Anonymous Ulster - Rather Be An Ulsterman (Song about the 36th Ulster Divisions first day at Somme)

RATHER BE AN ULSTERMAN Song recounting the 36th (Ulster) Divisions first day at the Battle of the Somme were by the end of the day they had suffered some 5,500 casualties, around 2,500 of whom lay dead. Of 9 Victoria Crosses given to British forces on the 1st of July at the Somme, 4 were awarded to soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division: Private William Frederick McFadzean (14th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles) Temporary Lieutenant Geoffrey St George Shillington Cather (9th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers) Rifleman Robert Quigg (12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles) Temporary Captain Eric Norman Frankland Bell (9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers) The chorus comes directly from the words of Captain Wilfrid Spender: “I am not an Ulsterman but yesterday, the First of July, as I followed their amazing attack, I felt that I would rather be an Ulsterman than anything else in the world. My pen cannot describe adequately the hundreds of heroic acts I witnessed, the Ulster Volunteer Force, from which the Division was made, has won a name that equals any in history. Their devotion deserves the gratitude of the British empire.” [Verse 1] The first of July was the Somme Battles first day On the Boyne anniversary it our turn to repay 1690 our inspiration in 1916 So we donned Orange sashes over our khaki green [Verse 2] A weeklong barrage of enemy lines ended that day Many soldiers told they could walk their way But we planned to rush to the enemy frontlines To show them all were Ulster’s loyalty lied [Chorus] I would rather be I would rather be I would rather be an Ulsterman Than anything else in the world [Verse 3] As the bugles sounded and whistles blew that day We went over the top to clear the way No Surrender screamed out as our battle cry As we advanced towards those Jerry guys [Verse 4] Fourteen British divisions rose from trenches that day But we were the only ones who went all the way Me and my pals from the 36th Ulster Division Kept up our forefathers Red Hand warrior tradition [Chorus] I would rather be I would rather be I would rather be an Ulsterman Than anything else in the world [Verse 5] With over 5,000 casualties by the end of the day We made a blood sacrifice they could never betray To ensure Ulster would remain British and free A debt surely worthy of bending the knee [Verse 6] Many decorations bestowed on British soldiers that day The prestigious VC awarded to nine in their heyday Four Sons of Ulster among those heroic and brave But only one lived to re-tell his war tales [Chorus] I would rather be I would rather be I would rather be an Ulsterman Than anything else in the world [Bridge] If you fought with me in France And saw the 36th advance You’d rather be an Ulsterman Than anything else in the world [Chorus] I would rather be I would rather be I would rather be an Ulsterman Than anything else in the world