in your army?

Not a lot.

Well, we used to, but we're trying to give it up.

(COMICAL MUSIC)

Mmm, that was lovely, thanks.

My pleasure, my dear.

(Knocks loudly on window)

We've got some company - the lads.

PAT: My friend's over there.

FLANAGAN: Ladies.

G'day.

Well, this is a wonderful surprise, boys.

PAT: G'day.

What do you want? I want a beer.

I told you he'd be glad to see us. Course he's glad to see us.

You ought to see it outside - it's a circus.

All these Poms saluting the officers.

KATE: Well, if you ask me, it's a good idea.

Who's your friend, Marty?

Oh, I'm sorry, this is Lieutenant Kate Baker.

This is Privates Cleary and Flanagan.

How do you do? Pleased to meet you, sister.

If all officers looked like you, I wouldn't mind saluting one bit.

Don't know about this froggy grog.

What do you reckon, Pat? Needs another sugar.

(Chuckles)

I'd better go. I'm on duty soon.

I'll walk you back. We all will.

Won't we, Pat? Ah, yeah.

If you'd do me the honour, miss?

Thank you, Private Flanagan.

You're a real gentleman.

(Chuckles)

Leave a big tip, mate. I always leave a big tip.

PAT: Thank you, garcon.

(WHIMSICAL MUSIC)

KIGGELL: Mr Murdoch, sir. From Australia.

MURDOCH: Good afternoon, General.

HAIG: Mr Murdoch.

I wondered where I'd heard your name.

You were the man mixed up with that Gallipoli report.

I thought it my duty to forward a responsible opinion, General.

Mmm.

Perhaps journalism has its uses.

It put an end to that abominable sideshow.

The war must be fought here in France.

This is where the German Army

must be brought to battle and bled white.

And we need every man to do it.

And not be sidetracked by politicians and strategic amateurs.

I agree, General.

I trust this interview is not going to result in a newspaper article.

No, sir.

My Prime Minister asked me

to call and express his admiration and best wishes

in the onerous responsibilities you have before you.

Thank him from me.

Anything else?

He did ask me to raise with you

the possibility of all five Australian divisions

being grouped together under their own command.

Like the Canadians.

Out of the question.

I will not have my hands tied as to where I can dispose them.

It is a matter which both the Prime Minister and the Australian public

feel very keenly about.

But I remind you, Mr Murdoch, that you are a small country.

And your army is less than 10% of the British forces in France.

A not insignificant force, I hope.

We shall see.

They have as yet to prove themselves against a first-class enemy.

Meanwhile, it grieves me to say

they are creating legal and disciplinary problems

out of all proportion to their numbers.

Perhaps under their own command...

And furthermore...

...l'd like you to convey to your prime minister in the strongest terms

the urgent need to reintroduce the death penalty.

The Australian people would never again

hand the power of life and death to a British court martial.

The maintenance of discipline

must take precedence over national feeling.

Agreed, if that's what's at stake.

But our men are all volunteers.

The kind more easily led than driven.

A dubious distinction.

I don't see how volunteerism can replace the normal wastage,

let alone losses, in a major battle.

"Normal wastage"?

About 5,000 a day across the whole front.

However, this trench deadlock may soon be a thing of the past.

I am preparing the greatest blow of this war.

I will put 20 British divisions against the German line

and, God willing, we will break through and set the cavalry loose.

It may soon be over.

(TENSE MUSIC)

COLLINS: So when are we moving out?

MCARTHUR: Tomorrow.

Do we know where yet?

The Somme.

Then it really is the big push.

MARTIN: Sounds like it.

They've got more artillery down there than anyone's ever seen.

PAT: Yeah, all they need now is someone who knows how to aim it.

(Chuckles) At least it's part of the plan.

Who wants a drink?

MAN: I'll drink with you, Kaiser.

Oh, no, thanks, mate. But I'll get you one.

You know, I should give this thing back.

Blokes all know what happened.

I wouldn't let one bad night worry you.

Might have the wrong date, but it's got the right name.

I'm off. Go and have a drink with the boys.

I must be going to bed. Bonsoir. Bonsoir.

(Coquettishly) Bonsoir, Uncle Pat.

She's got her eye on you, mate.

Ever since we got here she's been after you.

Ask Bill. Yeah, she's quite taken with you.

She's always looking at you. You know what I mean?

