Verses from Gallipoli

Essex County Standard Sep 18 1915

We have received the following verses, compiled by Lance-Corpl. B.W. Dann , of Wivenhoe, and Private S. Halls [not from Wivenhoe], of the 5th Essex, while under fire:-

VERSES FROM GALLIPOLI.

Although we Essex Bhoys are here,
We were not the first to land;
The Munster and the Irish Bhoys
Came on shore hand in hand.

The Turks they see them coming
And to give ground begin,
For they know when the British soldier fights
He always fights to win.

And now we’ve got our first foot on,
We will not budge an inch
Till these little hills are conquered
And the Turks have felt the pinch.

Our Bhoys in Blue are with us too,
Just back there in the bay
On some of our tiny Dreadnoughts,
Who can hold the foe at bay.

We’ve also got the R.G.A.’s
With some of their pet guns
The Turks has found them out by now,
And back to the hills he runs.

But we shall follow him up you bet,
And keep him there until we
Have conquered this little peninsula,
And rule from sea to sea.

We’re back in reserve now for a rest,
But we’re always ready to go
To do our duty as Essex Bhoys
And face the strongest foe.

Although we have lost our Captain,*
A man right brave and true
We’ve still got another leader,
Who we trust will pull us through.

And now I must these verses close,
With the best of luck to all,
And pray many more of Old England’s sons
May answer their Country’s call.

*The late Capt. Denton of Colchester.