George Mansford

HOME AT LAST

Lieutenant Kenneth Hudson went missing on March 21, 1966 during an SAS patrol in Borneo. (Australian Defence Force) The remains of two Australian servicemen missing since 1966 in Indonesia were found in October 2009. They have been identified as belonging to Special Air Service Patrolman Lieutenant Kenneth Hudson, from Brisbane, and Private Robert Moncrieff, from NewcastleMany seasons have been and gone since that day
You shouldered a pack and quickly marched away
So many thoughts and tears; so much has passed
Now you are coming home at long, long last

The deserts fringes you walked, at times still bloom
The surf where you swam calls with a familiar boom
Silent mountains you loved remain ever so free
Dark waters where you fished still flow to the sea

Soon you will rest in the earth of a sacred site
Guarded by tall proud trees, by day and by night
Above, the ever watchful southern cross so bright
At times dark clouds will gather and sob with rain
Each dawn, speckled birds greet with fond refrain

History recalls duty and sacrifice you freely gave
The loneliness and mystery of an unmarked grave
Kin will read your name with evident pride
Proud of links to the past and how you died

Your rusted spear and shield needed no more
Gone forever the shrieks and din of your war
At last you will be home within our golden shores
Sleep well, cobber, your spirit need roam no more

Author’s Note: Dedicated to Lieutenant Ken Hudson, SASR and all our others missing in action yet to be found.