I reckon you're in there. But it's a one-man mission.

The only danger's gonna come from enemy artillery.

But I'll keep her occupied on another front.

Oh, thanks, mate.

Ah, Madam. Oui.

Excuse, one more bottle for the boys.

Oui. Something special.

Ah, you want something a little different, ah?

Oui. You wait.

Get in there, mate.

You're a noble pack of buggers, aren't you?

Fly the flag, my son.

I will, Bill.

MADAM: Whiskey - you want? Tres expensive.

Madam. Hmm?

Monsieur Cleary.

(Shouts in French)

(DRUMMING MUSIC)

(WHIMSICAL MUSIC)

Must get a good view of this. Wouldn't miss this.

What a terrible thing to do to a bloke.

Here, Roly.

(Flanagan chuckles)

COLLINS: I don't think this is very nice.

Shut up, Roly.

Wait for it.

(Chuckles)

Well, can we go back now?

(ROOSTER CROWS)

(SULTRY MUSIC)

(Men sing) Hello, hello Who's your lady friend?

Who's the little girlie by your side?

ROLY: When we started our march south to the Somme,

everyone was in high spirits.

We'd all been told that we were going to join the great battle

that was going to win the war.

Even the old hands who might have reason to know better

were caught up in the mood.

We'd heard the guns a long way off.

They'd been going non-stop for three weeks,

and we were pretty sure

that old Fritz must be really knocked about by now.

The village they wanted us to take

couldn't be much of a problem, surely?

That was our last day of innocence.

Right wheel.

(Men sing) With a girl or two

Oh, oh, oh, I am surprised at you

Hello, hello Stop your little games

Don't you think your ways you ought to mend?

It isn't the girl I saw you with at Brighton

Who, who, who's your lady friend?

Hello, hello

Who's your lady friend?

(EXPLOSION)

(Man yells orders)

(EXPLOSIONS)

(EERIE MUSIC)

(Man yells) Keep it moving! Move it!

Sir.

(Loudly) Sir!

(MISSILE SCREAMS)

(EERIE MUSIC)

We're nowhere near the drop-off point.

We should be way up there.

We'll never get to the bloody war like this!

Sir, we can't stay here. We'd be better running along the top.

Sir, we'll be slaughtered if we stay here!

Everyone, out along the top!!

Over the top!

(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

Where the bloody hell are we? Who knows?

Is this the jump-off trench?

When I find out I'll tell you.

This is the battle that's gonna win the bloody war.

Mate, I'm gonna take a look around.

Runner coming in.

Any new orders? I'm looking for the 4th Battalion.

They're down that way somewhere, I think.

Sir.

(EXPLOSION)

We're taking casualties just sitting here, Mr Armstrong.

There's another man buried here!

I said we're taking casualties!

If we stay here, you won't have a platoon left.

We're not going stumbling around till I get clear orders from Battalion.

Now get back to your post!

Ah, Max, my boy.

Still delving amongst the dusty tomes, I see.

It's my job, Father. So it is.

So it is.

But have you read what's happening outside these walls?

These are stirring times, Max.

Great deeds to perform. Accolades to be won.

Reputations can be earned

which will carry a man far in the postwar world.

Ah, I wish to God I was young enough

to be with the brave men at the front.

I thought you were offered a post in France.

Yes, well... (Clears throat)

It was decided at cabinet level

that my value here recruiting was to take first priority,

recruiting fine young men like yourself.

Are you saying that I should join up, Father?

I'm merely suggesting the advantages

which might accrue to yourself and your family -

to be part of this great crusade before it is too late.

We Earnshaws have a reputation to maintain.

WOMAN: Shh. What, what?

I... thought about it, Father.

But honestly, I'd just get in the way.

(Laughs) Oh, come, come, Max.

Overmodesty was always an Earnshaw family fault.

I was never any good at sport at school,

and I get lost more than 100 yards from where the street lights end.

I can't see myself being a soldier.

Who said anything about you being a soldier?

I'm talking about you being an officer.

Think... think what it would look like.

Earnshaw - father and son, for the war efforts.

WOMAN: Shh! What?

I'll think about it, Father.

You won't regret it.

You'll be serving the mother country and Australia.

They'll both be grateful, believe me.

Ah, I can see it now.

Get there after the victory on the Somme,

just in time for the triumphal march to the Rhine.

Shh. What, what?

