Quote/Poem The Fall of Vimy Ridge

[JackieSB]

Gray broke the dawn through a snowy sky,
Canada's son's were to conquer or die,
Avowed with a courage that's renowned the world o'er,
Now is the time their victory to score.

Yonder the Ridge with its stronghold of Huns,
Crowded with men and the finest of guns,
Around came the order for the Colonials to advance,
For to drive the foe out of that fair land of France.

No one did falter in the charge that was made,
Freedom was the watchword that in each heart laid,
Dying ones lay wishing their comrades the best,
Many had lain down to partake of God's rest.

None void of courage broke down in the fight,
Up on the Ridge the Colonials did light.
Conquerors proud of the key of the line,
Vimy had fallen by the hour of nine.

Courage was the armour which the Colonials did wear,
Each bent on driving the Huns to despair,
Canada's victory at Vimy will live,
As long as the day which the good God does give.

Many there were who gave up their all,
Happy to die while answering the call.
God bless the dead who so gallantly died,
And grant them Thy peace as they rest at Thy side.

Private Pat Miller
9th April, 1917 - Easter Monday,
First day of the Battle for Vimy Ridge

 

[Bombardier]

A very moving poem, dont believe I have read that one before today
Thanks Jackie

 

[JackieSB]

I was sent a link to a Haldimands Museum website, they have several scrap books of cuttings from the Dunnville Gazette that were collected by a HAD McQuatty. The obituary for my uncle Bernnard was in one of them, (the Buggy cover), I went through a couple of them, and there were articles, poems, including this one about Vimy, and some very moving letters home from soldiers at the Front. The scrap books are in a delicate state I think, but out of copyright now. I found this poem on page 16 at this link: http://images.ourontario.ca/haldimandmuseums/70870/page/3?n=

 

[Bombardier]

Enjoyed reading the letters in your link Jackie, I must try and transcribe some of them for posting here.

Thank you