Tunnel Rats of 1 Field Squadron RAE Author: Derek Evens - Nui Dat, 1966 This poem is dedicated to all Engineers who served in the Vietnam War, especially those members of 1st Field Squadron, Royal Australian Engineers, otherwise known as 'The Tunnel Rats.' They were a special breed of soldier who descended into a black, booby trapped underground armed only with a torch and a pistol. The leading scout raised his arm in the village of Long Phouc, he'd found another tunnel But who's going in to look. The digger passed the word back it went far behind, To let his platoon commander know of his recent find. Then along came this soldier With mud from head to toe. Where's the tunnel entrance That's all he wished to know. When the digger showed him He quickly looked around. And before anyone could stop him He'd gone underground. Now he's crawling On his gut I bet. Looking for the booby traps That old Charlie had set. Then he felt the wire Stretched taught and thin. But he deloused that booby With a safety pin. Then he felt the weapons leaning against the wall. That's when he knew he'd found A really great big haul. When he finally surfaced Wearing a great big grin, He proudly showed the diggers What he'd found within. Now he'd like to sit down And roll himself a smoke. But he's been called forward By another bloke. So if you see that badge That's like a bursting shell. Just remember that soldier He's crawled half-way through hell. And if you're in a bar mate You by that bloke a beer, because sir you're drinking With an AUSSIE ENGINEER! go to top