Sir, I came across a dead runner.

The way I read it,

I reckon we're still about 200 yards from the jump-off point.

(Shouts) Platoon will follow me to the extended line. Move!

(TENSE MUSIC)

They're Germans! Hold it, Bluey.

Hold your fire, men.

We're Aussies!

What the hell are you jokers doing here?

Advancing troops to Pozieres. What are you doing?

Just trying to find the village.

I think the village is that pile of rubble up there.

Mind if I check it on your maps?

We don't have a map. That's bloody lovely, isn't it?

Neither do we.

(EXPLOSION)

This is getting us nowhere, sir.

If we can't sort it out, we'll have to find company HQ.

Come on, sir. The men can hold their positions.

Right. Men! Just hold your positions.

Sergeant, you put your men up on the edge of the village, huh?

Right.

Come on, Harry, let's go.

Come on, Harry! Don't take this out on me, Martin!

No officer can function with orders like these!

Hello? Hello?!

Flamin' useless!

The shells have cut every line.

Sparks, go and check.

(EXPLOSION)

What do you want, Armstrong?

I don't know our jump-off point, nor where I'm supposed to be going.

You were told to advance as far as you can.

So bloody vague it's dangerous!

You're not wrong, but that's all I've got to go on.

Have you seen any enemy?

They're probably as disorganised as we are.

Can I see your map, sir? Map? (Chuckles)

I haven't got any bloody map.

What a way to run a war!

Hell!

The biggest barrage of the war,

and it's falling in all the wrong places.

We could push Fritz to Berlin if we had one ounce of generalship.

Armstrong, round up all the men you can

and occupy the church out at Pozieres.

I'll try and sort out this mess. Yes, sir.

Hey... Oh, struth.

No live Germans for at least a hundred yards out there, Sarge,

but lots of them dug in after that.

What the hell are you doing wandering about?

Patrol. Patrol?

You should be helping to dig in.

It's OK, Sarge.

We paid Pudden to dig twice as hard to make up for it.

They did too, Sarge. And I am.

Can you make any sense out of this? Does it matter?

Bloody oath it does, mate!

If I'm gonna get knocked here, I'd go happy if I knew what I was doing.

Do you really think somebody thought all this up?

(EXPLOSIONS)

(EXPLOSION)

(TENSE MUSIC)

(EXPLOSION)

Sir.

"Platoon will capture the remainder of the village."

What bloody village? We will advance at first light.

Pass the word.

(LOUD EXPLOSION)

Arrgh!

Dead man!

(Screams) I could see it. It was there.

(Blows whistle)

(GUNFIRE)

Platoon will advance!

Come on, men!

Spread out!

Keep the line!

We're losing our flank. The 4th is in trouble.

The German bombers have gotten blocked!

Bluey, machine gun on the right!

Gotta get around behind them. Now! Let's go!

Christ, they're onto us! We're sitting ducks!

Move the platoon forward at the double.

Platoon! Forward at the double!

(TENSE MUSIC)

Sergeant, check that end of the trench.

Looks like we're stuck here.

They've got a feed on us every time we stick up our heads.

Take a party of five men

and bomb back down the trench behind the enemy.

Your objective is to assist the 4th battalion to bring up the flank.

Sir.

Pudden, grab all those German bombs.

Flanagan, Kaiser, Murray, grab those bombs and follow me.

I'm with you, Martin. You stay here and cover us.

Corporal...

If it gets too hot, pull out.

Yes, sir.

Mr Armstrong, the enemy on the left's holding up the whole sector.

Send a party around behind them.

I have. They're on the way. Good man.

(BANG!)

(GUNFIRE)

(MACHINE-GUN FIRE)

Cover.

There they are.

Bomb.

Got him. Let's go.

Flanagan, cover front. Pudden, cover rear.

(Soldier speaks German)

Germans, lots of them. Back into the next bay.

Come on, Pud.

Hold it!

Form a bomb block here.

Come on.

Get back.

(EXPLOSION)

(EXPLOSIONS)

This is bloody hopeless! We can't get past them, and they can't touch us.

If I can make it to that machine-gunpost, I'll be able to drop bombs right on them.

Don't be stupid. There's lead flying in all directions. If Fritz...

What choice have we got? We've gotta get over the top.

Alright, you're the boss. Yeah.

Pud, give us a leg-up.

See anything, Blue?

Now!

Go!

