The Lads Who Wear Tartans.

Temuka Leader, Issue 3538, 23 January 1900, Page 2

The Lads Who Wear Tartans.

(Original.) Who in Britain’s warfare always, ’Mongst her bravest warriors stand ? 'Tis the lads who wear the tartans, Scotland’s brave, heroic band. Who fought on India’s sultry plains. In Russia’s snow, in Yankee Land, And fought the French at Waterloo— When they meet with them hand to hand. Now in the Transvaal campaign. Hurried to the front they go. Where in warfare many a soldier Meets his last, the dreadful foe. Buller waits for their arrival, I'or amongst his forces brave They will be the first in Ladysmith— He would like to see the tartans wave, i Play choice, oh ye bandsmen, i Let old Scotia’s sweetest strains ; Cheer the weary soldiers onward O’er South Africa’s sandy plains. , Now they reach their destination. When the orders of the day “ Who shall be the bravest heroes P ” “ Who’ll be foremost in the fray ? ” , See cavalry and foot advancing. Played upon with shot and shell. 1 There will be no headstone raised Where many a gallant hero fell. See the Boers now in the trenches — From them Buller is at bay— And with Joubert in the centre. Thinking they have gained the day. First will be to enter Ladysmith With their colours waving high, Is the lads who wear the tartans. No wonder the Boers do fly. Here’s to all Britain’s soldiers. Long may peace upon them smile ; Here’s to the men of Merry England, And the bold sons of Erin’s Isle ; Here’s to the lads who wear the tartans, ■Who come from Scotia’s heath-clad braes I’m not a Byron or a Moore, Or louder would I sing their praise ! J. M. N., Orari Gorge, Woodbury.