Seen Eric Bogle live several times when he lived in Australia..could have you in tears after one song and laughing your head off in the next song ..could write such powerful songs and also pocesses a great sense of humour.
Heard this song so many times and so many versions by so many artists and every single one of them brings me to tears. Eric Bogle's songwriting is beyond all the superlatives that I can think of and I am a writer by profession.
Your Auntie will always live while you’re alive. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who went before us. Always remember, nobody ever built a statue of a pessimist Darkness can make no accommodation for the Light in your life. Please never be ashamed, never hide emotions, no tissues. Tears and snot have to hit the earth to be felt by the Universe, to keep it real. Cheers.
The verse about the forgotten man in the yellowed photograph with the tattered frame always hits me hard too. I don't even have family photographs of the forgotten. I just cry for all of the forgotten humans. Oh yeah, a universal song.
We, as a family, had a large portrait of my grandmother’s first cousin who died in 1916 on The Somme. We donated the photograph to the Australian War Memorial. The then director, Dr Brendon Nelson expressed a wish for the AWM to have a photo of every woman or man who died serving this country in a war situation. It’s a pity you don’t have that record. Cheers
My great uncle enlisted in the AIF at 21 in 1916. He was trained as a machine gunner. He arrived at the front in France near Armentieres on the 1st of December 1916. He died along with all his comrades in a mortar attack the next day. They only found bits of him and he is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery outside Armentieres. His personal effects only found their way to his sister in 1922. They were twins. She died of a broken heart in 1929. One day I will go there and pay my respects.
Eric Bogle is an outstanding songwriter. I’ve seen him many times over the years, and he’s got a great rapport with the audience. He’s capable of great depth and emotion, but also comes out with satirical songs that will leave you in stitches! No Man’s Land (also known as Willy McBride) was very popular in Ireland in the 70s and 80s, so much so that in Northern Ireland it was banned in (Unionist) pubs, where, because of the reference to 1916, they felt it was an Irish nationalist song about the Easter Rebellion. Floo’ers o’ the Forest (Flowers of the Forest) incidentally is a beautiful Scottish lament for the fallen.
bullshit!. as a Ulster Loyalist i have never heard of this song being banned from any loyaist pub or club. in fact it has been on the playlist of many loyalist cd, and played by loyalist marching bands.
@@Dee-JayW yes, Flooers o' the Forest is an old Scottish tune, but the Eric Bogle song in question has been known as Green Fields of France, No Man's Land and occasionally Flowers of the Forest...
No one should ever apologise for showing their emotions when listening to a song like "No Man's Land" (Now more often known as "The Green Fields Of France) or "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" because those songs are so true and really show the futility of war! I am a Street Performer in the UK (A Busker) and I often play and sing "The Green Fields Of France" just before I am finishing a "set", I save it till the end because it effects me every single time I play it! Just as a small point of interest, my (late) oldest brother settled in Australia in the mid sixties and served with the Australian Army and saw active service in Vietnam where he was shot and wounded - He spent the rest of his life suffering from PTSD and regularly had night mares, right up till the day he died at his home near Brisbane just over two years ago. His children still cherish his Service Medals! I raise my hat to and salute each and every single service man/woman who has served for their country! Thank You and God Bless each and every one of you!
Never apologise for showing your feelings it's what makes us human . I've travelled to Gallipoli and visited all the graveyards scattered throughout the hills and foreshore and it is a sobering experience seeing the young ages on the crosses ,the youngest being 14 yrs and it does make you wonder what they would think of the world today , and the reference to the yellowed photographs prompted me years ago to create a family tree for both sides of my family with written descriptions of both my wife's and my ancestors ,hers back to her convict 5× great grandfather and mine to 1620 , every old photo has where possible an explanation of who and what is represented and where and when it was taken .I've done this for the very reason what you are going through with your family memories , Idon't want my grandkidsand their grandchildren not to know their family history . .
Kaitlyn, you are so correct about the lyrics being so powerful. As an Aussie I'm happy that you as an American have liked this song, which I believe may have been written by Mr. Bogle himsel. It is an emotional song with a message of folly of war. It is said Old men start wars, young men fight in them. ❤ to you girl !!
It is wonderful that France honours (and continues to honour) the ANZACS who fought in France and Belgium, and who lie under the battlefields. Apparently during the Second World War the Memorial was used as an observation post by the French and was extensively damaged by German aircraft and ground fire. Although repairs were carried out, some scarring was retained and can still be seen on parts of it.
I have been to VB twice including the 2017 Dawn Service, one of the most moving experiences of my 74 years. I felt very close to my late Dad who died when I was 16. He served for 5 years in WWII in North Africa and New Guinea and died at 51, far too young! Thanks Eric!❤️❤️❤️
I love this song - so very emotional. I also like the Dropkick Murpy’s cover of this known as “Green Fields of France”. Another Eric Bogle song i love is “now I’m Easy”.
Yes, I actually prefer this song over "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" but only slightly. There are so many other great Bogle songs to enjoy. Eric was one of the many great Scottish imports into Australia, like AC/DC etc etc.
This is a better song by a mile. As a song, that is... However "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", weak as it is as a song, hit a unique place in the Australian song repertoire. Such is the power of a great idea, over great execution. Yes, credit to Scotland for Eric Bogle and AC/DC! On a serious note, they both have a greatness for "telling it like it is" with raw emotion, and skilled execution.
I had the great pleasure of seeing Mr. Bogle live in America in 1998. It was a small, intimate venue and unforgettable. The two songs you are familiar with are his most covered and well known, and they both hit very hard. Perhaps the best war ballads ever written to express the tragedy of it all. So much good material available from his catalog. If you want another heart-wrenching one, with a distinct Australian theme, I suggest "Now I'm Easy" or "A Reason For It All." A more general one about missing out on relationships with family, try "Scraps of Paper." But for the more lighthearted stuff, there is "The Ballad of Henry Holloway," "Front Row Cowboy" or "He's Nobody's Moggy Now." (That last is a bit hard on the feline species, so one must have a bit of an appreciation for dark humor.) Great reaction to "No Man's Land," and the honest emotion on display is perfectly appropriate.
My Mum has dementia, she is in a nursing home and has been for the last 8 yrs. She has no clue who I am anymore, I am the 2nd eldest of 4 kids and has no idea that her only son and her 2nd daughter have passed away! Even though she is still here she is just a shell, my mother left us a long time ago and I miss her everyday!
My wife had dementia. My last conversation with her went llike this. "She said, "Who are you?". I said "I'm your husband". SHe said "No your not". We repeated that several times. FInally, I said, "OK, I'm not your husband". She smiled and said "Yes, you are." She died a few days later.
