Visiting Aldershot
Can’t miss Talavera,
So easy ‘tis to spot
There, with the verandah!
Here we’ll be quartered
The remaining few weeks,
Before soldier, chart’ed,
More serious work seeks.
In barrack-room squatting
Busy sorting our gear,
Attaching on webbing
Ev’ry article near.
The buckles to fit on
Pouches, scabbard, and pack.
The buttons, no shine on,
The ‘Sixtieth’s’ are black!
Again more foot-slogging,
Full pack and full pouches.
From Guildford Hogsbacking
To Farnham, no slouchers!
The legs getting laggard
As nightfall approaches.
The weaker ones staggered.
In those days no coaches.
Cracks one chap, ‘For all this
Only one bob a daya!’
Now ‘Strikers’ don’t this, miss
Think about it, I pray!
In Company Orders
Prepare for a Relay,
For long distance runners,
Each seven miles to stay.
Four companies compete
Route, around Laffans Plain.
With seven miles complete
Return homeward again.
Fearing your lungs will burst
Running three miles non-stop.
Glad, now over the worst,
Second wind, - kind of ‘swop’!
So now breathing easy,
Inspiring, exhaling,
And no longer wheezy
Stride blissfully homing!
Not in the first twenty
To come home in the race.
My number near ninety,
Still, others in the chase.
Here, I must inform you
That Badger’s made Sergeant.
Three stripes on his arm view.
A most happy portent!
Of course, physical jerks
Ev’ry morning dawning.
Knees-bend, press-ups, all irks,
Handstand, never holding!
Next week, embarkation,
Who knows what will befall.
Future fates, no notion,
For many, the last call!
Feel so damned nostalgic,
Think of our parting.
Men enthusiastic,
Full of life, and daring!
Been with you, my comrades.
Lived again our training.
Shared anew the parades.
Seen loved faces beaming.
Bronzed, starry-eyed brothers.
How many of us stay?
God had blessed you others,
Hope to join you, some day.