大象传媒

The London Irish Rifles

Well me name is Tommy Sullivan and brewing is me game
But I had to give up brewing boys when Hitler staked his claim
And now me time is fading and me hair is turning grey
I鈥檒l tell to you the story boys of when we sailed away

Chorus

On the transport ship Orduna to Messina鈥檚 bloody ridge
Here come, Here come the London Irish Rifles

The first thing I remember was the Brixton church parade
With pipes and drums a鈥檒eading that warm September day
Then up spoke our commander and he said the war is on
The people there fell silent and preacher he prayed on

Chorus

We got the message from the King just to spur us on
Go out into the darkness and put your hand in God鈥檚
With the Jerries on the western front we had to put to sea
So we sailed away to Tunis, me brewing pals and me

Chorus

From Suez to the Med and then the port of Syracuse
At Capella and Sperina and Maletto with the skins
We climbed the ridge Messina and we saw our comrades fall
And we the saw the blood a鈥檉lowing and the writing on the wall

Chorus

So now me boys come list to me and pray you listen well
The Jerries and the Ities they took us on they fell
They fought with all their fury but 鈥榯was to no avail
For they were ne鈥檈r a proper match for the boys of London Ale

Words & music by Ian Cowley

Background - Through this web site I found out a lot about my father's war activities but there's still more to go. I mentioned this one night to my colleagues in our band. Ian was fascinated by the name 'The London Irish Rifles' and asked for all the information I had. From this Ian wrote the song and presented me with a copy of it last night, tied with ribbon, as a birthday present. It made it's debut at the 'Four Provinces Club' in Coventry last night.

My father Tom, was born in Mortlake, SW London and spent his life in Barnes and Mortlake area. He was a well known character in the area especially to those connected with Watneys Brewery where he spent much of his working life.

Anyone having any connection with the 2nd batallion of the London Irish Rifles during WWII please let me know.

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