Kitchener’s call that we all heard
All communities hear the word
Men and boys all rushed to volunteer
Too young were some they had no fear

The big adventure, the word was out
“Join up join up” was the joyful shout
Off we marched tall and proud
The crowds they cheered big and loud

We sailed across the briney blue
Rifles and uniforms all still shiny and new
What would it be like? We would have to wait
Unknowing of the horror that was our fate

Infested by lice and trench foot was rife
Our time in the Somme was sure to be a miserable life
The constant explosions and gas bombs they came
The life of millions would never be the same

The horror and the fear is hard to convey
Would any of us survive? We would all have to prey
The dead and the injured too many to measure
The bombs claimed their victims at their horrible leisure

“Your numbers up Tommy, you are fresh out of luck”
Your body and spirit in Flanders you are stuck
Please don’t forget me please don’t shed a tear
Please remember our sacrifice on one day a year.