A Boy by Geoff Coatsworth
A little lad of fifteen years, joins the Army shows no fears,
He's seen the film; he's read the book, now he's going to have a look,
Gone to show that he is willing, or was it because he got a shilling,
The little lad in his dad's best suit, is also wearing dad's best boots,
The only clothes that he possessed, he didn't even had a vest (Agh!)
In Beverley town the train has stopped, lad in the suit has just jumped off,
Off the train, can't believe his luck, cos he's got a ride on an Army truck.
A few days later in his room, having just been taught to push a broom,
With this lad you do not trifle, they've given him a bloody rifle.
He's a soldier now - or so he thinks, keeps his boots on cos his feet, they stink,
Sgt Jenkins smart and straight, is on the square, best not be late,
Marching here and marching there, getting nowhere on the square,
Round and round and round we go, sometimes fast and sometimes slow,
In open order we did dress, when first we did it - God what a mess,
Sgt Taff with his military shout, very smart soldiers did turn out.
To education, I reserve my thanks, I left there with "Three Short Planks",
Jameson's staff in the gym you'll meet, raise your arms, now touch your feet,
Plimsoll's black and clean grey socks, put these gloves on you're going to box,
Some tried hard, he tried harder, now they call this young guy "Spider".
All the staff did a very fine job, oops! I forgot our uncle Bob,
Bob would scream, and shout, and stamp, get over here you little tramp.
You think you're smart, you think you're clean, you're the scruffiest git I've ever seen,
You haven't shaved you little wanker, now you're mine, cos you're on Jankers.
You bull your boots, and clean your brass. Bob inspects and kicks your Ass,
It's for your own good. Bob proudly says. You're doing this for seven days.
If you go there now, there's nothing left, of Boy soldiers Beverley is bereft
It's our memories now that pound the square, cos like the camp the square's not there,
Because you were there, you were the best, head and shoulders above the rest,
So you should thank Taff, Bob and Jim, for helping us to get some in,
They helped you all to be a winner, in days gone by when we were thinner,
So take a moment, now and then, to remember those who made boys men,
They trained us well, and showed us how. God bless you all, now take a bow
A-Man
A-Men