@@reddevil3387 it's a disgusting horrible disease, not necessarily for the person with it but for the people closest to them! I am so sorry for your loss! I wish my Mum would just go to sleep and never wake up!
You're commentary was worthy of the song, both in the personal recollections it triggered for you and so worthwhile sharing here (re. the photographs from your Polish aunties), and in your observations about war and asking what those who died in 1916 would think of our countries now. We probably don't need to guess, if we are willing to do some research, as there were WWI veterans who survived into the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, and must surely have some records of such observations. The only thing which I am aware of is that when they were interviewed for Anzac day they almost invariably commented that "War is a terrible waste", or similar. I'm in my sixties, and have heard this song many times since the 1970s, but not for a few years. By the third and fourth verses ("No gas, no barbed wire, no guns firing now", and "Did really believe them when they told you the cause?" I was in tears again! Just an important comment on Eric Bogle's own opinion of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda". He is on record as saying that he doesn't value the song, describing it as one of his early songs when he was "still learning my craft". He even said bluntly, as I recall - "Its a sh## song". On the other hand this song exemplifies his mature skills. The imagery, narrative and tune are much tighter than "Waltzing Matlida", using a few words to evoke strong associations. That's why it works so well. He can sure rip out something which touches hearts! Finally, your comment that you, as an American, can react to this very Australian/British! Well, that's the magic of great songs - they tell a local story so powerful that any culture can react to it! Think of "Penny Lane" or "Strawberry Fields", or "California Girls". I personally have a great love for American country music, without needing to know the geographical references! I loved "Blue Bayou" as years before I discovered the Bayous! And, finally,... finally... I am so pleased that you as a young person can react to it! I would have guessed that the imagery works more effectively for me as someone who has been very aware of WWI since my youth, particularly the national enthusiasm in 1914 for the "War to End Wars" and the ensuing carnage, in "the Green Fields of France".
G'day Kaitlyn. That's a beautiful song. I must admit I know very little about it, and yes certain songs can make people emotional. I've cried listening to certain songs myself.
The graveyards in France & Belgium are many & numerous but the number of crosses from both sides is mind-numbing. Every one is someones son,brother,husband & loved member of a family that never recovered.The graves are well-tended but too far from home. To this day there are daily services honouring the fallen. The school children are taught this history & take over the tasks as the older people pass.
An awesome song that makes you think about our history. You should do the dawn service on Anzac day, it's very eerie, foggy morning and a bugle playing the last post and a bagpiper in the distance.
My grandfather fought in WWI in the US Navy in the North Sea, and his brother was a Doughboy in the trenches in France. I am glad that people still honor the memory of all those who fought in that brutal senseless war (in the US it is now mostly overlooked.) My great-uncle was gassed, and although he survived, he never recovered fully and died of lung disease in his 30s as a result. Tears are appropriate for all those who died so young. The recent German movie version of All Quiet on the Western Front shows how horrific it was for the mostly boys and young men who sacrificed their lives.
Eric Bogle, is not quite correct regarding the line implying that WW1 is silent now. In France and Belgium, there are still 100 tons of unexploded WW1 ammunition being defused per year; at the current rate, this "harvest" will continue for 700 years.
One of the most intelligent anti war song’s ever written. It touches, it encircles, respectfully, about every ridiculous aspect that war has done to m’en, women and children..again and again…and for who? This is a very powerful song It démonstrates clearly that never never a war will put an end to wars. Patriotisme is always the foremost argument presented and deep down we know or at least suspect it’s power, money,territory or whatever that causes all this horror, cruel pain and sorrow. In all simplicity, I invite everybody to just relax and listen to the spoken words of the song, just listen again and again. Eric is just saying since war doesn’t stop wars, how about trying something else. Hhhmmm I wonder what qthat could be
There are many names of those who died in 1916 at the Somme on a huge monument at Thieval.My great Unvle died there he was in the East Yorkshire Regiment.I only found out about him several yrs ago and I’m aged 72.
Kia ora, mate. I was thinking about our Boys who went at the age of 15 and 16. I remember you mentioned you were 17... I can't see your reply easily now. Will have to look for it to find it. But we had a good korero and it is great recognizing you here again. I believe you about growing up fast, for sure.
I do love a version of this song sung by " The men they couldnt hang" from the u.k. Take care and stay safe dear. Greetings from Jonas, Gothenburg Sweden.
Eric Bogle is a man with great song writer. He sees his purpose as bringing the people of the past to life for us. Don't be ashamed of crying, because, if you have been transported back there, you will feel the pain of those who lost this young lad from their lives.
@19 I was a forward scout in the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR ) Every generation of my family have served in the ADF in some form as well as my grandfather who helped build all the airstrips from Alice Springs to Darwin as a civilian contractor Grader Operator
I have driven on some of those old airstrips near Darwin when I lived there as a kid in the sixties. Mr father used to love to drive along the runway as fast as the car would go. Not very safe, no seat belts in those days.
Thanks Katlin for a great video reaction I wasn't ready to be moved like that and thanks for your story about your great aunt it shows that you need to get back to spend time with your family
I am a singer/guitarist and regularly perform this song. I have many of my performances on TH-cam - maybe this one, I am not sure. I performed it this week at our local RSL branch in the Philippines on Anzac day this week - I also performed "The Band played Waltzing Matilda" and more. I met Eric Bogle twice in Hong Kong when he came out to our Folk Festivals there. He came to my music bar where we shared a few beers. I am surprised by the number of 'views' that folks like this lass get just to put up a review. of the song.
Hi Kaitlyn, I think this is one of the saddest of all these songs but I want to say that I really could relate to your comments about old photos. After my grandmother died my mother had to go through old photos going back to the Victorian era. She had absolutely no idea who they were & had to throw out 3 generations of photos. And when she died & I went through all her old photos she hadn't labelled them and I had no clue as to who They were. Thanks Mum 😇
This one got to me too. My grandmother and her sister were nurses in WW1. Many years ago I went on a six week tour with the AWM to Turkey and Europe. An amazing experience. On the last war cemetery we visited in France I found their names in a register on the site. I had my grandmother's photo with me. They survived.... The things they must have seen. My dad left on a troop ship from Sydney harbour a few hours before the Japanese midget subs attacked.
A song by the band Red Gum, I was only nineteen, true story and poem of a nineteen year old teenager who walked on a mine in Vietnam, the same day man walked on the moon.
That's ok Kaitlyn, songs have a way of triggering memories especially one's you hadn't thought about in a while. It can emotional but it's good for the soul, maybe time for your family trying to find out about your great aunty's brothers. Maybe a census could be a starting point?
