The regimental Dog of the 23rd Foot killed on the field of honour

So the campaign is done at last

O! little soldier dog

Thy brief, brave course is run out at last

Good little faithful dog

   ***

Just picked by the regiment

Outside St. Etienne

You were carefully smuggled into the trian

As a play thing for the men '

    ***

You 'went for' a German in uniform

As the 'Tommies' taught you to do

But you carried messages round your neck

When they found how much you could do

   ***

So you played a game of life and death

And 'twas just a 'game' to you

But the messages hid in your curly fur

Their import you never knew

    ***

And you never cared for the firing line

The shells, or the bullits a bit

And it seemed that the luck was all on your side

And you really could never get hit

    ***

But they got you at last, little 'soldier dog'

Within two bounds of the trench

And when the soldiers saw you fall

I'll bet that was a wrench

  ***

For there was another messenger

Who went even faster than you

And he caught you up as you galloped along

But you got your message through

   ***

And just as they got that message off

And the last knot untied

Did you know the 'game' was done at last

And so, little dog, you died?

***

There are plenty of dogs who will bark at a 'Hun'

And lie down and die for a King

Yes, and jump up the moment we've counted to ten

But, by jove, you have done the real thing

  ***

So they've put your name on the honours roll

Amongst the casualty list

"Marquis" on the field of honour killed -

And I can't see your name for a mist

   ***

O! theres many a man in England today

Who would envy the death you died

Though only a dog, you have died for your King

You have died for a nations pride

  ***

And you've earned for yourself a soldiers grave

Although you're only a dog

And you lie where your masters and playmates lie

A soldiers 'Soldier Dog'

  ***

Avery Young