I'm Only a Canadian Soldier

Submitted by Zura Borden

This poem was written by Ruel J. Walters, Upper Kennetcook, of the 26th Canadian Battalion, 1916. He sent it to the Hants Journal from the hospital in England and it was shared by the Truro Weekly News.  It was cut from the paper and maintained in a collection  by Mrs. Eveline McLearn.

I'm only a Canadian Soldier

bearing a Private's name

but somehow, out in Flanders

I have kept it free from shame.

I left my home and friends so dear.

I left my brother, too.

I also left a decent job

to go and fight for you.

I tried to do my duty there

'til shrapnel laid me low.

The Doctor came upon the scene-

to the hospital I did go.

They sent me down to Boulogne-

nurses there were kind.

But I often think about the pals 

and mates I left behind.

I landed in that hospital,

deadbeat and weary, too.

But the nurses and the doctors

did their best to pull me through.

And when they give out honors,

I hope the best of all

will be given to the ladies

who answered duty's call.

The lassies here in England

are the bravest I have seen.

I would give them all the D.C.M.

if I were England's King.

I would like to thank the Matron

of this home made for all.

She does her best for all the boys.

She does her best for all.

I will soon be back in Canada,

the dearest place on earth.

Only those who are out here fighting

will ever know her worth.

I am sure if those who stay at home

and don't put khaki on

could see the sights that I have seen

they'd be behind a gun.

Now when this war is over

and England is at rest,

you' find the Canadian Soldiers

are men of the very best.

These words are from a Kennetcook lad,

one of the rank and file,

who went to fight and got knocked out

and finished with a smile.