Whilst not diminishing your emotional reaction to this song and your associations, you may also relate to another Eric Bogle song - Leaving Nancy. This relates to Eric Bogle leaving his mother for the last time, as the train pulls out.
My maternal Grandfather was knocked out of WWI by mustard gas, the US Army called it shell-shocked then. He was. I was 9 years old when he passed; I remember he would go upstairs and wait in a closet for a thunderstorm to pass. We kids weren't allowed to ask why or ask about the war and we just assumed everyone's grandfather did that. He sent his son (my Uncle) back to Germany 20 years after the war to end all wars. Luckily Uncle Jimmy learned from his Dad that truck driver was safer than machine gunner so he didn't get bombed or gassed and made it home intact. Love your music, my wife and I saw you at a concert in Aurora, Illinois in the 1990's. Your WWI songs are my favorites - and the "Green Fields of France" is probably my favorite of those. "Here in the graveyard it's still No Mans Land" gets me every time. The video of this song is beautiful. I think you single-handedly keep the WWI music genre going. Happy New Year 2024! Peace. :-)
One of the most potent anti-War songs I have ever heard. It is one of my favorites. I think this version is the best I have heard. Previously I have heard it played by the Drop Kick Murphey's who called it "The Green Fields of France."
There’s a great although incredibly sad quote over here that has been immortalised on plaques all over our great land that reads “ When you go home, tell them of Us and say, For your Tomorrow, we gave our Today. “ This is incredibly personal to Us and should always be taught to all our children and future generations. Signing off… Erin, Proud Veterans Wife and Granddaughter. Lest We Forget
I love the way you say g'day! It's so chill and natural for a person with an american accent. I seen a video where they said it's a myth that Aussies say g'day all the time, but where I'm from we actually do
Listened to this for over 40 years still brings a tear every time. Check out another video of Eric Bogle on youtube. Return to No Mans Land. He goes back through the graveyard and gives full insight into writing the song and where it is in todays world
The name escapes me, but I remember him teaming up with a German folksinger, who interspersed the English with passages mourning the Germans who went through the same thing. What stuck in my mind was the German chorus; Du hast deinen Alles gegeben, Deine Kraft, dein Jugend, dein Leben. (You've given your all, your strength, your youth, your life.) "The flowers of the Forest," is a traditional Scottish song, reputedly a lament for the dead of Flodden (1513), often played at military funerals.
All Scottish soldiers are Flowers of the Forest. The bagpipe tune called the Flowers of the Forest is a piece that is performed but never practiced or rehearsed.
Loved your commentary. Thank you. One of my favourite songs by Eric. For me, the best version of 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda' is by June Tabor.
As a Canuck , always wanted to see the battle sites of the Canadians. April 2025 finally going to Belgium and France, as an 80 year old. Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and the Menin Gate are a few of the sites. Juno Beach and a few WWII sites also.
Kaitlyn no apologies for tears . I come from a place called Tea Tree Gully and a nearby town, Paracombe, lost all it's men and youth in WW1. The women were left behind with no sawyer, furrier , stone masons for homes. All trades gone and the children and women worked their small farms. ANZAC Day is special there ( my younger son plays the Last Post on the bugle.) , it's solemn, no grog, just a quiet breakfast a cup of tea and a prayer at the cross in the town's square . Eric Bogle lives a few miles north of me. A great songwriter who reminds us of the stpidity of war. When will we learn?
My grandfather joined in 1914 aged 16 years old and the thing he 👀 he remembered all his life. then in 1938 my father joined the army and served in ww2 and fought till 1945, he would never talk about it all his life.
I didn't know the Aussies had taken this song up for ANZAC, It was popular over here in the UK, known as 'The Green fields Of France' before Eric moved down under.
If you're ever in Europe you should go to the Menin Gate in Ypres Belgium.Each night at sundown the local fire brigade plays the Last Post and have done since 1919 except during WW2. The Menin Gate memorial commemorates those with no known grave. There are about 80000 names there.Plenty of ceremonies recorded on TH-cam.
I am an Aussie that lived in Columbus Ohio for 16 years. I haven't crossed an American yet that appreciates anything beyond their own propaganda. Thankyou for this !!!
No Man's Land and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda are two of the most moving songs I have heard, if you can take another tearjerker by Eric, look for "As If He Knows", every bit as powerful, it is about the end of the War, when the troops were not allowed to take their horses home and had to destroy them, damn! it's got me tearing up just typing this! He does also write happier songs!
It's always interesting to hear Eric Bogle singing his own songs, but Eric always has been an extremely modest human being and he often maintains that there are many other singers that make a better job of them than him. The Furey's, The Pogues, The Dubliners and Liam Clancy have all recorded covers of the two well known ones ("The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" and "No Man's Land"/"The Green Fields Of France") Liam Clancy's version of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is particularly powerful and the best I've heard. There is another fine, but less well-known anti-war song written by Eric Bogle called "All The Fine Young Men" which is well worth checking out. Irish singers Mary Black and Dolores Keane have both recorded covers of it and there are videos on TH-cam. They called the First World War, "The War To End All Wars"; it's a clichéd notion that has been exposed as the biggest lie of the 20th century because, as Eric has stated in his song, it has all happened again and again and again. There are still repercussions from that seminal conflict simmering away in Europe to this day. The overarching truth is that until we learn history's lessons and recognise that war is a dirty destructive inglorious business and, ultimately, a depressingly futile way of settling our differences with our fellow human beings, it will continue to happen again and again and again. It always kills the youth of a nation; those with down on their cheeks and the most to live for; rarely those elders who really should know better. There are no more survivors of the First World War who are still alive and those who survived the Second World War are disappearing fast and we who have benefitted from the sacrifices they made for us, we must continue to remember them with gratitude for the Peace they won. Let's not let it all happen again and again and again!
I have had the chance to sit by the side of "willy mcbride" or at least one of them - take notice in the song, his nationality is never mentioned, only what he went through. Don't be ashamed of your tears, I spent 20 years in the RAN, and this song still moves me, as do a lot of my international friends, they all know a "willy Mcbride" We all stood tall for our countries and did what was asked, some of us paid a price, some of us paid the ultimate sacrifice, but all of us remember! It's songs like this that keep the us remembering why we did what we did
Exactly, this is an eponymous song for all those that have either paid the supreme sacrifice or have been impacted by war. "While in the earth where the glorious dead repose, On which the survivors live with vanquished souls."
I think this song is of British / Scottish origin . But it speaks for all the young men who were involved in that horror show , the1st world war . Correct me if I'm mistaken.