More bombs!

(MACHINE-GUN FIRE)

Kaiser! Kaiser!

Keep 'em coming. More bombs.

Marty!

They're breaking.

The 4th are making ground, Blue.

Quiet, Pudden! We've done our bit.

Hope I'm not interrupting anything.

G'day, Roly. You alright, Pud?

You mad bugger, Barrington.

I never thought I'd see you again.

PAT: There you go, boys. Share this around.

Been a long, long while between drinking holes up here.

There you go, Pud. You deserve it.

Oh, geez!

Barrington!

Hey, come on, you buggers, this is no time for a booze-up yet.

We've got Fritz on the run. Just 200 yards to the objective. Come on!

Gawd. More stirring deeds what won the Empire.

(STIRRING TIN WHISTLE MUSIC)

Dingo, the bottle.

(Man coughs)

Let 'em be, Sarge.

Harris and I will stand sentry, sir.

The boys have earned a break.

(ETHEREAL MUSIC)

(Sighs contentedly)

(Sleepily) You needn't have come, Dick.

I'm doing the right thing by Kate.

At least, I would if I could tie her down.

It's all a bit academic, though, mate.

We can't get out of this alive.

(Voice echoes) You alright, Marty?

You were talking to yourself.

Uh-huh. Oh, yeah. I suppose I must have been dreaming.

Ah... you dropped your cigarette.

Not mine, mate. Don't smoke.

LAD Y ELLISON: Thank you, ladies, for coming today.

We have very little time to complete the packing

if we're to get the billies to the boys for Christmas.

So let us... Uh, excuse me.

I'm Lady Ellison. And you are?

Mrs Baker. From Tolangerook.

Ah, yes. Right, take a place, we'll get started.

Try and put a little bit of everything in, eh?

That's right, Mrs Baker.

Mrs Baker, you can't do that!

Can't do what?

Well... put temptation in the way of our fine young men.

Temptation? Strong drink is an evil thing.

It destroys homes and families.

You wowsers give me the willies.

Who are we sending all this stuff to?

A bunch of fighting men or a pack of lily-livered bloody sissies?

Please, ladies, please! Language!

She was putting alcohol in the billies for the boys.

I've been told you both have boys in the same battalion.

Do try and be friends.

Did have.

I'm so sorry.

Baker.

Dick Baker?

Roly said Dick Baker was the bravest man in the 8th.

He always used to mention him in his letters from Gallipoli.

Dick wasn't one for pen and paper.

Look, I've got all Roly's letters at home.

We could go back after and you could read them.

No!

Well... you could read them to me.

He was a little bugger at times.

Come to that, he was a big bugger too.

(Sobs)

Oh, God, I miss him.

(Sobs)

None of this will get these billies packed.

Sorry I was a bit snappy.

It's just that we used to have a good time with a few drinks.

But you had something different.

Your husband?

Anyway, I'm glad Roly doesn't touch the stuff.

Right, take it easy.

(EXPLOSION)

Kaiser!

Don't they ever run out of bloody ammunition?

Grab some ammo.

Carrying party, sir, what's left of us.

Fritz is taking the supply line. We're losing hundreds.

We're safer here.

(EXPLOSIONS) (Roly screams) No!

Are we going to stay here and get blown to bits?

That's a ranging shot, sir.

Platoon will move to the edge of the orchard now.

(Shouts) Move to the edge of the orchard now!

Come on, Roly. We're getting out of here, boy.

Come on. You're OK. Let's go.

Come on! Hurry.

Good evening, Mr Murdoch. Please sit down.

It's very good of you to see me, Sir Douglas.

Now that Australian troops are committed,

my Prime Minister would appreciate some account of their progress.

(Clears throat)

As you are aware, we renewed the attack three days ago.

In the three weeks since battle was joined,

there has been step-by-step progress across a wide front.

However, in the last few days, the focal point of operations

has concentrated on the vital high ground here,

the heights of Thiepval and Pozieres.

The first Australian division

has been attacking for three days in the Pozieres sector.

And their progress?

Good.

The Australian division is the only formation

to achieve all of its objectives.

Surprisingly good in the circumstances.

General Haig is referring to the fact

that the Germans also consider this vital ground.

They're concentrating their reserves and all their army group artillery.

All their artillery?

(TENSE MUSIC)

Hey, there's our relief.

They're walkin' right into it.

