Ivor Gurney’s note to England describes ordinary soldiers in the First World War as they slog through mud and water, carrying wire, stakes, and ammunition. They are worn out, yet they keep going under the constant shadow of death, and one even sings despite the grey, joyless sky. The speaker asks whether these men—who have long held back their own savagery—can really be the heroes who break the devil’s legions. The answer is yes, but not because they are glamorous. They do in silence what they could boast about, and in the heat of battle they say plainly, through song, how much they hate and fear war. The mood is weary, admiring, and quietly defiant, replacing easy battlefield glory with honest endurance.
To England--A Note — Summary
I WATCHED the boys of England where they went Through mud and water to do appointed things. See one a stake, and one wire-netting brings, And one comes slowly under a burden bent Of ammunition. Though the strength be spent They “carry on” under the shadowing wings Of Death the ever-present. And hark, one sings Although no joy from the grey skies be lent. Are these the heroes--these? have kept from you The power of primal savagery so long? Shall break the devil’s legions? These they are Who do in silence what they might boast to do; In the height of battle tell the world in song How they do hate and fear the face of War.