Australian WW1 Heroes

'Can You Hear Australia's Heroes Marching?' is a national war memorial
song and a tribute to the ANZAC spirit of mateship, courage and sacrifice.

The video is a tribute to the Australians who served and died in the First World War 1914 - 1918.

The First World War remains the most costly conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population
of only five million, over 300,000 enlisted men were sent overseas, of which over 60,000 were killed and
156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

In 1916, Australians were at the main battle front of the war.   In July, on the Somme, the Australians
were engaged in one of the bloodiest, most destructive battles in history.  Over several weeks, in a series
of determined attacks against strong defense, the Australians suffered a rate of casualties that was nearly
unsustainable. The single worst day of the war was at the battle of Fromelles with over 5,000 Australian
casualties (with 2,000 killed), and no ground was taken.

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. ANZAC Day is held on April 25 and is the
anniversary of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand forces in the 1915 Gallipoli
campaign during the First World War.

Over 8,000 Australian soldiers died in the Gallipoli campaign, and even though the campaign was a failure,
the ANZAC legend was formed.  Australia was a young nation and the courage and character shown by
Australians at Gallipoli was quickly recognised and honored back home.

In the First World War, nurses were recruited from both the nursing service and the civilian profession and
served as an integral part of the AIF. They served in Egypt and Lemnos during the Gallipoli campaign, in
England, France and Belguin in support of the fighting on the Western front, and in Greece Salonika,
Palestine, Mesopotamia and India. At least 2139 nurses served abroad between 1914 and 1919, and a
further 423 worked in military hospitals in Australia, while 29 died on active service.

The First World War is often referred to as 'The Great War' or the 'war to end all wars'.

Over 100,000 Australians have lost their lives in the service and defence of our country.  Along with
their mates, they're marching once again, in the towns and cities, across our great land.
The song is timeless and honors the memory of those who have died in the service and defence of
Australia in war.

The marching theme of the song is especially powerful and supports the spirit of ANZAC Day.  The
song does not glorify war or endorse conflict of any kind.  The song simply highlights the sacrifice of many
Australians who died in the service and defence of our country in war.

The song has been used for commemorative purposes across Australia by schools, churches,
choirs, bands, councils, retirement homes, military services, RSL branches and ANZAC tributes at NRL
& AFL matches.  The author allows the song to be used for free for commemorative purposes.

Radio stations throughout Australia have broadcast the song leading up to ANZAC Day and
Remembrance Day.

The song is also requested to be played at funerals (for veterans).

Click here to download the song (CD quality mp3 in full length).  Don't miss this opportunity to have
your own copy of the song at no cost. To download you must right click on 'Click here' and then click on
'Save Link As...'  Then choose a folder on your computer where you want the mp3 file downloaded to.

The words (lyrics) to the song have been requested to be used or read at commemorative ceremonies.
You can click here to download the words to the song (pdf file).

Sheet music can be emailed to you for no cost for commemorative ceremonies.  Click here to be sent
sheet music. As well as standard sheet music, there is individual sheet music for piano, solo voice, trumpet,
electric guitar, bass guitar, choir and drum kit.   NEW:  Full arrangement now available.  Includes all
instruments (piano, trumpet, electric guitar, bass guitar, drum kit) choir and solo voice.

Peter Barnes initiated this song in 2001.  He is the author (and copyright owner) of the song and he
created the concept, title and lyrics.  You can contact Peter by email here

Click here to go to home page.
 

'Can you hear Australia's heroes marching?' © Peter Barnes 2001 - 2008. All Rights Reserved. All content on this page and on
the video remains  the property of the respective copyright holders. The song may not be used for any commercial purposes
whatsoever.  Peter also holds copyright for 'Can you hear our heroes marching?'. Any change of the name of a country, for
instance, inserting 'America's', instead of 'Australia's' in the the song is in violation of copyright.

All material published on this page is protected by copyright law. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study,
research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced or reused for any
commercial purposes whatsoever.

*Disclaimer  - This song has been produced by Mr Peter Barnes with funding support from the Federal Government's Their Service
 - Our Heritage program. The Commonwealth of Australia has not been involved with any part of the production of the song,
including lyrics, and disclaims any responsibility whatsoever. Mr Barnes shall be solely responsible for the song and its content.