Hey, don't go near that trench!

(MUSIC INTENSIFIES)

Upton, NO!

STOP!

(SOMBRE MUSIC)

Just like that.

Watch your front! Prepare for a counterattack.

If this is the orchard, where are the fruit trees?

Get down!

A couple of questions, Sir Douglas.

From the map, the Pozieres position looks less than a mile wide.

The concentration of artillery in that small space

must be very heavy indeed.

Perhaps the heaviest of the war.

And our casualties must inevitably reflect this.

These, I notice, are yesterday's positions.

Have you any information as to our latest progress?

Well, the whole area, of course, is covered by dust and smoke.

All the telephones are cut and our airmen can see nothing.

(EXPLOSION)

I need some help over here!

PAT: Is that you, Roly? You owe me a dig out.

No, Pat, it's me.

Roly's not too good.

Neither am I, Bill.

Neither am I.

Here, we'll get you up.

MURDOCH: Sir Douglas, as you know, my Prime Minister is determined

to commit Australian manpower and resources

to see this thing through to the end.

However, he will ask me, I'm sure,

whether these gains of a few hundred yards

are worth the blood expended on them.

Mr Murdoch, this war is not merely about gaining ground.

Far from it.

It's about bringing the German army to battle

where they cannot refuse to fight.

And once having engaged them,

we wear them down shell by shell and man by man.

It'll be the side with the greatest fortitude -

regardless of losses - with the strongest nerve

who will force the decision.

And you may assure your Prime Minister

this headquarters will not be the one which lacks the necessary nerve.

(EXPLOSIONS)

(EXPLOSIONS CONTINUE)

Why don't the bastards attack?

I could cope with the bombardment then.

Why should they?

They can grind us to a pulp with artillery.

Hell of a thing to come 12,000 miles for.

I think Mr Murdoch was impressed, sir.

Perhaps those colonials will now realise

that war on the Western Front is a serious business.

Perhaps after this bloodying

their conduct behind the lines will improve.

Now, what's the latest from General Gough?

Committing another corps at Thiepval, General.

(EXPLOSION)

Come on. Fritz is on the move again.

We'll give it one more go before daylight, then we can rest.

Come on, fellas.

Stand to! Stand to!

There's blokes moving behind us as well.

Bluey, get a feed on them.

(FOREBODING MUSIC)

Hold it.

They're our blokes.

They're relief.

Quick, tell Mr Armstrong our relief's arrived.

Did you miss your bus?

Did you expect flags and a band?

What's the situation here?

The enemy is 300 yards out front.

They're apparently preparing for an attack.

We've got one posted there, there and there.

What's beyond them is anyone's guess.

Thanks very much.

Mr Armstrong says he's ready to go. Thanks.

Got any SOS flares? Yeah.

Give us a minute to get clear and fire them.

Cheerio.

9th Section, move out!

See ya, mates.

Move out quickly and be quiet.

They didn't talk about this at officer training.

I wonder if anyone's actually running this battle.

Just fire the flares, sir. Just fire the bloody flares.

(DISTANT EXPLOSIONS)

This is a moving occasion for any father.

My son has elected to serve his country

in the great cause of freedom.

We are proud of men like these,

volunteering to serve in this great struggle.

Is it true, sir, that Prime Minister Hughes

is under great pressure from the British General's staff

to introduce conscription

on account of the enormous casualties they expect?

Boys, you know better than to ask a question like that.

Is it true?

Well, as a confidant of the Prime Minister,

I can assure you unequivocally

that Mr Hughes will do what is right for the country,

bearing in mind

the wishes of the people of this great democracy of ours.

REPORTER: Thank you, Mr Earnshaw.

Blah, blah, blah.

But I have a few unattributable comments to make

which may be of interest to you.

Cheer up, Mum.

They'll never let me close enough to the front to muck things up.

I'll be a glorified clerk, same as always.

I wish your father hadn't forced you into this.

Has he ever been any different?

Anyway, other blokes have gone from the library.

I would've had to go sooner or later.

We can't let other people make all the sacrifices.

I know, dear.

But it doesn't make it any easier.

Right, boys, lets have a family photo for the afternoon editions.

And let me conclude with a message to all the young men of Australia.

Great deeds are being performed in France at this very moment.

General Haig's great Somme offensive is destroying the army of Germany.

Join now and be part of this glory

and build a record which will stand you in good stead after the war.

