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226169Francis Ledwidge
British Army 5th Btn. Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers
from:Janeville, Slane, County Meath
(d.31st July 1917)
Francis Ledwidge was killed in action at the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I on 31st of July 1917 aged 29.The Irish In Gallipoli.
Where Aegean cliffs with bristling menace front
The treacherous splendour of that isley sea,
Lighted by Troy’s last shadow; where the first
Hero kept watch and the last Mystery
Shook with dark thunder. Hark! The battle brunt!
A nation speaks, old Silences are burst.
‘Tis not for lust of glory, no new throne
This thunder and this lightning of our power
Wakens up frantic echoes, not for these
Our Cross with England’s mingle, to be blown
At Mammon’s threshold. We but war when war
Serves Liberty and Keeps a world at peace.
Who said that such an emprise could be vain?
Were they not one with Christ, who fought and died?
Let Ireland weep: but not for sorrow, weep
That by her sons a land is sanctified,
For Christ arisen, and angels once again
Come back, like exile birds, and watch their sleep.Francis Ledwidge, France, 24th February, 1917
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