I did find your comment that you expected an Eric Bogle song to be tragic and moving We are talking about the guy who also wrote and recorded a song about a chiauau who was squashed to death when he tried to mate with a St Bernard
The first time I heard this song was during the live performance at Ellis Island in 2004 by the Irish Tenors. It moved me so much then and still does in the same way today.
Kaitlyn, you are a very kind and caring person. The world needs more of your type. Thank you for sharing your stories and thank you for giving us an insight into your bringing up.
Kaitlyn do not apologise for being human, Eric Bogle is an amazing songwriter. I resignated with what you shared about your Aunties. We never realize till too laate, the wealth of knowledge our parents, grandparents and other relatives have, about what life was like in our young country. in their youth and life as an adult. It's totally lost when they leave us, or life is cruel and takes their memory from them. Our family are the best history teachers we have, because they lived it 💖
I liked your comment about Arlington. Arlington was founded during the American Civil War as a graveyard for Union Soldiers killed in the area. So while Arlington has changed from that initial role for civil war dead, the older sections are entirely soldiers killed in the Civil War.
If you’d like to learn more about The Last Post I recommend an excellent programme available on the BBC Sounds app simply titled The Last Post which tells the history of this well known piece of music.
Don’t ever feel the need to apologise for having an emotional response to that song, it has aroused a similar feeling in plenty of big boofy Australian males, myself included. May I suggest that you listen to “ I was only 19” ,a similar song spawned by the Vietnam conflict. Thanks for a posting from the heart.
That's cool Kaitlyn your only human after all.Unfortunately, most of my relatives have gone now and I often reflect on them,even my Kiwi Grandad who shot through on my beautiful Grandmother and my Mum and 2 Aunts and had a new family in W.A.he was an Officer with the New Zealand Army Corp.he also fought in Gallipoli and became an Intelligence Officer for Australian Army during WW2 I never met him but he was a strong influence in my life....God Bless Kaitlyn
"No Man's Land" (also known as "The Green Fields of France" or "Willie McBride") is a song written in 1976 by Scottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle, reflecting on the grave of a young man who died in World War I. Its chorus refers to two famous pieces of military music, the "Last Post" and the "Flowers of the Forest". One of the best versions is by Liam Clancy of the Clancy Brothers, also a beautiful rendition by Joe Monks. There were several Willie McBrides killed in WW 1 all from Irish Regiments.
Advertise those photos in the polish news papers or online someone might recognize them its worth a try. someone will know just start looking and treat it as a family project. much love and i am very happy you have moved to Australia . life is a strange journey we all have to partake. Good luck.
Another great song by Eric Bogle is Singing the Spirit Home. It is about the execution of a black man in South Africa during Apartheid. The other prisoners sing Shosholoza to him as he goes to his death. That song is worked into the ending. Quite stunning.
Been through the family dementia thing its hard. A nurse told me although they dont recignise you or your name, they recognise emotions. If you kiss them and tell them you love them then they are happy when you come. Go see your aunt, the average survival time for a woman with dementia once they enter full time care is 2 years. Its hard to say but eventually their brain forgets everything, how to swallow and lastly how to breathe
@catherineannemccloskey-ros9500.....nobody knows the origin of the soldier because it's no about one soldier, it's for all the fallen. the soldier the irish media put was no the grave he sat down at as eric quite clearly states in his interview with an irish tv crew. there were 4 willie macbrides in that cemetery 2 scots and two irish. bearing in mind macbrides a scottish name taken to ireland. it will include an irish soldier but not about one. it was written for all the fallen. as he also states quite clearly.....i chose the name macbride as it rhymes with graveside..
I am sorry i didnt see this warlier. Another great son by Eric is, "The gift of years". Try to listen to that one. It is a real personal heart tugger for me. Cheers from a Danish Aussie.
Kaitlyn there is reason to cry. I come from Tea Tree Gully where the local hamlets lost all boys and men in WW1. A tragedy and ANZAC Day is not celebrated as such but a sacred morning of mourning. I know all the descendants of those lost on the Town Square monuments. We have a dawn ceremony and a very quiet breakfast- no two -up and no beers.
Kaitlyn, no need to apologies for showing you feelings as music tends to take you to places not often thought about and stir up memories. ❤️🤘🎸🎻🇦🇺
Well said👍
Seen Eric Bogle live several times when he lived in Australia..could have you in tears after one song and laughing your head off in the next song ..could write such powerful songs and also pocesses a great sense of humour.
Heard this song so many times and so many versions by so many artists and every single one of them brings me to tears. Eric Bogle's songwriting is beyond all the superlatives that I can think of and I am a writer by profession.
Music is the direct path to one's heart. Thank you once again.
Your Auntie will always live while you’re alive. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who went before us.
Always remember, nobody ever built a statue of a pessimist Darkness can make no accommodation for the Light in your life.
Please never be ashamed, never hide emotions, no tissues. Tears and snot have to hit the earth to be felt by the Universe, to keep it real.
Cheers.
The verse about the forgotten man in the yellowed photograph with the tattered frame always hits me hard too. I don't even have family photographs of the forgotten. I just cry for all of the forgotten humans.
Oh yeah, a universal song.
We, as a family, had a large portrait of my grandmother’s first cousin who died in 1916 on The Somme. We donated the photograph to the Australian War Memorial. The then director, Dr Brendon Nelson expressed a wish for the AWM to have a photo of every woman or man who died serving this country in a war situation. It’s a pity you don’t have that record. Cheers
My great uncle enlisted in the AIF at 21 in 1916. He was trained as a machine gunner. He arrived at the front in France near Armentieres on the 1st of December 1916. He died along with all his comrades in a mortar attack the next day. They only found bits of him and he is buried in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery outside Armentieres. His personal effects only found their way to his sister in 1922. They were twins. She died of a broken heart in 1929. One day I will go there and pay my respects.
Even if they died on their first day of battle, we remember, and applaud their efforts to bring peace to the world.
❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@GaryNoone-jz3mq yes, but as the song points out, it was a sad, wasted effort... Ultimately futile.
Thank you for sharing what was obviosly a very emotional personal experience.
Eric Bogle is an outstanding songwriter. I’ve seen him many times over the years, and he’s got a great rapport with the audience. He’s capable of great depth and emotion, but also comes out with satirical songs that will leave you in stitches!
No Man’s Land (also known as Willy McBride) was very popular in Ireland in the 70s and 80s, so much so that in Northern Ireland it was banned in (Unionist) pubs, where, because of the reference to 1916, they felt it was an Irish nationalist song about the Easter Rebellion.
Floo’ers o’ the Forest (Flowers of the Forest) incidentally is a beautiful Scottish lament for the fallen.
bullshit!. as a Ulster Loyalist i have never heard of this song being banned from any loyaist pub or club. in fact it has been on the playlist of many loyalist cd, and played by loyalist marching bands.
