One for the Scots

[barrieduncan]

Found this rather stirring poem in a local paper, fantastic stuff!

Who are these we see approaching

to the tune of Pipes and Drum?

They’re Gay and Gallant Gordons

going forth to meet the Hun.

On they come, that famous regiment

grim set face and steady gait,

they are going forth to Battle –

their country’s honour is at stake.

Onward, Gallant Gordons, Onward,

God protect you in the fight,

you are on a noble mission,

“Trust in God and do the right”,

They have gone at Scotia’s calling,

gone, we may not see them more,

To uplift their country’s honour,

as their father’s did before.

Farewell gallant sons of Scotia,

We are bidding you God-speed,

to the battlefield of freedom

where your country has your need.

When in battle’s darkest moment,

pray to God for strength anew,

remember Egypt, Balaclava,

Inkerman and Waterloo.

Let your battle-cry be Freedom,

And your song be “Scotland Yet”,

Still uphold the thistle’s motto

“Nemo me Impune Lacessit”

Land of cakes and heather mountains

Home of clansmen bold and free,

You are fighting to protect it

From the hand of tyranny.

Gallant sons of Bruce and Wallace,

Dauntless warriors of old,

May you wield a mighty effort

Their traditions to uphold,

And when history’s pages open,

To our sons of years to come,

May the name of Gallant Gordons

Stand for action nobly done.

They will read with throbbing heart-beat

When upon the battlefield,

How you stood the brunt of battle

With your slogan “Never Yield”

Onward, Gallant Gordons, Onward,

To the skirling of the Pipes,

Show the foeman how the tartan,

Seeks the thickest of the fight.

Wives and mothers left behind you

Nobly bearing sorrow’s pain,

Praying fervently to heaven

For your safe return again

When the sword is sheathed forever,

When War’s bugles sound no more,

Home again you’ll come victorious

To your dear beloved shore

Loved ones will be there to greet you,

Outstretched arms will welcome you,

Throbbing hearts and tear-stained faces,

Tears of joy they can’t subdue.

Words of gratitude may fail them

But their loyal hearts will tell,

Britain knows you’ve done your duty,

Scotia knows you’ve done it well.

Corporal John Lamb

10th Gordon Highlanders

[Ozzie]

What a very moving poem, you can nearly hear the pipes.

Cheers

Kim

[bydand]

What a very moving and wonderful poem. A real tribute to a great regiment.

What was the name of the local newspaper that this article appeared in ?.

All the best,

Neil

[barrieduncan]

Hey Neil,

Agreed, a great regiment! The newspaper is the Motherwell Standard. Think the date of this one was 10/10/16.

I seem to remember seeing in casualty lists that Corporal Lamb was wounded at Loos.

Surprisingly the Gordons seemed to have quite a large Lanarkshire contingent.

Barrie