The Coloured Diggers
STORY BY JEMMA PIGOTT
Dispossessed. Stolen. Sacrificed. Even when subject to cruel, racist policies in their own country, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people fought for Australia. In World War Two, Aboriginal Privates Harold West and George Leonard, both 31 years old, died defending us from Japanese invasion. They fought bravely in Papua New Guinea (PNG) along the notorious Kokoda Track: a rugged, mountainous trail through largely dense jungle that is mostly hot and humid with high rainfall. They lost their lives in this heroic capacity more than 20 years before Australia’s 1967 Referendum (which asked voters whether “Aboriginals should be counted in the population”). These remarkable Aboriginal men were childhood friends who voluntarily enlisted to fight for Australia, despite being denied basic rights of citizenship at the time. I was introduced to their story in my role as a volunteer filmmaker for the Kokoda Aboriginal Servicemen’s Committee (KASC). Over ANZAC Day in 2012 I travelled to PNG with the KASC, documenting special ceremonies at the graves and memorials of Aboriginal Diggers. This historic expedition was led by Uncle Richard Archibald whose great work was acknowledged when he was named NAIDOC Elder of the Year in 2014. I am currently pursuing a self-funded documentary focusing on Privates West and Leonard, a prelude for which I screened in Redfern on ANZAC Day as part of the annual Coloured Diggers March. My short film was introduced by the nephew of Private West, Uncle Les Beckett, who treated the audience to a special harmonica performance. Warrant Officer Class One, Uncle Colin Watego OAM (retired) also spoke at the screening. Uncle Colin has extensive experience in the Australian Defence Force and is passionate about honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Diggers. The subjects of my film (Privates West and Leonard) were from outback New South Wales; beautiful “fresh water” country – so called for the pristine fresh water that once flowed through it. Unfortunately, the Murray-Darling river crisis has devastated much of the sacred land in this region, and Aboriginal communities are presently suffering. This is something I have seen first-hand. It is a concerning contemporary issue my historic film introduced me to – one I am passionate about shedding light on. To this end, I strongly encourage people to follow the work of Muruwari and Budjiti activist Uncle Bruce Shillingsworth. I met Uncle Bruce at my film screening on ANZAC Day – one of many remarkable people my documentary honouring Aboriginal Diggers has connected me to. Another such person is Uncle Ray Minniecon, one of the founders of Redfern’s Coloured Diggers March. Chris Carben and Warren ‘Pig’ Morgan were also instrumental to the development of this inclusive community event, held each ANZAC Day since 2007 to honour First Nation servicemen and women. The march’s name references The Coloured Digger poem written by Bert Beros in tribute to Aboriginal servicemen. Beros was a non-Aboriginal combat engineer or “Sapper” who served on the Kokoda Track. His words were inspired by Private West and penned at the Donadabu Rest Camp near Port Moresby during the War.
30 THE LAST POST – 2020 SUMMER EDITION
The Coloured Digger written by Sapper H. E Bert Beros NX6925 He came and joined the colours, when the War God’s anvil rang, He took up modern weapons to replace his boomerang, He waited for no call-up, he didn’t need a push, He came in from the stations, and the townships of the bush. He helped when help was wanting, just because he wasn’t deaf; He is right amongst the columns of the fighting A.I.F. He is always there when wanted, with his Owen gun or Bren, He is in the forward area, the place where men are men. He proved he’s still a warrior, in action not afraid, He faced the blasting red-hot fire from mortar and grenade; He didn’t mind when food was low, or we were getting thin, He didn’t growl or worry then, he’d cheer us with his grin. He’d heard us talk democracy–; they preach it to his face– Yet knows that in our Federal House there’s no one of his race. He feels we push his kinsmen out, where cities do not reach, And Parliament has yet to hear the Aborigine’s maiden speech. One day he’ll leave the Army, then join the League he shall, And he hope’s we’ll give a better deal to the Aboriginal. OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Privates West and Leonard. Photo: Australian War Memorial. Les Beckett (nephew of Private West) plays harmonica for audience at the screening of Jemma Pigott’s film honouring Privates West and Leonard. Redfern’s Coloured Diggers March. ANZAC Day, 2019. Photo: Belinda Mason Photography. Emerging filmmaker Jemma Pigott at the screening of her short film ‘The Coloured Digger’ at Redfern’s Coloured Diggers March, 2019 with (left to right): nephew of Private Harold West aka The Coloured Digger Les Beckett and Warrant Officer Class One Colin Watego OAM (retired). Photo: Belinda Mason Photography.
