The ballad of James Readman

[RaySearching]

The Ballad of James Readman

Standing smiling in his proud and manly form,
She picks the dust from off his uniform
One fond kiss and Jim is out the door
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war

Like a herd of cattle loaded on the train,
Playing death and glory’s foolish game
With his rifle, bayonet,bottle and the one stripe that he wore
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war

The boats were brought and on them soon he went,
Jim and his Yorkshire Regiment.
Never really knowing what he was fighting for.
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war.

Across the sea to Flanders they did sail,
To mucky, muddy, boody Paschendale.
It’s up and o’er the top, boys.Hear the roar!
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war.

He wore a smile to hide the grief and pain.
Like all the lads he wished for home again.
Catching barbed wire, bullets, trenchfoot and the sores,
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war

It’s up and o’er the top boys ,Don’t delay!
Is that what you did, Jim, on your last day?
For there was nothing of you found to lay below.
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war

James Readman won’t be coming home again.
He’s been blown to many pieces and no longer feels the pain.
While ,on Newport Road, his wife and son were waiting at the door.
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war.

James Readman, boy, the writing’s on the wall.
You’re a leaf among the many leaves that fall.
Your family were left in great sorrow.
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war.

James Readman, we remember you with pride,
Along with all the lads who so pitifully died.
You won’t be seen down Cannon Street or Newport anymore.
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war

James Readman’s name is written on the wall.
His name lives on in Paschendale where red, red roses fall.
“Missing. Lost in Action.” Send a message to his door.
My mother’s, mother’s brother went to war.


'Ballad of James Readman' words and music Richard Grainger (Copyright Control).

listen to the ballad here

well worth a listen all the way through

regards Ray

[RaySearching]

additional info

Lance Corporal JAMES WILLIAM READMAN
36119 "A" Coy 2nd Bn Yorkshire Regiment ( previously 4217 Yorks)
James was killed in action aged 28 on the Messines Ridge on 25th September 1917
He was the husband of Gertrude Readman (nee Marshall) the couple married in 1911

His widow Gertrude married John Barnes in 1920 her later address is given as 117 Newport RoadMiddlesbrough.
Note on SDGW incorrectly as John

Born and enlisted Middlesbrough
TYNE COT MEMORIAL