A Tribute to Our Caesar in Khaki and Jungle Green 

By George Mansford

Major General R.A.Grey AO DSO –

Posted to Valhalla 2O January 2022

Caesar was our God, and his Bible was to be read and obeyed. It included commandments on many essentials so critical in war. He was tough and demanding. Failure was not included in his dictionary.  He was never forgiving in regards to incidents of poor leadership, and always was his interest in the welfare of his soldiers, as well as an ability to recognise individual weaknesses to be rectified and strengths to be exploited.  Caesar never asked a soldier to do what he as a leader had not already done, and quite often led the way with soldiers who were yet to meet their first challenge.

He administered military justice with the wisdom and force of Solomon and more often than not it was severe. Always was his objective to achieve a very high standards of battle discipline, be it peace or war, and he did.  He was very much admired by his troops; however, as is the way when enduring physical and mental challenges in a harsh and unforgiving environment, there were a few who had different views. Their service was brief.

From a young Lieutenant in Korea commanding an infantry platoon, then later as Chief Instructor of the Battle Wing at Canungra preparing troops for operations in Vietnam, followed by commanding an infantry battalion in Vietnam and ultimately as a General in charge of Australia’s Field Force.  In all commands, he left huge footprints for all who would follow.  A further challenge confronted him when the government of the day selected him to command Australia’s Federal Police where yet again he was held in high regard.

So many soldiers who served under him, no matter when or where still remember him with much admiration and respect. Perhaps such reflection from far distant years is the most powerful accolade that any group of veterans could bestow.

Caesar Still Lives 

Major General R.A. Grey AO, DSO                          

A salute from all his centurions, living and dead

 

Find me the soldier who speaks of Caesar gone

Take his name, for he is so wrong

In dreams we follow him again into the fog of war, night or day

Look and you see him here, there, and everywhere, leading the way

 

Feel his sharp spurs to counter fear and capture pride

Laughter and camaraderie at camp fires with centurions by his side

See his torch of honour, love of country and duty burning bright 

A flame in our column forever and a day, and always in sight

 

Listen to the tramp of many willing feet marching as one

His stirring spirit going forward to the rhythmic beat of our drums  

When the bugle calls, he is there as our flag’s raised high

His legions, eager for life, yet when duty calls, ready to die

 

Have no doubts, our beloved Caesar will always be there

Mid the ranks of today’s warriors standing fast and soon to dare

Now go find me the soldier who says Caesar has gone

Take his name, for he is so, so wrong

                      Hail Caesar