War ballads and broadsides of previous wars, 1779-1795

26 August 1914

Battle of Le Cateau (1914)

JACOBS, PRINTER, HALIFAX.

QOME all ye valiant Britons give hear to what I say,
'Tis of the glorious victory obtain'd the other day,
By the Duke of York as we are told,
And his valiant men so brave and bold.
Who fought like heroes uncontrol'd.
Like brave warlike boys.
The Prussian troops and Austrians so warlike & so brave,
On the 26th of April so valiant did behave,

And the Duke of York commanded them.
With his noble train of valiant men,
Where the French killed one, why they kill'd ten.
Like brave warlike boys.
Seven thousand of the French, sir, were kill'd upon that day
Five thousand taken prisoners that down their arms must lay.
True British glory was begun.
The French like franties then they run.
And left us all their roaring guns.
Huzza ! British boys.
'Twas near the heights of Cateau this battle it began.
From daylight in the morning till setting of the sun ;
Though superior numbers they had got.
The found our fire was too hot.
We mow'd them down they went to pot.
Huzza ! British boys.
Over the plains of Cambray we pursu'd them to Capelle,
A more shocking scene of slaughter sure ne'er did excel ;
It was a shocking sight to see,
The French beg'd for quarter on their knee.
We defeated them with victory.
Huzza ! British boys.
High officers and captains lay number'd with the slain.
And their head general Chaputy a prisoner he is ta'en ;
Our swords in victory we did yield,
The dead by heaps lay in the field.
We the battle won, the French did yield.
Huzza! British boys.
So here's to all commanders, likewise our valiant men,
And may their successful bravery bring the war to a end,
Success to the Combin'd Arjny,
Of Austria, Prussia, Germany,
Who fought so bold for victory.
So now for a conclusion, my song I mean to end.
Success unto our Army and every loyal friend :
May God protect his Majesty,
And may his arms by land and sea.
Be crown'd with glorious vict'ry.
Huzza ! British boys.