‘Throughout these works there is the underlying theme of love of country and the heartfelt hardship of separation from loved ones. Mateship and compassion for the innocent victims of conflict are also important themes that permeate many of the poems.’
John Grey AC Lieutenant General (Retd)
‘This book must be put aside – frequently. To savour it fully and to overcome the emotions it generates, it must be read in small doses.’
Michael O’Connor, Executive Director – Australia Defence Association
‘The Happy Warrior is an important work of historical retrieval. The volume returns to these long forgotten rank-and-file bards both their voice and their moral stature in our folk literature. It embodies all that is best about Australian humanity in the terrible crucible of war.’
Rod Moran, Literary Editor - The West Australian.
‘The lighter side of military life is not forgotten, for laughter really is a soldier’s last line of defence, putting a morbid reality into perspective.’
The Melbourne Sun Herald
‘The offerings within present all sides of the service life, from moments of great humour and great tragedy, patriotism and pain, human spirit and deeper spirituality.’
Michael Jacobson, Literary Editor – The Gold Coast Bulletin
Excerpt
An anthology of poetry rich with emotion, vibrant with diversity and strong with sentiment.Gain an insight into the minds, hearts and souls of the warriors that have been involved in defending Australia. Compiled and edited by Warrant Officer Paul Barrett and Kerry B Collison
In the Whirlwind is a poetic storm that frees history from the cages of corruption and puts it in the hands of everyday people. Words are weaved into a new fashion statement that has nothing to do with runways but everything to do with projects!
