DASHER WHEATLEY VC – By Bill Charlton

Over the years I see the stories appear

Of our own Dasher Wheatley the man with no fear.

And it’s true to say he was one of a kind.

A true a mate as any soldier could find.

‘Like a tank on the grog!’ I heard a mate say.

Few of us could imagine him in any other way.

But saying all that he was disciplined and skilled

This was sometimes offset by his being strong-willed.

Anyone who opposed him was in for a fight.

His endurance was legendary, his condition just right.

He showed strength that amazed, would never show fear

Was respected by all, especially his peers.

But beneath this facade was a soldier who cared,

For the men in his team and the rest of us there.

He was a legend, from the start of day one.

It did not surprise us when his VC was won.

Dasher was a leader and no quarter was asked.

He showed no emotion, his face was a mask.

But if he gave an order and it wasn’t done well

There’d be no doubt that he would raise hell.

He was a larrikin soldier always good for a joke

But men listened carefully whenever he spoke

This man was the leader you would follow to hell

Every soldier was shattered the day that he fell.

Men shook their heads, it could not be believed

A mistake had been made, we had all been deceived.

We had thought him invincible – we came back to earth.

All men are vulnerable – despite their great worth!

But Dasher left a legacy that stands true today.

Duty First was his motto when he went away.

And he stood by his principles when all appeared lost.

Regardless the outcome, regardless the cost!

BillCharlton c 2018