DEATH-SONG OF THE NINTH LANCERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11756, 21 July 1916, Page 4

DEATH-SONG OF THE NINTH LANCERS.

(These powerful stanzas, martially simple and direct, were inspired by the memorable charge of the 9th Lancers, the 18th Hussars and tho 4th Dragoons (Royal Irish), in August, 1914, during Sir John French's perilous strategic retreat from Mons to Le Catoau. Of the 9th Lancers only 230 were alive at the end of the charge.) O soldier lads and tars, It makes you hold your breath— The Lancers and the Hussars Rode singing on to death! Britain, my Mother, beyond the sea, They sang for home, and they died for theol Like schoolboys loosed for play (You read and hold your breath!)' The fighters,all the way Sang as they rode to death. Mother, the tears are upon thy faco For the gallant dead and tho pride of race! Baulked by the meshed barb-wiro, 'Cross all the snarling guns And through red hell-fire They rode, my Britain's sons! Mother, proud Mother, beyond the sea. They smote for us all, and they died for thee! And few came back that day, Shell-scathed and scant of breath; But still the song shall say How England faces death ! Mother, strong Mother, beyond the 6ea. Call to thy sons, and they die for thee I ■—J. Laurence Rentonl.