GLORY IS THE SOLDIER’S PRIZE

THE SOLDIER’S RETURN: This was the music the band played i n Glasgow, May 1919 as the Argylls mustered out to join their families. Only a handful had made it through whole and hearty the grim gap of death and mutilation that was the Western Front. As I realize now AULD POP was one of those who survived almost miraculously to tell the tale though he carried with him the suffering and internal wounds his entire life.

My father was four years old but remembered it clearly and his first look at his father THOMAS MUNRO, SR. who seemed to him a huge bronze bemedalled hero- god in kilt and Glengarry. One of the THIN RED LINE OF HEROES.

THOMAS MUNRO SR ARGYLL AND SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS AUGUST 1914 One of the Scottish Pals.

For gold the merchant ploughs the main,

The farmer ploughs the manor;

But glory is the sodger’s prize,

The sodger’s wealth is honour.

The brave poor sodger ne’er despise,

Nor count him as a stranger:

Remember he’s his country’s stay, In day and hour o’ danger.

ROBERT BURNS

This was the music played i n Glasgow, May 1919 as the Argylls mustered out to join their families. My father was four years old but remembered it clearly and his first look at his father who seemed to him a bronze god in kilt and glengarry.

Music, Books, Poetry, Film