The Great War Trail

How well I remember that terrible day

When our blood stained the sand and the water

And how in that hell they called Suvla Bay

We were butchered like lambs at the slaughter

Johnny Turk, he was ready, he primed himself well

He rained us with bullets, and he showered us with shell

And in five minutes flat, we were all blown to hell

He nearly blew us back home to Australia

But the band played Waltzing Matilda

As we stopped to bury our slain

Well we buried ours and the Turks buried theirs

Then it started all over again

On Armistice Day, November 11th, the College World War I History Trail was launched in the Creative Arts & Digital Learning Centre.

The Trail recalls the impact of the Great War on the lives and times of those who endured it, and, of course, those who have lived with its consequences.

Different sections recalled the role of Women, Children, Animals, Great War Poetry and Literature.

Those who fought and those who did not are recognised.  Each had their own reason, their own motive.

Unionists and Nationalists fought side-by-side for very different reasons.  Similarly, Republicans and Conscientious Objectors refused to participate, again from different perspectives.

53 past students of Blackrock College lost their lives in the Great War.  Each one was remembered by a Poppy hung on the wall.  The Poppy, delicate but resilient, grows easily on any terrain and is an appropriate token of appreciation for the sacrifices of others. (8 Blackrock College past-students fell at the Battle of Gallipoli)

I thank Ms Harlowe, Ms O’Connor, Ms C Mullan and Ms Marrey for their organisation of the Exhibition (Trail) from the Learning Centre to the History Room & St Patrick’s Corridor.  Within it, there is much of interest, much to understand, much to appreciate.