In Memory of Ulster’s Heroes (Poem written in a Dugout after the battle)

A contemporary poem written in a dugout after the Battle of the Somme 1st July 1916

Come all you noted warriors, where ever that you be

And give your kind attention and listen unto me 

While I relate the Glorious Charge, with honour I will try

It was done by Ulster’s Loyal Sons, on the first day of July

2/ The shot and shell, screamed o’er the dell, the woodland rang with sound

With courage strong, they did march on, across the blood stained ground

Where foemen lay in thousands, awaiting the attack

Concealed from view in dug-out deep, their treacherous plans they wrought

3/ Twas on the 24th of June, our guns commenced to play,

For six long days and nights they boomed, in Battles wild array

Our men stood out like lions stout, their thoughts they raised on high

To cheer them on to Victory, "NO SURRENDER!" was their cry

4/ Two Brigades they took the front, it a glorious sight

Reinforced by the Brigade of Belfast Boys, whose courage well was tried

They got the signal to advance, they willingly obeyed

The Huns they tried to stop them, but they were soon dismayed

5/ But on they charged though many fell, until they reached their goal

They gave the Huns to understand, there was a marrow in their bone

They made them cry for mercy and also rue the day

They tried to conquer Europe, and make old Britain slaves

6/ The best troops of their army, from Verdun they were drawn

To hold the line at any cost, against our wall of steel

But Oh alas they were deceived, when we did on them fall

And took six hundred prisoners, and nobly held the field

7/ The battle being over, next day was fair and bright

We got relieved by comrades, who with us did unite

To raise our hearts to God above, who brought us through the fray

To hoist the flag of freedom, whose honour lasts for age

8/ Our General did address us, and unto us did say

I’m proud of you my Ulster Boys, you have nobly won the day

Your names in history will be read, by ages yet unborn

Of  the deeds you’ve done and victory won, on July the 1st Amen

9/ And now the end these simple lines, that I have now penned down

Do not mourn for Heroes gone, who answered duty’s call

Drink to their Glorious memory and pride in what they have done

On the banks of the River Ancre, in the Valley of the Somme

Written and Composed In the  Harrier ‘s dugout Sgt S McCrum ? 19086 Sgt WT McKnight  504 Sgt J.S. Sterrit The remnants of “D” Coy. 13^th Batt. Royal Irish Rifles

 The copy of the document I saw containing this poem was in several places illegible so I placed ? at those parts I am not certain about.

A copy of Sgt. McKnights original hand written manuscript can be viewed or downloded by clicking this link

Colour Sergeant William Thomas McKnight of Newry Street Kilkeel Co Down whose items were the source for this poem was killed a year after the Battle of the Somme  at Passchendaele on 16 August 1917, aged 36 and has no known grave. He was a member of Aughnahoory Heroes LOL no 343B & also Royal Black Preceptory Elijahs Chosen Few 208 both still active in his home town of Kilkeel Co Down in Ulster.

 On the Road to Passchendaele - Song link