When the 'arf-made recruity goes out to the East
'E acts like a babe an' 'e drinks like a beast,
An' 'e wonders because 'e is frequent deceased
Ere 'e's fit for to serve as a soldier.
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
Serve, serve, serve as a soldier,
So-oldier of the Queen!
Now all you recruities what's drafted to-day,
You shut up your rag-box an' 'ark to my lay,
An' I'll sing you a soldier as far as I may:
A soldier what's fit for a soldier.
Fit, fit, fit for a soldier...
First mind you steer clear o' the grog-sellers' huts,
For they sell you Fixed Bay'nets that rots out your guts —
Ay, drink that 'ud eat the live steel from your butts —
An' it's bad for the young British soldier.
Bad, bad, bad for the soldier...
When the cholera comes — as it will past a doubt —
Keep out of the wet and don't go on the shout,
For the sickness gets in as the liquor dies out,
An' it crumples the young British soldier.
Crum-, crum-, crumples the soldier...
But the worst o' your foes is the sun over'ead:
You must wear your 'elmet for all that is said:
If 'e finds you uncovered 'e'll knock you down dead,
An' you'll die like a fool of a soldier.
Fool, fool, fool of a soldier...
If you're cast for fatigue by a sergeant unkind,
Don't grouse like a woman nor crack on nor blind;
Be handy and civil, and then you will find
That it's beer for the young British soldier.
Beer, beer, beer for the soldier...
Now, if you must marry, take care she is old —
A troop-sergeant's widow's the nicest I'm told,
For beauty won't help if your rations is cold,
Nor love ain't enough for a soldier.
'Nough, 'nough, 'nough for a soldier...
If the wife should go wrong with a comrade, be loath
To shoot when you catch 'em — you'll swing, on my oath! —
Make 'im take 'er and keep 'er: that's Hell for them both,
An' you're shut o' the curse of a soldier.
Curse, curse, curse of a soldier...
When first under fire an' you're wishful to duck,
Don't look nor take 'eed at the man that is struck,
Be thankful you're livin', and trust to your luck
And march to your front like a soldier.
Front, front, front like a soldier...
When 'arf of your bullets fly wide in the ditch,
Don't call your Martini a cross-eyed old bitch;
She's human as you are — you treat her as sich,
An' she'll fight for the young British soldier.
Fight, fight, fight for the soldier...
When shakin' their bustles like ladies so fine,
The guns o' the enemy wheel into line,
Shoot low at the limbers an' don't mind the shine,
For noise never startles the soldier.
Start-, start-, startles the soldier...
If your officer's dead and the sergeants look white,
Remember it's ruin to run from a fight:
So take open order, lie down, and sit tight,
And wait for supports like a soldier.
Wait, wait, wait like a soldier...
When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains,
And the women come out to cut up what remains,
Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains
An' go to your Gawd like a soldier.
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
Go, go, go like a soldier,
So-oldier of the Queen!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Young British Soldier" offers a gritty and unvarnished glimpse into the harsh realities of military life, particularly for inexperienced recruits serving in colonial outposts. Published in the late 19th century, during the height of the British Empire, the poem provides a sobering commentary on the challenges and dangers faced by young soldiers deployed in far-flung territories.
Themes of Inexperience and Harsh Realities: One of the central themes of "The Young British Soldier" is the stark contrast between the romanticized notion of military service and the brutal truths that await young, inexperienced soldiers. Kipling does not shy away from depicting the grim aspects of soldiering, such as disease, alcoholism, and the ever-present threat of death. The poem serves as a stark reminder that the idealized image of a gallant soldier often does not align with the harsh and unforgiving reality of warfare.
Survival and Adaptation: Throughout the poem, Kipling imparts practical advice for survival in challenging environments. He warns against the perils of alcohol and urges soldiers to remain cautious and disciplined. The poem's instructions on how to endure the hardships of military life, such as avoiding cholera and managing relationships, underline the importance of adaptation and resilience in the face of adversity.
Critique of Jingoism: Kipling's poem can also be seen as a subtle critique of jingoism, the aggressive nationalism and militarism that characterized the late 19th century. While the poem acknowledges the duty and loyalty of soldiers ("So-oldier of the Queen!"), it simultaneously portrays the brutality and futility of war. The stark realism in Kipling's verses challenges the glorification of conflict and calls for a more sober assessment of the costs of imperialism and warfare.
Humanity Amidst Brutality: In the midst of the poem's grim portrayal of war, there are moments that reveal the humanity of the soldiers. Kipling suggests that even in the harshest of circumstances, soldiers retain their sense of camaraderie and honor. The soldier's code of not shooting a comrade caught in a compromising situation demonstrates a degree of empathy and solidarity that transcends the brutality of warfare.
"The Young British Soldier" by Rudyard Kipling is a powerful and evocative exploration of the less glamorous aspects of military life during the British Empire's heyday. Through its unflinching portrayal of disease, alcoholism, and the grim realities of combat, the poem serves as a reminder that the romanticized image of a soldier often obscures the harsh truths faced by those in uniform. Kipling's poem challenges jingoistic attitudes while also highlighting the resilience and humanity of the young soldiers who endured these hardships. Ultimately, "The Young British Soldier" remains a poignant work that invites readers to contemplate the true costs of imperialism and war.
