Song Co-Written with Dave Laycock.
Written for Documentary ‘Bravery & Betrayal’
Singer-Songwriter Rae Leigh Releases Heartfelt Tribute to War Veterans with New Single 'Country Pride’
Screening and Trailer here: https://wanderingwarriors.org/bravery-betrayal-the-documentary/
Released: April 18th, 2025 – Australia
Rae Leigh announces the release of their new single, "Country Pride" available 18th April 2025 in time for ANZAC day and theme song for the new documentary Bravery & Betrayal. Co-written and produced with Dave Laycock, the song is a poignant reflection on War’s enduring impact on soldiers and their families. The track draws from Rae's own experience growing up with a father who served as a tunnel rat in the Vietnam War, commissioned by Director of the film Simon J. Heath after hearing Rae’s story and song from 2024 “The War that Stole my Daddy’s life” written with Allan Caswell.
‘Bravert & Betrayal’is the True Story of the S.A.S. in Afghanistan
After 9/11 our Nation sent the Aussie S.A.S. into harm’s way to protect us. 25 years later, their suffering continues. The S.A.S. now tell their story of what really happened in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Featuring exclusive, never before seen interviews with officers and soldiers of the S.A.S.. As Prime Ministers Rudd, Howard and Abbott tell for the first time what they knew; and the brave pilots of the American Army reveal what they saw.
Most heartbreaking of all are the stories by the wives, mothers, widows, and children left behind.
This is their story, in their words, of the S.A.S. in the War on Terror.
"Country Pride" delves into the personal cost of war on the soldiers, inspired by the film and Rae Leighs lived experience with her Vietnam Vet father Robert Hewett, Dave and Rae put their heart and soul into this emotional heart felt song in tribute to the men and women who severed.
““This song is more than just a theme tune for a documentary; it’s a reflection on the brave Australians who made the sacrifice to better our country. ”
The True story of the Australian SAS in Afghanistan
BRAVERY & BETRAYAL
The True Story of the SAS in Afghanistan is currently touring Australian cinemas.
After 9/11, Australia sent the SAS into Afghanistan, and into harm’s way, to protect Australians during the War on Terror.
Some 25 years later, the hardship and suffering of what they experienced lives on with them. For the first time ever, the SAS are telling their story of what really happened in Afghanistan and Iraq through this unique documentary.
The film features:
· Exclusive never before seen interviews with officers and soldiers of the SAS.
· Interviews with three sitting Prime Ministers at the time of the conflict in Afghanistan - Rudd, Howard and Abbott.
· Interviews with the brave pilots of the American Army who fought alongside our SAS.
· The heartbreaking stories of the wives, mothers, widows and children left behind.
About the making of this film
Many of the 400 SAS soldiers that fought in Afghanistan feel their service and sacrifice has been forgotten amongst the turbulence of politics and negative headlines.
Produced by Australian film-maker Simon Heath over 5 years, and supported by veteran’s charity Wandering Warriors. the film’s development was initiated by ex-SAS serviceman so they could set the record straight, and tell their own story. More than 25 people were interviewed for the film in Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, New York and Washington.
Quotes from ex-SAS serviceman involved in the film:
“SAS soldiers were the first to deploy to Afghanistan, bore the brunt of the intense fighting, and were the last to return home - while also deploying to Iraq during the same period. We shouldered the heaviest combat to alleviate pressure on our fellow diggers and to support the broader mission objectives.
“By dismantling networks, gathering actionable intelligence, and nuetralising threats before they reached Australian soil, the SAS created a buffer that ensured Australians sleep safe at night - most without ever knowing how close the threats had come. What Australians are also not aware of is the sacrifices SAS soldiers and their families made due to the commitment required.”
“The SAS conducted 95%+ of the combat missions in Afghan - in excess of 3000 missions. It was either freezing cold - below zero temps, or extreme 40+heat. That’s just the physical side. Mentally you left your life, family and friends to risk your time and life for your country and fellow Australian military.”
“From time immemorial soldiers have been returning home from conflict changed. They see and do things not generally expected of the wider community. As a society we can sympathise, but rarely can we empathise. How do you explain your experiences? Most times you fall short, and this can be incredibly frustrating.”
“At their core, SAS soldiers are grounded in the same values as everyday Australians. They are fathers, brothers, sons and friends. Men who sacrifice time with loved ones to serve their country with unwavering dedication.”
“This documentary aims to set the record straight - to honour the service and sacrifices of SAS soldiers, expose systemic failures, and advocate for meaningful reforms in the treatment of veterans, both during and after their service.”
