Ted Drake interviewed by Geoff Lewis and Gordon Murray about his experiences during the First World War.

This is a radio program written and roduced for Radio Station 2AAA FM Wagga Wagga, for broadcast on Anzac Day, April 25, 1984, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.. Veteran of the Great War, Mr Ted Drake of Wagga Wagga, gives his reasons for enlisting, echoing the feelings of the men at the time.

The program commences by briefly outlining the commencement of WW1 and discussion of expectation at the time that the War would not last beyond the end of 1914. Ted Drake of Wagga Wagga tells how he enlisted under an assumed name to help 'Bite the Bosch', and was later promoted to Lieutenant. Ted also describes conditions on the Western Front such as: dead animals, splintered vegetation, the "no man's land" and the desolation caused by heavy shelling; the constant strain of living in trenches that were frequently attacked by rifle fire, machine guns, mortars and shells at any time of day or night; going to the town of Dayores which had been badly shelled during the local dining hour, resulting in many deaths; the difficulty of trying to sleep in mud at Villers-Bretonneux; the excellent reputation of Australian troops; the decisive actions of Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes in deploying of Australian troopos; his friendship with George Emery who accompanied Ted one night they nearly walked into German lines. The program also includes the songs "Long Way to Tipperary"; "Roses of Picardy"; "Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major"; "Tomorrow is a Lovely Day" and orchestral rendition of "Waltzing Matilda".

Other places mentioned include: Sarajevo; Henty; Holbrook; Gallipoli; Flanders; Messines. Persons mentioned include: Howard Porter, poet; Christopher Wallis Crab (poet); Richard Adlington (poet); Wilfred Owen (poet).