Always know this as "green fields of France" and if you dont cry while listening you are not human
Yes. American band Dropkick Murphys did a great version, there's a few excellent videos on TH-cam too... I'm a blubbering mess every time.😢
It was No man’s Land, until they changed it to Flowers of the forest. Which should be Flooer’s ‘o the forest. A very old Scottish song for the pipes.
@@Dee-JayW known by all three titles...
@@paulhunt3307 sadly. They are different songs.
@@Dee-JayW yes, Flooers o' the Forest is an old Scottish tune, but the Eric Bogle song in question has been known as Green Fields of France, No Man's Land and occasionally Flowers of the Forest...
No one should ever apologise for showing their emotions when listening to a song like "No Man's Land" (Now more often known as "The Green Fields Of France) or "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" because those songs are so true and really show the futility of war! I am a Street Performer in the UK (A Busker) and I often play and sing "The Green Fields Of France" just before I am finishing a "set", I save it till the end because it effects me every single time I play it!
Just as a small point of interest, my (late) oldest brother settled in Australia in the mid sixties and served with the Australian Army and saw active service in Vietnam where he was shot and wounded - He spent the rest of his life suffering from PTSD and regularly had night mares, right up till the day he died at his home near Brisbane just over two years ago. His children still cherish his Service Medals!
I raise my hat to and salute each and every single service man/woman who has served for their country! Thank You and God Bless each and every one of you!
Never apologise for showing your feelings it's what makes us human . I've travelled to Gallipoli and visited all the graveyards scattered throughout the hills and foreshore and it is a sobering experience seeing the young ages on the crosses ,the youngest being 14 yrs and it does make you wonder what they would think of the world today , and the reference to the yellowed photographs prompted me years ago to create a family tree for both sides of my family with written descriptions of both my wife's and my ancestors ,hers back to her convict 5× great grandfather and mine to 1620 , every old photo has where possible an explanation of who and what is represented and where and when it was taken .I've done this for the very reason what you are going through with your family memories , Idon't want my grandkidsand their grandchildren not to know their family history . .
Kaitlyn, you are so correct about the lyrics being so powerful.
As an Aussie I'm happy that you as an American have liked this song, which I believe may have been written by Mr. Bogle himsel.
It is an emotional song with a message of folly of war.
It is said Old men start wars, young men fight in them.
❤ to you girl !!
There are many war memorials for Australians in france, I think most well known would be near villers-bretteonerux hope I spelt that right.
It is wonderful that France honours (and continues to honour) the ANZACS who fought in France and Belgium, and who lie under the battlefields. Apparently during the Second World War the Memorial was used as an observation post by the French and was extensively damaged by German aircraft and ground fire. Although repairs were carried out, some scarring was retained and can still be seen on parts of it.
I have been to VB twice including the 2017 Dawn Service, one of the most moving experiences of my 74 years. I felt very close to my late Dad who died when I was 16. He served for 5 years in WWII in North Africa and New Guinea and died at 51, far too young! Thanks Eric!❤️❤️❤️
Almost, "Villiers-Bretteneux"
@@paulhunt3307it’s Villers-Bretonneux.
I love this song - so very emotional. I also like the Dropkick Murpy’s cover of this known as “Green Fields of France”. Another Eric Bogle song i love is “now I’m Easy”.
Eric Bogle paints such wonderful word pictures. I always feel that I am with him at the graveside.
Yes, I actually prefer this song over "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" but only slightly. There are so many other great Bogle songs to enjoy. Eric was one of the many great Scottish imports into Australia, like AC/DC etc etc.
This is a better song by a mile. As a song, that is... However "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda", weak as it is as a song, hit a unique place in the Australian song repertoire. Such is the power of a great idea, over great execution.
Yes, credit to Scotland for Eric Bogle and AC/DC! On a serious note, they both have a greatness for "telling it like it is" with raw emotion, and skilled execution.
I had the great pleasure of seeing Mr. Bogle live in America in 1998. It was a small, intimate venue and unforgettable. The two songs you are familiar with are his most covered and well known, and they both hit very hard. Perhaps the best war ballads ever written to express the tragedy of it all. So much good material available from his catalog. If you want another heart-wrenching one, with a distinct Australian theme, I suggest "Now I'm Easy" or "A Reason For It All." A more general one about missing out on relationships with family, try "Scraps of Paper." But for the more lighthearted stuff, there is "The Ballad of Henry Holloway," "Front Row Cowboy" or "He's Nobody's Moggy Now." (That last is a bit hard on the feline species, so one must have a bit of an appreciation for dark humor.) Great reaction to "No Man's Land," and the honest emotion on display is perfectly appropriate.
Finding a special place to be for an Anzac Service is great. The Last Post is the one thing on Anzac Day that brings me to tears.
As an ex 67 yrs old Australian Navy and Army Veteran yes l served 8yrs Navy then 12 yrs Army ( SASR)say you are a lovely young lady for your videos.
"Shelter" by Eric Bogle is worth a listen, especially given the various waves of refugees that we've not done the best by in the last few years.
I too can recommend listening to Shelter. How did a Scottish man write such an incredible Australian song. Thanks Eric!
My Mum has dementia, she is in a nursing home and has been for the last 8 yrs. She has no clue who I am anymore, I am the 2nd eldest of 4 kids and has no idea that her only son and her 2nd daughter have passed away! Even though she is still here she is just a shell, my mother left us a long time ago and I miss her everyday!
My wife had dementia. My last conversation with her went llike this. "She said, "Who are you?". I said "I'm your husband". SHe said "No your not". We repeated that several times. FInally, I said, "OK, I'm not your husband". She smiled and said "Yes, you are." She died a few days later.
@@reddevil3387 it's a disgusting horrible disease, not necessarily for the person with it but for the people closest to them! I am so sorry for your loss! I wish my Mum would just go to sleep and never wake up!
You don't need to apologize at all Kaitlyn. The song affects Aussies the same way! A very good video indeed!
You're commentary was worthy of the song, both in the personal recollections it triggered for you and so worthwhile sharing here (re. the photographs from your Polish aunties), and in your observations about war and asking what those who died in 1916 would think of our countries now. We probably don't need to guess, if we are willing to do some research, as there were WWI veterans who survived into the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, and must surely have some records of such observations. The only thing which I am aware of is that when they were interviewed for Anzac day they almost invariably commented that "War is a terrible waste", or similar.
I'm in my sixties, and have heard this song many times since the 1970s, but not for a few years. By the third and fourth verses ("No gas, no barbed wire, no guns firing now", and "Did really believe them when they told you the cause?" I was in tears again!
