(Socotra House deeply regrets the Internet disruption to the otherwise orderly Gunfire Breakfast).

26 April 2022

A Gunfire Breakfast

(Imagine, if you will, a delightful image in full color of a hearty repast with suitable beverage here. Country internet bandwidth issues preclude inclusion this morning. Management has directed reliable broadband be acquired county-wide).

Most members of the circle at the Fire Ring this morning were prepared for the future. Or trying, since that matter is open to question. This morning there was animated discussion of a social media none of us use, a note about a new data center of vast proportions that will bring some of Europe’s data storage to a field near ours, and speculation about an election that is supposed to happen later this year.

The tone of the discussion was animated and based on the mood they possessed when they took their cots last night. The ANZAC celebration had some consequences, first of which was that some of the solemnity of the occasion had leaked over into merriment as the dawn breakfast ran over into Lunch. That resulted in a trip in the Truck.

Amanda was designated legal counsel and driver for the expedition. She drove Splash, Loma and Rocket over the gravel back road to Belmont Farms to acquire reinforcements and encourage them to add the ANZAC traditional breakfast to the distillery’s annual roster of celebrations.

That progression of events is firmly rooted in tradition. If you were directed to land on a rugged coast defended by obdurate and heavily-armed Turks, you might want to add a tot of Lambs or Bundaberg Rum to your coffee before climbing into your boat for the landing.

While we remember it on ANZAC Day, the history of this sort of breaking fast is not exclusively limited to that proud tradition. It is said to go back to Victoria’s time on the throne. In the 1890s, it had assumed a name: the Gunfire Breakfast. It was traditionally served by Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to members of the working ranks as a useful stimulant before a morning attack.

In more peaceful times, it was a tribute honoring those who had sacrificed before proceeding to a parade in ranks. There are naturally some necessary adaptations. In a martial context, lighting a fire to make coffee would reveal positions to the enemy about to be assaulted. Thus, other suitable mediums to dilute the rum were used, including tinned room-temperature milk, or served as an adjunct to cold tea.
In order to fortify the spirit of those participants in coming struggle, sustenance was offered in the form of a hearty British morning meal: bacon, eggs, baked beans, sausages, grilled tomato and toast, if available. Served with the incendiary rum-laced coffee or tea.
It is this latter part that caused the nickname: “Gunfire Breakfast.” Down Under, many servicemen simply call the beverage a “rum & milk,” administered before and after dawn services.

It is said the rum warms body and spirit in the small cool hours of the morning. It is also intended to offer the soldiers Dutch-courage before heading off to battle. We naturally mean no disparagement to the Netherlanders in that regard, but the schedule does not permit further explanation this morning.

Which is why the F150 pulled up at Belmont Farms yesterday, the bed of the truck suitably upholstered with celebrants. A period of negotiations followed, with promises of continued commerce followed by a modest commitment by Management to provide a suitable Gunfire Breakfast for 25 April, 2023.

It is appropriate in this place, which shares something with Gallipoli. In this County at this time of year, armies in the field glanced up at the sky and realized the temperature was growing suitable for long walks in the country.

The ones who had camped here in the months of winter were directed to walk north and then east around the bulk of Mount Pony toward a place that would encourage a little artificial bravado. It was recognized by blue-clad officers:
“Morning, Boys. Look sharp! We are off for the Wilderness!”

Thanks to local historian Clark Hall, we remember all those lines of young people told to pick up their rucksacks and rifles and go places with strange names. We also remember that a “gunfire breakfast” should be reserved for those times we remember those who needed one.
Or are personally subject to the sound of the former word, immediately prior to the administration of the latter. Times being what they are, it is best to be prepared.

Copyright 2022 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com

– Vic