"HOME DEFENCE AT SHORT NOTICE"

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 246, 6 December 1940, Page 4

"HOME DEFENCE AT SHORT NOTICE"

Sir,—The enclosed lines appeared in London's "Punch" during the summer of 1909, when the late Lord Roberts was urging Britain to prepare for invasion;- History has proved the wisdom appeal:, that preparation is to desperation.

Yours etc., H. SERGANT. An untrained citizen addresses a —recruiting Sergeant:— "Landed this morning, did they? That's all right Don't go and worry; you can count on me; ' If native pluck can do it by tonight ; We'll show old Bob's ltis error, Once they attack us we're a holy terror, "We should have liked a longer, notice, Ten days or so to get us nice and fit —• . ' But then its just those bolts froin out the blue That test the latent worth of Britishgrit. None but the brave; would dare To sleep until the enemy is there. "I'm brave like when scarecrows come and say„ Now, my good lad, you've got to learn to shoot I send em double quick, about their way. Wearing the order of the' hob-nailed boot, 'National training? What O!' No, slavery for Britons' —that's my motto. "But if the foe has really crossed the tide: If he's already camped on England's shore, - - Why then the patriot swells 111 -my inside And of my own free will I ask iop gore. I ask to up and at era' By th& Great Eastern Railway or the Chatham. ■■ ■ . "My rifle? No I never touched that game . But II can soon pick up your ■bag of tricks Which end to stuff the bullet, when to aim And how to pull the bally part that clicks ' And if ther thing went wrong. I've got a pair of lists, would come out strong. •TNo. use for lists at , over half a mile? Still I could always shout "Hooray!" Bravol I'd work my lungs and maffick all the while . v T'o cheer, jny comrades blazing all they know And make things hum., tho merrier Giving 'em 'Go it Tommy! Good old Terrier!'