"Tommy" is for every soldier, sailor, or Marine that ever served in any uniform; regardless, of the time frame in World History. Tommy and I marched together so long ago.
I spent twenty years on active duty - including most of the Vietnam War period and its aftermath - and America disgracefully supported its young warriors during and upon their return from Asia. Virtually no one in uniform is a policy maker - perhaps only a few of the very few four-star officers - or even a policy influencer. That crucial role is the exclusive domain of our most senior elected and appointed officials. Yet, many Americans treated the teenagers and the young men who had ABSOLUTELY NO effect on national policy as fools and knaves, when - in fact - the overwhelming majority were simply attempting to do our duties as well as they could. Tragically, Tommy Atkins was alive and well in the United States during several decades of the Twentieth Century. Shame on the many Americans who treated their peers and children so unreasonably and irrationally.
I'm an old soldier myself, from a family where about half of every generation of us who Could serve Has going back well before WW2. I'm a second generation Para & my youngest son is nearing retirement as the 3rd gen jumper in the family. "Tommy" speaks to & for All soldiers, no matter their nation or time. For many years, no matter the nation, we have been looked down on by most of the very civilians we put our lives on the line to defend. They call us 'morons incapable of getting & holding down a Real job in their 'Real world'. The version you added by Pindar is quite good, for a rewrite/update.
The modern insistence that we judge our ancestors by current standards can't crush the beauty, wisdom and ongoing relevance of one of the truly great poets of the English language.
And as he lay mortally wounded in battle, Private Thomas Atkins said to the Duke of Wellington, "It's all right, sir. It's all in a day's work" just before he died.
That reminds me or Lord Uxbridge, According to anecdote, which is probably apocryphal, he was close to the Duke of Wellington when his leg was hit, and exclaimed, "By God, sir, I've lost my leg!", to which Wellington replied "By God, sir, so you have!
You have got the message all right. Tommy Atkins was a slang term for a common soldier in the British Army. It was the name that the War Office used to illustrate how to fill in forms. If you want to know more about it then google the name and read the wiki article.
I was never a soldier , but i am proud of those that were . this poem should be taught in every school . The way vets are treated by the government and country is an insult
Kiplings best poem beyond any doubt! He really knew how to capture a feeling in verse, and this is true here. Real shame that in over a century we still treat our defenders like s*** except when we need them. If anyone out there has family in the services, regardless of wherever they may be stationed, or what they may be doing, remember that we owe them our freedom today!
Gentlemen, you are wrong to assume that all and sundry look down on all soldiers. Mostly people respect you and recognise the sacrifices you have made. There will always be a minority of folk who , quite frankly, are too stupid to see that others have put themselves forward to protect them. God bless, Graham.
Nobody, I think, captured the selfish, sanctimonious cluelessness of the "elite" as they disparage those who protect them better than Kipling. I can only imagine how the great poet would respond to current events...
So many soldiers fighting for "Freedom." But I look around me and wonder "Where is that freedom?" Because the people around me don't look all that free.
He's saying he's the same men in and out of war, yet when he's being the soldier he is mocked until the vicotry band plays, then he's treated with respect like the man he is. There is no shame in being a widow of a soldier.
Thank you for a fantastic reading. I heard you over 6 months ago and you inspired me to read kiplings barack room ballards. I would like to share with you some of my work. I have never done anything like this before, so your feedback will be more than welcome. Kind Regards Mike.
"93!.. 93!.. damn all that eagerness. " and the wavering line steadied. almost too eager to charge calvary with bayonets the 93 proved its pride. proud indeed. nobody ever said taking on british riflemen was easyl;.
so...is tommy and atkins the same person. Like when tommy needs something, they address him rudely and don't help him, but when they need him they address him properly and with the greatest respect? or am i just crappy at interpreting poems.
It was true when he wrote it and it's still true today. Don't believe me? wait a bit...less than five years and teh public will be back to the same old shit. They always have and always will, now tell me who the bloody brutes are? eh?
You got it brother. No one respects the soldier until they need him.
"Tommy" is for every soldier, sailor, or Marine that ever served in any uniform; regardless, of the time frame in World History. Tommy and I marched together so long ago.
I spent twenty years on active duty - including most of the Vietnam War period and its aftermath - and America disgracefully supported its young warriors during and upon their return from Asia. Virtually no one in uniform is a policy maker - perhaps only a few of the very few four-star officers - or even a policy influencer. That crucial role is the exclusive domain of our most senior elected and appointed officials. Yet, many Americans treated the teenagers and the young men who had ABSOLUTELY NO effect on national policy as fools and knaves, when - in fact - the overwhelming majority were simply attempting to do our duties as well as they could.
Tragically, Tommy Atkins was alive and well in the United States during several decades of the Twentieth Century. Shame on the many Americans who treated their peers and children so unreasonably and irrationally.
