The sound of big, heavy boots hitting the ground echoed through the empty streets. 

I sat in my bed and listened. I could hear marching. No talking.  No one was out of step.  

I crept to the small window in my bedroom. I can see hundreds of men marching in line. I can see people from Walgett, Burren Junction and Wee Waa. I can see children over the road farewelling their fathers, brothers and sisters as they go off to fight for our country. 

I go downstairs to the kitchen. I silently open the old, wooden door and step outside. It is cold. It is dark. It’s so different up close compared to out of my bedroom window. I do not know what will happen to all these brave men and women, but one thing is certain, it will not be easy. Not for anyone. 

Two weeks pass and we are back at school working hard. My friend is called to the principal’s office and I do not see her for the rest of the day. 

Lots of people go that way but I do not know why.   

The war that so many families entered. That is why. Shot, wounded, dead or missing. This war that has ripped so many families and friendships apart. 

War. The word echoes in my head. I feel sick. I am so grateful that I still have my dad. 

That afternoon I go to my friend’s house across the road. Her mum lets me in. I go to her room. I can hear crying, no, sobbing. I run in and put her arms around her. 

I was right. War was hard on everyone. Whether they are there or on the other side of the world. It’s such a terrible thing. War!

Eleven-year-old Alice Haire wrote this story on World War I from a child’s perspective after learning about the Wallaby March at school.  The Wallaby March was a recruiting march which began in Walgett and passed through  Burren Junction, Wee Waa, Narrabri, Merehula, Turrawan, Baan Baa, Boggabri, Dubledah, Gunnedah, Curlewis, Breeza, Werris Creek, Quirindi, Willow Tree, Murrurundi, Wingen, Scone, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook, Liddell, Ravensworth, Camberwell, Glennies Creek, Singleton, Branxton, Cessnock, Abermain, Weston, Kurri Kurri, East Greta, Maitland, Morpeth, Minmi, West Wallsend, Wallsend, Lambton, Waratah, arriving at Newcastle on  January 8, 1916.  Alice is the granddaughter of David and Nada Fry of Mudgee.