The Pioneers.

From the towns of Teesside, the pioneers came.

We were pals all local lads I knew each and every name.

Trained and drilled in Gosforth then sent to Cannock Chase.

Before too long we were at the Somme where they had saved us all a space.

Frozen feet stuck on the mud in trenches far from home.

A steamy breath just meant that death had not yet overcome.

Shared cigarettes and cold tea getting ready for the time.

When we leave the trench together to overcome the line.

I saw you lying quietly face down on no man’s land.

I would not leave you sleeping a brother in the band.

If mind and pulse will tolerate and Europe shall be free.

We will meet again on Teesside and talk of La Vacquerie.

Whistles blew and bullets flew, confusion all around.

I heard a brother dying his life seeped into the ground.

Did my bullets hit or miss? Shooting blindly through the smoke.

A hornet nets we did upset. All we did was provoke.

Mean and lean at Fifteen Ravine near the village of Villers Plouich.

Then we bravely stood at Bourlon wood, another line was breached.

Battle of Lys hit very hard we were reduced to cadre strength.

The allied lines were pounded in battles so intense.

The one thing war has taught me is that victory has no taste.

Keep marching on and follow the gun through the wire and the waste.

If mind and pulse will tolerate and Europe shall be free.

We will meet again on Teesside and talk of La Vacquerie.