Mark my words, the battle of the Somme

will mark the triumphal march to Berlin.

Here they come!

(Soldiers sing) Pack up your troubles in your old kitbag

And smile, smile, smile

While you've a Lucifer to light your fags

Smile, boys, that's the style

What's the use in worrying?

(Voices trail off) It never was worthwhile...

(MARTIAL DRUMMING)

(Martin) "Dear Reverend,

"we have just come from a place so terrible

"that even a raving lunatic

"could never imagine the horrors of the last days.

"Nothing published in the papers about it is worth a damn.

"There'll be some hair-raising stories to be told

"when this war's over.

"I know you asked me to write nothing less than the truth,

"but I also know I have your word

"that none of this will go to my family.

"The awful question is

"was this great effort of our countrymen

"directed by prudent and competent generalship?

"Was it worth these crushing casualties?"

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

Don't get up, George.

It's Comforts Club working bee again today.

I told Rupert to pick me up here.

He's seeing off a parliamentary colleague.

That looks like a letter from France.

Anyone I know?

No, Thea, I don't think you'd know him.

Forgive my appalling curiosity.

It's just that I haven't heard from Martin for some time

and the last letter I received from him

could've been written by a machine.

"Yes, I am well. Yes, I am alright."

Etc, etc.

Poor George.

You look so tired.

And here I am prattling on about myself.

Any telegrams today?

Yes. Five dead, five wounded.

Dear God!

Why should the burden of delivering these tragic messages

fall upon the clergy?

I suppose it was originally proposed

so that comfort could accompany the news.

It has not worked that way for me.

Nowadays if I so much as walk down the street,

women are seen to run in fear.

Thea, George. Damn rag!

Some fellow civilian, of course, gave it to me at the station.

The "Australian Worker.'

The whole issue is an attack on the conscription referendum.

With our men fighting in France, that thing borders on sedition.

Oh, come, Rupert.

The Labor movement has never made any secret

of its views on conscription.

The time has passed for the finer points of political debate.

They're either for us or against us.

Who's "us'?

Those who know that the future of a civilised world

depends on winning this war.

That's a little colourful, isn't it?

No!

This war is in the balance.

Federal Cabinet have been told by London

that if the reinforcement rate is not stepped up

they may have to disband one of our divisions.

Perhaps instead they should think about conserving our soldiers.

Spoken like an armchair strategist.

Rupert! No.

My knowledge of the casualties comes painfully, at first-hand.

Anyway, what are we arguing about?

The whole question of compulsory enlistment

is going to be decided by the Australian people

voting in secret, so...

It has to be a yes victory.

The question is whether the slackers and cowards

will continue to avoid their responsibilities.

Or whether we should force men to a war 12,000 miles away.

Now we see you in your real colours.

Why don't you join your friends -

The Sinn-Feiners, the Catholics and the Socialists?

They all want to bring Britain down.

Stop it, both of you!

You've been friends for too long.

This war changes a lot of things.

Including having to decide

whether you speak as an Australian or as an lmperialist.

I'll be waiting in the car, Thea.

Take the paper with you, Rupert.

It contains an interesting quotation.

"A man cannot hate to order."

I'm not particularly proud of myself, Thea.

Poor Rupert.

I suppose he sees this business so intensely because Martin is at risk.

I am sorry, George.

The bitterness of this war

is seeping through the country like a poison.

Our young men will not be the only casualties.

Pass the bottle, Sarge.

It says in the papers there'll be no more volunteers.

Conscripts - that's what we'll have next.

KAISER: I don't want to fight with conscripts.

Yeah? They can take my place any time.

Corporal Barrington, this just came through.

Congratulations, Martin.

Stone the crows! It's a distinguished conduct medal.

Is that good?

Apart from the Victoria Cross it's the best there is.

Onya, son! Ha-hey!

Little reward for what you did at Pozieres, Martin.

Onya, Marty.

Is that what I got it for - Pozieres?

Congratulations, mate.

(LOUD METALLIC CLATTERING)

Take a look, fellas.

False alarm, fellas. As you were.

Alright, then, instructions.

What a fine body of men.

Now, listen, Barrington,

the platoon is going to attend the area concert tonight.

(All groan)

It's been decided you'll enjoy yourselves.

Oh, yeah? Who says so? The Colonel, that's who.