Just an important comment on Eric Bogle's own opinion of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda". He is on record as saying that he doesn't value the song, describing it as one of his early songs when he was "still learning my craft". He even said bluntly, as I recall - "Its a sh## song". On the other hand this song exemplifies his mature skills. The imagery, narrative and tune are much tighter than "Waltzing Matlida", using a few words to evoke strong associations. That's why it works so well. He can sure rip out something which touches hearts!
Finally, your comment that you, as an American, can react to this very Australian/British! Well, that's the magic of great songs - they tell a local story so powerful that any culture can react to it! Think of "Penny Lane" or "Strawberry Fields", or "California Girls". I personally have a great love for American country music, without needing to know the geographical references! I loved "Blue Bayou" as years before I discovered the Bayous!
And, finally,... finally... I am so pleased that you as a young person can react to it! I would have guessed that the imagery works more effectively for me as someone who has been very aware of WWI since my youth, particularly the national enthusiasm in 1914 for the "War to End Wars" and the ensuing carnage, in "the Green Fields of France".
Emotion is NOT a sign of weakness its a sign of great strength
G'day Kaitlyn. That's a beautiful song. I must admit I know very little about it, and yes certain songs can make people emotional. I've cried listening to certain songs myself.
The graveyards in France & Belgium are many & numerous but the number of crosses from both sides is mind-numbing. Every one is someones son,brother,husband & loved member of a family that never recovered.The graves are well-tended but too far from home. To this day there are daily services honouring the fallen. The school children are taught this history & take over the tasks as the older people pass.
An awesome song that makes you think about our history. You should do the dawn service on Anzac day, it's very eerie, foggy morning and a bugle playing the last post and a bagpiper in the distance.
Everyone's history, really.
My favourite way to start ANZAC Day!
My grandfather fought in WWI in the US Navy in the North Sea, and his brother was a Doughboy in the trenches in France. I am glad that people still honor the memory of all those who fought in that brutal senseless war (in the US it is now mostly overlooked.) My great-uncle was gassed, and although he survived, he never recovered fully and died of lung disease in his 30s as a result. Tears are appropriate for all those who died so young. The recent German movie version of All Quiet on the Western Front shows how horrific it was for the mostly boys and young men who sacrificed their lives.
All Quiet On The Western Front is a brilliant film which should be mandatory in all schools.
@@joekavanagh7171not a chance my friend its still the battle of hastings in schools sometimes my brain hurts..
Eric Bogle, is not quite correct regarding the line implying that WW1 is silent now. In France and Belgium, there are still 100 tons of unexploded WW1 ammunition being defused per year; at the current rate, this "harvest" will continue for 700 years.
One of the most intelligent anti war song’s ever written. It touches, it encircles, respectfully, about every ridiculous aspect that war has done to m’en, women and children..again and again…and for who? This is a very powerful song It démonstrates clearly that never never a war will put an end to wars. Patriotisme is always the foremost argument presented and deep down we know or at least suspect it’s power, money,territory or whatever that causes all this horror, cruel pain and sorrow. In all simplicity, I invite everybody to just relax and listen to the spoken words of the song, just listen again and again. Eric is just saying since war doesn’t stop wars, how about trying something else. Hhhmmm I wonder what qthat could be
There are many names of those who died in 1916 at the Somme on a huge monument at Thieval.My great Unvle died there he was in the East Yorkshire Regiment.I only found out about him several yrs ago and I’m aged 72.
19 ... had already served 3 years in the Royal Australian Navy. I grew up in a hurry :-)
Kia ora, mate.
I was thinking about our Boys who went at the age of 15 and 16.
I remember you mentioned you were 17...
I can't see your reply easily now. Will have to look for it to find it. But we had a good korero and it is great recognizing you here again.
I believe you about growing up fast, for sure.
#Mal Alexander
Kia ora again.
I sent a reply but it could be anywhere among these comments lol.
Thank you for your service!
I do love a version of this song sung by " The men they couldnt hang" from the u.k. Take care and stay safe dear. Greetings from Jonas, Gothenburg Sweden.
You have a very sensitive soul and great compassion. Your reaction to this song is understandable and I applaud your insightful comments.
Eric Bogle is a man with great song writer. He sees his purpose as bringing the people of the past to life for us. Don't be ashamed of crying, because, if you have been transported back there, you will feel the pain of those who lost this young lad from their lives.
@19 I was a forward scout in the First Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR ) Every generation of my family have served in the ADF in some form as well as my grandfather who helped build all the airstrips from Alice Springs to Darwin as a civilian contractor Grader Operator
I have driven on some of those old airstrips near Darwin when I lived there as a kid in the sixties. Mr father used to love to drive along the runway as fast as the car would go. Not very safe, no seat belts in those days.
Thanks Katlin for a great video reaction I wasn't ready to be moved like that and thanks for your story about your great aunt it shows that you need to get back to spend time with your family
I am a singer/guitarist and regularly perform this song. I have many of my performances on TH-cam - maybe this one, I am not sure. I performed it this week at our local RSL branch in the Philippines on Anzac day this week - I also performed "The Band played Waltzing Matilda" and more. I met Eric Bogle twice in Hong Kong when he came out to our Folk Festivals there. He came to my music bar where we shared a few beers. I am surprised by the number of 'views' that folks like this lass get just to put up a review. of the song.
Hi Kaitlyn, I think this is one of the saddest of all these songs but I want to say that I really could relate to your comments about old photos. After my grandmother died my mother had to go through old photos going back to the Victorian era. She had absolutely no idea who they were & had to throw out 3 generations of photos. And when she died & I went through all her old photos she hadn't labelled them and I had no clue as to who They were. Thanks Mum 😇
The last posts is a bugle call, rather than a song.
This one got to me too. My grandmother and her sister were nurses in WW1. Many years ago I went on a six week tour with the AWM to Turkey and Europe. An amazing experience. On the last war cemetery we visited in France I found their names in a register on the site. I had my grandmother's photo with me. They survived.... The things they must have seen. My dad left on a troop ship from Sydney harbour a few hours before the Japanese midget subs attacked.
Hopefully you had an opportunity to talk to your Grandmother about her achievements!
@@michaelhayden725thanks, unfortunately she passed when I was 5 or so
I can't listen to this without tears.
A song by the band Red Gum, I was only nineteen, true story and poem of a nineteen year old teenager who walked on a mine in Vietnam, the same day man walked on the moon.
That's ok Kaitlyn, songs have a way of triggering memories especially one's you hadn't thought about in a while. It can emotional but it's good for the soul, maybe time for your family trying to find out about your great aunty's brothers. Maybe a census could be a starting point?
