Christmas Day on the Somme

A little Australian smartassery to warm your cockles this fine Christmas Day, written by Leslie George Rub on the Western Front in 1916.

Christmas Day On The Somme

’Twas Christmas Day on the Somme The men stood on parade, The snow laid six feet on the ground ’Twas twenty in the shade.

Up spoke the Captain ‘gallant man’, “Just hear what I’ve to say, You may not have remembered that Today is Christmas Day.”

“The General has expressed a wish This day may be observed, Today you will only work eight hours, A rest that’s well deserved.

I hope you’ll keep yourselves quite clean And smart and spruce and nice, The stream is frozen hard But a pick will break the ice.”

“All men will get two biscuits each, I’m sure you’re tired of bread, I’m sorry there’s no turkey but there’s Bully Beef instead.

The puddings plum have not arrived But they are on their way, I’ll guarantee they’ll be in time To eat next Christmas Day.”

“You’re parcels would have been in time But I regret to say The vessel which conveyed them was Torpedoed on the way.

The Quartermaster’s got your rum But you may get some yet, Each man will be presented with A Woodbine Cigarette.”

“The Huns have caught us in the rear And painted France all red, Pray do not let that trouble you, Tomorrow you’ll be dead.

Now ere you go I wish you all This season of good cheer, A very happy Christmas and A prosperous New Year.”