Why did they have to die that day?
In that insidious war
Fear hidden with a brave display.

In the trenches, their affray
The blood and all the gore
Why did they have to die that day?

Death cast it’s grey fetid bouquet
Artillery did frightfully roar
Fear hidden with a brave display.

With Generals orders to obey
At Passchendaele they gave what for
Why did they have to die that day?

With the enemy swept away
Against their grim esprit de corps
Fear hidden with a brave display.

The gods of war have had their play
Too many dead, they need no more
Why did they have to die that day
Fear hidden with a brave display.