THOUGHTS OF THE WAR AT CHRISTMAS TIME 1917-MESOPOTAMIA.
Posted: 23 Dec 2017 11:03
I think of those whose homes are here,
Those manly forms who once were there
Are fighting on a foreign shore,
And many will return no more.
And some keep watch upon the wave
And some have found a watery grave
Oh! what a debt we owe
To those who face our Country's foe.
I think of those who've done their bit
And never will again be fit
Their ???? weariness and pain
Till death shall end the mortal strain.
I think of parents lone and sad
Say! where is now their missing lad
Their hearts are torn twist hope and fear
And often falls the burning tear.
I think of her whose life is crushed
Her song of joy so soon was hushed
A few short months she was a bride.
Then he was taken from her side.
I think of little children dear
Whose fathers voice no more they'll hear,
For he has also paid the price,
And made the highest sacrifice.
What meaneth all the grief and pain,
Why is it England's sons are slain
Was there indeed no other way,
By which we might have won the day.
Alas! it was the choice of blood,
Or trampling honour in the mud,
Which should it be?-the answer came,
We cannot bow our heads in shame.
For we are pledged to shield the weak,
And even now our aid they seek,
For, though we love our native shores
Our love for truth and honour scores.
If blood is then the only price
We're ready for the sacrifice,
Ready to crush this tyranny,
And fight for righteous liberty.
Then forward march the mighty throng,
Behold them as they pass along,
An eager stalwart, gallant hand,
The best and fairest in our land.
But still the battle rages sore,
Although tis now two years or more,
Since England took her stand for right-
This is the cause for which we fight.
Oh! let us then remember those,
Still grappling with the nation's foes,
And while we celebrate Christ's birth-
Once more repeat the cry of earth-
That those who will maintain the fight,
May be defended by God's might
And those who broke and weaken lie,
May feel the Great Physician sigh.
That those who mourn may find relief,
In him who was "the Man of Grief".
That soon, ah! soon the war may cease
And usher in the day of peace.
Corporal David Whittle, Regiment number 20858, East Lancashire Regiment, Served in the Balkans. Resided at Beatrice Street, Everton, Liverpool.
Enlisted 29th May 1915 and was discharged 18th June 1918-Sickeness
Appears in my wounded list 29th May 1916.
Trancsribed by Kathyd 23rd December 2017
©copyright.
Those manly forms who once were there
Are fighting on a foreign shore,
And many will return no more.
And some keep watch upon the wave
And some have found a watery grave
Oh! what a debt we owe
To those who face our Country's foe.
I think of those who've done their bit
And never will again be fit
Their ???? weariness and pain
Till death shall end the mortal strain.
I think of parents lone and sad
Say! where is now their missing lad
Their hearts are torn twist hope and fear
And often falls the burning tear.
I think of her whose life is crushed
Her song of joy so soon was hushed
A few short months she was a bride.
Then he was taken from her side.
I think of little children dear
Whose fathers voice no more they'll hear,
For he has also paid the price,
And made the highest sacrifice.
What meaneth all the grief and pain,
Why is it England's sons are slain
Was there indeed no other way,
By which we might have won the day.
Alas! it was the choice of blood,
Or trampling honour in the mud,
Which should it be?-the answer came,
We cannot bow our heads in shame.
For we are pledged to shield the weak,
And even now our aid they seek,
For, though we love our native shores
Our love for truth and honour scores.
If blood is then the only price
We're ready for the sacrifice,
Ready to crush this tyranny,
And fight for righteous liberty.
Then forward march the mighty throng,
Behold them as they pass along,
An eager stalwart, gallant hand,
The best and fairest in our land.
But still the battle rages sore,
Although tis now two years or more,
Since England took her stand for right-
This is the cause for which we fight.
Oh! let us then remember those,
Still grappling with the nation's foes,
And while we celebrate Christ's birth-
Once more repeat the cry of earth-
That those who will maintain the fight,
May be defended by God's might
And those who broke and weaken lie,
May feel the Great Physician sigh.
That those who mourn may find relief,
In him who was "the Man of Grief".
That soon, ah! soon the war may cease
And usher in the day of peace.
Corporal David Whittle, Regiment number 20858, East Lancashire Regiment, Served in the Balkans. Resided at Beatrice Street, Everton, Liverpool.
Enlisted 29th May 1915 and was discharged 18th June 1918-Sickeness
Appears in my wounded list 29th May 1916.
Trancsribed by Kathyd 23rd December 2017
©copyright.