1914-11-12ob

There were many poems written and forwarded to Hamilton newspapers during the World War One period.

One appeared in the Hamilton Spectator of November, inspired by a tragic event involving a young man in France.

Written by Kate Colquhoun, and titled “A French Boy Scout”, the poetry was preceded by a quote from a German Official Pamphlet.

That quote and the poem follow :

“A traitor has been shot, a little French lad – a Boy Scout. He was asked if his troops were about, and refused to say. Later, our men were fired upon, and the boy was asked if he knew the French were there. He did not deny it. He received the volley of the firing party with a proud smile on his lips – German Official Pamphlet.)”

“Where are your troops?” the captain cried:

   “If you tell us, truly we will let you go.”

But the Boy Scout looked with scornful pride,

   At the waiting guns and the burly foe.

A few steps farther a volley burst

   From the hidden French by the river line,

And quickly the German foe dispersed.

   Then turned on the boy their anger fine.

“Little wretch! You knew that your men were there,

   And you would not speak, this you can’t deny.”

Oh, deep in his heart there rose a prayer,

   For a scout must be brave, and he must not lie.

In front of the cowardly firing squad

   Stood a little Boy Scout, who bravely smiled,

And a hero’s soul went to his God

   From the shattered frame of a Spartan child.

With even the children proved so brave,

   How can the tyrants hope to win?

They will gain in France but a bitter grave,

   And their nation will fall ‘neath its weight of sin. ¹

¹ “A French Boy Scout”

Hamilton Spectator..   November 12, 1914