On it’s own, the Comber Letter could have been taken as a hoax. But when considered in the context of other events at the time, it took a much more sinister turn. If you want to read a little more of this background you can find it here “Protestant Fears in 1688”. In the First…
Following the death of his brother Charles II, James II became King of England, Scotland and Ireland in 1685. James had one great objective in regard to Ireland and that was to convert it to Roman Catholicism. Roman Catholics benefited, and many obtained considerable estates. The country exhibited a gloomy scene of oppression and dejection,…
New CD out soon. Following their recent trip to the Ypres Salient, Ulster Grenadiers have produced a new CD to mark their trip. This was the bands first trip outside of the UK and some members first time in France and Belgium as they followed the steps of their ancestor’s who made the ultimate sacrifice….
The Battle of Newtownbutler is one of the forgotten fights of the Irish Jacobite Wars.
Fought before either the Boyne or Aughrim, Newtownbutler was relevant, not because of its size, but because it represented a turning point in the war.
by Laurence Binyon With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,England mourns for her dead across the sea.Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,Fallen in the cause of the free.Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,There is music in the midst of desolationAnd a glory…
By Alan Seeger I have a rendezvous with DeathAt some disputed barricade,When Spring comes back with rustling shadeAnd apple-blossoms fill the air –I have a rendezvous with DeathWhen Spring brings back blue days and fair.It may be he shall take my handAnd lead me into his dark landAnd close my eyes and quench my breath…
By Siegfried Sassoon To these I turn, in these I trust;Brother Lead and Sister Steel.To his blind power I make appeal;I guard her beauty clean from rust.He spins and burns and loves the air,And splits a skull to win my praise;But up the nobly marching daysShe glitters naked, cold and fair.Sweet Sister, grant your soldier…
The British grave of The Unknown Warrior (often known as ‘The Tomb of The Unknown Warrior’) holds an unidentified British soldier killed on a European battlefield during the First World War. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, London on 11 November 1920, simultaneously with a similar interment of a French unknown soldier at the Arc…
by Wilfred Owen What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? – Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, – The shrill, demented choirs of wailing…
By Issac Rosenberg The darkness crumbles away.It is the same old druid Time as ever,Only a live thing leaps my hand,A queer sardonic rat,As I pull the parapet’s poppyTo stick behind my ear.Droll rat, they would shoot you if they knewYour cosmopolitan sympathies.Now you have touched this English handYou will do the same to a…