Fortune or choice deemed as soldiers brave lads,
who from some woman's love
went fast into war.
Devotion to orders meant them duly imposing
strict battle rules
no young man had heard of before.
A bright self esteem was taught as first need,
so though wet behind ears
they donned uniformed pride.
Honour reigned high but became overused
as one youth
on another keeled over then died.
How many sweethearts and mothers regretted
those banners held high
proudly but painfully waved.
They served an era that was never to mend
broken minds
or even return them home again.
Into an inferno went willing men.
May our war cry remember them.