I'm an old soldier myself, from a family where about half of every generation of us who Could serve Has going back well before WW2. I'm a second generation Para & my youngest son is nearing retirement as the 3rd gen jumper in the family. "Tommy" speaks to & for All soldiers, no matter their nation or time. For many years, no matter the nation, we have been looked down on by most of the very civilians we put our lives on the line to defend. They call us 'morons incapable of getting & holding down a Real job in their 'Real world'. The version you added by Pindar is quite good, for a rewrite/update.
The modern insistence that we judge our ancestors by current standards can't crush the beauty, wisdom and ongoing relevance of one of the truly great poets of the English language.
As relevant today as when it was written. A powerful piece of poetry.
And as he lay mortally wounded in battle, Private Thomas Atkins said to the Duke of Wellington, "It's all right, sir. It's all in a day's work" just before he died.
www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/His
toryofBritain/The-British-Tommy-Tommy-At
kins/
That reminds me or Lord Uxbridge, According to anecdote, which is probably apocryphal, he was close to the Duke of Wellington when his leg was hit, and exclaimed, "By God, sir, I've lost my leg!", to which Wellington replied "By God, sir, so you have!
Remarkable poem. Rudyard Kipling is a great poet!
You have got the message all right. Tommy Atkins was a slang term for a common soldier in the British Army. It was the name that the War Office used to illustrate how to fill in forms. If you want to know more about it then google the name and read the wiki article.
One of my favourite Kipling poems, read so well, thank you! 😊
I was never a soldier , but i am proud of those that were . this poem should be taught in every school . The way vets are treated by the government and country is an insult
Kiplings best poem beyond any doubt! He really knew how to capture a feeling in verse, and this is true here. Real shame that in over a century we still treat our defenders like s*** except when we need them. If anyone out there has family in the services, regardless of wherever they may be stationed, or what they may be doing, remember that we owe them our freedom today!
a hundred plus years and nothing has changed .
this speaks so much truth for any soldier old or new .
This is still ever so true.
Great Poem, and an excellent reading. Well done.
Every time I hear this, I have to choke back the tears.
Gentlemen, you are wrong to assume that all and sundry look down on all soldiers. Mostly people respect you and recognise the sacrifices you have made. There will always be a minority of folk who , quite frankly, are too stupid to see that others have put themselves forward to protect them.
God bless,
Graham.
The Troops in the picture is that the 93rd Highland regiment or the Thin red line..
Nobody, I think, captured the selfish, sanctimonious cluelessness of the "elite" as they disparage those who protect them better than Kipling.
I can only imagine how the great poet would respond to current events...
fantastic verse first time I've heard it
To All Comrades At Arms, Happy Veterans Day 2015. USMC 77-81, Airwing.
This is a classic. Thanks.
So many soldiers fighting for "Freedom." But I look around me and wonder "Where is that freedom?" Because the people around me don't look all that free.
I don't know what they'll do to the enemy; but, by God, they frighten me.
Τι απίστευτα κυνικό ποίημα! Μόνο ένας Βρετανός θα μπορούσε να το φτιάξει. Αυτή η 'no-bullshit' πλευρά είναι το πρόσωπο της Βρετανίας που αγαπώ
He's saying he's the same men in and out of war, yet when he's being the soldier he is mocked until the vicotry band plays, then he's treated with respect like the man he is. There is no shame in being a widow of a soldier.
Tommy and Mister Atkins are the same person, Atkins being his last name which is how the army addresses him.
The thin red line - When it gone, you´re alone.
Somethings never change
I love the way you present this information!
This is for all squaddies
Thank you for a fantastic reading. I heard you over 6 months ago and you inspired me to read kiplings barack room ballards. I would like to share with you some of my work. I have never done anything like this before, so your feedback will be more than welcome. Kind Regards Mike.
"93!.. 93!.. damn all that eagerness. " and the wavering line steadied. almost too eager to charge calvary with bayonets the 93 proved its pride. proud indeed. nobody ever said taking on british riflemen was easyl;.
Ive not heared this before, but i love it.
so...is tommy and atkins the same person. Like when tommy needs something, they address him rudely and don't help him, but when they need him they address him properly and with the greatest respect? or am i just crappy at interpreting poems.
BRAVO!BRAVO!
This poem aged well
@TheBanshee4302 Jane FONDA -- you mean Hanoi Jane yesterday, tomorrow and forever.
That is the best poem by my name.
how true
@foxholeathiest Where is your second quote from? I would like to quote it but want to cite it properly.
You have missed out those who flew! 55,000 killed in Bomber Command alone. So on your behalf I include then.
It was true when he wrote it and it's still true today. Don't believe me? wait a bit...less than five years and teh public will be back to the same old shit. They always have and always will, now tell me who the bloody brutes are? eh?
This could have been written for the US Soldier of the late 19th century.
Well said sir.
Beautyfuly done cartoon story
liked it very much
kiitos
Exactly.
2:27 hit me that bit
an isnt that the truth of it... thanks for posting
HOOOAH! READ THIS TO THE CONGRESS! READ IT!