They went to war in millions
And, in their millions fell
Their lords and masters sent them
To dare the jaws of hell.

They bought the same old story
Persuading them to go
Of country, king and glory
But, no one mentioned woe.

As rumours trickled homeward
Of horrors they must face
Most volunteers had perished
So, conscripts took their place.

When, in the heat of battle
A soldier’s nerve was shorn
Pour encourager les autres
They “took him out” at dawn.

The soldiers in that conflict
Were heroes, every one
Their spirit must be honoured
When the last of them has gone.

In judgement on the “Great War”
Its purpose was derailed
Be clear: the War to End all War...
...Failed.

Ken Orton, Ferryhill