Whilst not diminishing your emotional reaction to this song and your associations, you may also relate to another Eric Bogle song - Leaving Nancy. This relates to Eric Bogle leaving his mother for the last time, as the train pulls out.
Beautiful song that gets me every time! 😢
My maternal Grandfather was knocked out of WWI by mustard gas, the US Army called it shell-shocked then. He was. I was 9 years old when he passed; I remember he would go upstairs and wait in a closet for a thunderstorm to pass. We kids weren't allowed to ask why or ask about the war and we just assumed everyone's grandfather did that. He sent his son (my Uncle) back to Germany 20 years after the war to end all wars. Luckily Uncle Jimmy learned from his Dad that truck driver was safer than machine gunner so he didn't get bombed or gassed and made it home intact. Love your music, my wife and I saw you at a concert in Aurora, Illinois in the 1990's. Your WWI songs are my favorites - and the "Green Fields of France" is probably my favorite of those. "Here in the graveyard it's still No Mans Land" gets me every time. The video of this song is beautiful. I think you single-handedly keep the WWI music genre going. Happy New Year 2024! Peace. :-)
One of the most potent anti-War songs I have ever heard. It is one of my favorites. I think this version is the best I have heard. Previously I have heard it played by the Drop Kick Murphey's who called it "The Green Fields of France."
There’s a great although incredibly sad quote over here that has been immortalised on plaques all over our great land that reads
“ When you go home, tell them of Us and say, For your Tomorrow, we gave our Today. “
This is incredibly personal to Us and should always be taught to all our children and future generations. Signing off… Erin, Proud Veterans Wife and Granddaughter. Lest We Forget
So very true. Thanks for reminding us all about that quote!
I love the way you say g'day! It's so chill and natural for a person with an american accent. I seen a video where they said it's a myth that Aussies say g'day all the time, but where I'm from we actually do
Listened to this for over 40 years still brings a tear every time. Check out another video of Eric Bogle on youtube. Return to No Mans Land. He goes back through the graveyard and gives full insight into writing the song and where it is in todays world
Many years ago i visited the Green Fields of France and it is certainly a very unique experience I was only in my early teens at the time
He is a tear jerker
I have only ever known this as Willy Mcbride, had no idea what the song was until he started singing it.
It's tough goin sometimes isn't it mate? You take care of y'self Kaitlin. OOO.
This is a hard one to listen to Kaitlyn. You tend to think about those left behind.
What you were saying about then and now made me think of "imagine" (Elton John)
At 19... I was already a qualified Rifleman, Infantry Driver and a father.
30 years later he revisited the same burial ground and from that wrote a follow up song called Hallowed Ground
Good on you! Great songs, yes you will get to know them and the relevance, and the emotion
The name escapes me, but I remember him teaming up with a German folksinger, who interspersed the English with passages mourning the Germans who went through the same thing.
What stuck in my mind was the German chorus;
Du hast deinen Alles gegeben, Deine Kraft, dein Jugend, dein Leben. (You've given your all, your strength, your youth, your life.)
"The flowers of the Forest," is a traditional Scottish song, reputedly a lament for the dead of Flodden (1513), often played at military funerals.
The folksinger´s name is Hannes Wader and the song is called "Es ist an der Zeit". There is a beautiful live version on YT.
@@lebenswasser4224 Thank you.
All Scottish soldiers are Flowers of the Forest. The bagpipe tune called the Flowers of the Forest is a piece that is performed but never practiced or rehearsed.
Remember that generation gave us the amazing freedom we live with, hope it doesn’t need to be fought for again ❤
Loved your commentary. Thank you. One of my favourite songs by Eric. For me, the best version of 'And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda' is by June Tabor.
As a Canuck , always wanted to see the battle sites of the Canadians. April 2025 finally going to Belgium and France, as an 80 year old. Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge, Hill 70, and the Menin Gate are a few of the sites. Juno Beach and a few WWII sites also.
Welcome Kaitlyn Fernando, enjoy your time here, have fun
Kaitlyn no apologies for tears . I come from a place called Tea Tree Gully and a nearby town, Paracombe, lost all it's men and youth in WW1. The women were left behind with no sawyer, furrier , stone masons for homes. All trades gone and the children and women worked their small farms. ANZAC Day is special there ( my younger son plays the Last Post on the bugle.) , it's solemn, no grog, just a quiet breakfast a cup of tea and a prayer at the cross in the town's square . Eric Bogle lives a few miles north of me. A great songwriter who reminds us of the stpidity of war. When will we learn?
hello from holden hill
My grandfather joined in 1914 aged 16 years old and the thing he 👀 he remembered all his life. then in 1938 my father joined the army and served in ww2 and fought till 1945, he would never talk about it all his life.
I didn't know the Aussies had taken this song up for ANZAC, It was popular over here in the UK, known as 'The Green fields Of France' before Eric moved down under.
Eric Bogle emigrated to Oz in 1969. Green Fields of France was written in 1976.
@@alistaircowie4897 If that's true he must have spent long periods over here touring.
This song was actually a Scottish folk song written after the WW1, and became an Irish folk favourite.
there is a song that you should hear from a band by the name of REDGUM the song is "I was ony 19"
If you're ever in Europe you should go to the Menin Gate in Ypres Belgium.Each night at sundown the local fire brigade plays the Last Post and have done since 1919 except during WW2. The Menin Gate memorial commemorates those with no known grave. There are about 80000 names there.Plenty of ceremonies recorded on TH-cam.
The 'Last Post' is similar to the American 'Taps' and the Spanish 'Las Silenzia".......I defy you not to get emotional when any of the three play
I am an Aussie that lived in Columbus Ohio for 16 years. I haven't crossed an American yet that appreciates anything beyond their own propaganda.
Thankyou for this !!!
No Man's Land and The Band Played Waltzing Matilda are two of the most moving songs I have heard, if you can take another tearjerker by Eric, look for "As If He Knows", every bit as powerful, it is about the end of the War, when the troops were not allowed to take their horses home and had to destroy them, damn! it's got me tearing up just typing this! He does also write happier songs!
It's always interesting to hear Eric Bogle singing his own songs, but Eric always has been an extremely modest human being and he often maintains that there are many other singers that make a better job of them than him. The Furey's, The Pogues, The Dubliners and Liam Clancy have all recorded covers of the two well known ones ("The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" and "No Man's Land"/"The Green Fields Of France") Liam Clancy's version of "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is particularly powerful and the best I've heard. There is another fine, but less well-known anti-war song written by Eric Bogle called "All The Fine Young Men" which is well worth checking out. Irish singers Mary Black and Dolores Keane have both recorded covers of it and there are videos on TH-cam.