Now, you'll parade the platoon at 1900,

then march them to the concert hall.

You got it? Mmm. I can hardly wait.

Enjoyment finishes 2130 sharp.

Now, it's going to be a fine night's entertainment,

including novelty acts, recitations and female impersonations.

Ooh! That's what it says here, anyway.

Oh, they told me to come to Europe for culture.

Lance Corporal Cleary ... "Lance Corporal" Cleary?

Well, I had to bribe him with something.

Anyway, he's been detailed to pick up the stage props.

(Laughs) Crikey, what did he have to say about that?

If I was a sensitive man, I would've blushed.

But I'm not a sensitive man, am I?

No. No bloody fear, Sarge.

He was also told that it was a request from the assistant provo marshal,

who might otherwise take a personal interest

in Cleary's commercial activities.

So get the troops there on time.

Or else.

Or else what?

You know.

Full of charm, isn't he?

Well, go and dig them out, Lance Corporal.

Toute suite.

So, that's what they mean by "chain of command", is it?

Gather round, you blokes. A bit of news.

(CABARET-STYLE MUSIC)

(All sing) You wore a tulip A sweet yellow tulip

And I wore a big, red rose

When you caressed me 'Twas then heaven blessed me

What a blessing no-one knows

You made me cheery when you called me deary

Was out where the bluegrass grows...

'Whizz Bangs', eh? Sound more like bloody drop shorts to me.

...and I wore that big, red rose...

Roly's in the grip of the grape. Do him good.

(Audience applauds and cheers)

I wore a tunic A dirty, khaki tunic

And you wore your civvy clothes

We fought and bled at Loos while you were on the booze

Booze that no-one here knows

Around with the wenches while we were in the trenches

Facing an angry foe

You were a-slacking while we were attacking

Up along the Pozieres road.

(Audience applauds and cheers)

Hello, boys.

Hello, sailor! (All laugh)

Have we got an entertainment-packed evening for you?

MAN: Show us your muscles, then. (Man whistles)

Not in front of the ladies. (All laugh)

But before we start I have just been handed from Aussie

the results of the conscription referendum.

And I'm sure you all want to hear them.

(Men yawn and laugh)

Western Australia - yes.

Victoria - yes. (Audience cheers enthusiastically)

Queensland - no.

Tasmania - yes.

NSW - no. (Audience cheer)

South Australia - no.

Out of 2.4 million votes cast, the majority for no is 70,000.

Now, what about that?!

(SILENCE)

(All laugh and cheer)

(GUNSHOT) (All laugh)

Get him off! You get him off.

Get him off! You get him off.

Uh... to be at this gathering, um, here tonight,

there's to be some, um, recitation.

And who better to recitate at ya

than your old mate Lance Corporal Cleary?

(All cheer and laugh)

A bit of Australian poetry.

I'll put the right hat on. A bit of respect.

Alright. Um... 'The Bastard From the Bush'.

(All laugh)

Heard it before, have you?

As dust was slowly settling

Over city, town and bush

This joker come to see us

He wanted to join the push

Would you let a woman keep ya?

Would you give up work for good?

Would I let a woman keep me? Get him off!

My oath I would. (All cheer)

And now the 15th Brigade Football Team Chorus!

(GUNSHOT)

(CABARET-STYLE MUSIC)

(All boo and jeer) Get off!

What's this? What's this, a bloody poofter show, eh?

Careful, that's Punchy Ellis.

He put two blokes in hospital last game.

That's the mug.

Punchy Ellis, yeah! Isn't he an ugly mug?

Punchy Ellis. Always reckoned you shaved your legs, mate!

(All laugh)

Hasn't he got an ugly mug, and an arse to match?

Duck! Duck! Duck!

MAN: Break it up!

Break it up!

Come on, get him. Go on! Ha!

Glad you could make it.

Let's go before the MPs arrive.

Why can't all concerts be like this? I'll talk to Pat about it.

SONG: Mademoiselle from Armentieres, parlez-vous

Mademoiselle from Armentieres Parlez-vous

Mademoiselle from Armentieres She hasn't been kissed for 40 years

Inky-pinky parlez-vous

The men from Wagga and Gundagai Parlez-vous

From Perth, the Towers, and Boggabri

Parlez-vous

Sydney City and Dandenong

Will think of you as they battle along

Inky-pinky parlez-vous.

(JAUNTY MILITARY MUSIC)