They called the First World War, "The War To End All Wars"; it's a clichéd notion that has been exposed as the biggest lie of the 20th century because, as Eric has stated in his song, it has all happened again and again and again. There are still repercussions from that seminal conflict simmering away in Europe to this day. The overarching truth is that until we learn history's lessons and recognise that war is a dirty destructive inglorious business and, ultimately, a depressingly futile way of settling our differences with our fellow human beings, it will continue to happen again and again and again. It always kills the youth of a nation; those with down on their cheeks and the most to live for; rarely those elders who really should know better.
There are no more survivors of the First World War who are still alive and those who survived the Second World War are disappearing fast and we who have benefitted from the sacrifices they made for us, we must continue to remember them with gratitude for the Peace they won. Let's not let it all happen again and again and again!
@colindouglas
You have spoken the TRUTH about war.
Old men start them, young men fight (and die) in them.
I have had the chance to sit by the side of "willy mcbride" or at least one of them - take notice in the song, his nationality is never mentioned, only what he went through.
Don't be ashamed of your tears, I spent 20 years in the RAN, and this song still moves me, as do a lot of my international friends, they all know a "willy Mcbride" We all stood tall for our countries and did what was asked, some of us paid a price, some of us paid the ultimate sacrifice, but all of us remember! It's songs like this that keep the us remembering why we did what we did
Exactly, this is an eponymous song for all those that have either paid the supreme sacrifice or have been impacted by war.
"While in the earth where the glorious dead repose,
On which the survivors live with vanquished souls."
I'm content with my vanquished soul, thank you! The glorious dead are most welcome to their holes in the ground. 😅
I think this song is of British / Scottish origin . But it speaks for all the young men who were involved in that horror show , the1st world war . Correct me if I'm mistaken.
I did find your comment that you expected an Eric Bogle song to be tragic and moving
We are talking about the guy who also wrote and recorded a song about a chiauau who was squashed to death when he tried to mate with a St Bernard
The first time I heard this song was during the live performance at Ellis Island in 2004 by the Irish Tenors. It moved me so much then and still does in the same way today.
Kaitlyn, you are a very kind and caring person. The world needs more of your type. Thank you for sharing your stories and thank you for giving us an insight into your bringing up.
Kaitlyn do not apologise for being human, Eric Bogle is an amazing songwriter. I resignated with what you shared about your Aunties. We never realize till too laate, the wealth of knowledge our parents, grandparents and other relatives have, about what life was like in our young country. in their youth and life as an adult. It's totally lost when they leave us, or life is cruel and takes their memory from them. Our family are the best history teachers we have, because they lived it 💖
I liked your comment about Arlington. Arlington was founded during the American Civil War as a graveyard for Union Soldiers killed in the area. So while Arlington has changed from that initial role for civil war dead, the older sections are entirely soldiers killed in the Civil War.
If you’d like to learn more about The Last Post I recommend an excellent programme available on the BBC Sounds app simply titled The Last Post which tells the history of this well known piece of music.
I recently heard a young Irish busker cover the green fields of France (Rhys Mcphillips) it was one of the best covers I have heard worth a listen
❤
Don’t ever feel the need to apologise for having an emotional response to that song, it has aroused a similar feeling in plenty of big boofy Australian males, myself included. May I suggest that you listen to “ I was only 19” ,a similar song spawned by the Vietnam conflict. Thanks for a posting from the heart.
That's cool Kaitlyn your only human after all.Unfortunately, most of my relatives have gone now and I often reflect on them,even my Kiwi Grandad who shot through on my beautiful Grandmother and my Mum and 2 Aunts and had a new family in W.A.he was an Officer with the New Zealand Army Corp.he also fought in Gallipoli and became an Intelligence Officer for Australian Army during WW2 I never met him but he was a strong influence in my life....God Bless Kaitlyn
An Irish singer modified and improved this song and it did very well there where it is known as "The Green Fields of France"
"No Man's Land" (also known as "The Green Fields of France" or "Willie McBride") is a song written in 1976 by Scottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle, reflecting on the grave of a young man who died in World War I. Its chorus refers to two famous pieces of military music, the "Last Post" and the "Flowers of the Forest". One of the best versions is by Liam Clancy of the Clancy Brothers, also a beautiful rendition by Joe Monks. There were several Willie McBrides killed in WW 1 all from Irish Regiments.
thomas manach, there were also sottish wilie macbrides and most likely willie macbrides from other nations.
Advertise those photos in the polish news papers or online someone might recognize them its worth a try. someone will know just start looking and treat it as a family project. much love and i am very happy you have moved to Australia . life is a strange journey we all have to partake. Good luck.
Another great song by Eric Bogle is Singing the Spirit Home. It is about the execution of a black man in South Africa during Apartheid. The other prisoners sing Shosholoza to him as he goes to his death. That song is worked into the ending. Quite stunning.
Been through the family dementia thing its hard. A nurse told me although they dont recignise you or your name, they recognise emotions. If you kiss them and tell them you love them then they are happy when you come. Go see your aunt, the average survival time for a woman with dementia once they enter full time care is 2 years. Its hard to say but eventually their brain forgets everything, how to swallow and lastly how to breathe
Scottish writer, Eric bogle wrote this song. It's actually called "the green fields of france".
He emigrated to Australia in 1971, so more Australian.
Pvt. William McBride was a member Irish Fusiliers and not an ANZAC
@catherineannemccloskey-ros9500.....nobody knows the origin of the soldier because it's no about one soldier, it's for all the fallen. the soldier the irish media put was no the grave he sat down at as eric quite clearly states in his interview with an irish tv crew. there were 4 willie macbrides in that cemetery 2 scots and two irish. bearing in mind macbrides a scottish name taken to ireland. it will include an irish soldier but not about one. it was written for all the fallen. as he also states quite clearly.....i chose the name macbride as it rhymes with graveside..
I love this song
I am sorry i didnt see this warlier. Another great son by Eric is, "The gift of years". Try to listen to that one. It is a real personal heart tugger for me. Cheers from a Danish Aussie.
Well I just cried my eyes out as a 52 yo Australian male..talk about pulling my heart strings.🤦♂️🥰
Kaitlyn there is reason to cry. I come from Tea Tree Gully where the local hamlets lost all boys and men in WW1. A tragedy and ANZAC Day is not celebrated as such but a sacred morning of mourning. I know all the descendants of those lost on the Town Square monuments. We have a dawn ceremony and a very quiet breakfast- no two -up and no beers.
Once the bodies started coming back and casualties were bad there were anti war movements started.
That's when they stopped bringing bodies back to Australia.
Oh those violins are as important to this haunting ballad.