1915-05-06jj

Private W. H. Porter had been a sergeant in B Company with Hamilton’s Thirteenth Royal Regiment when was declared in August, 1914.

One of the earliest volunteers Porter became a member of the First Canadian Contingent. Rather than being sent to France, he was sent for duty in Bermuda, where his duties included being in the regimental band at that location.

While in Bermuda, Porter composed a patriotic song called The Union Jack, and the song quickly became popular among the citizens of that Caribbean island.

On May 6, 1915, the lyrics were printed in the Hamilton Times:

 

     THE UNION JACK

“The Union Jack is the only flag,

   That has any charms for me;

 It has led our noble fathers on,

   To victories grand, you see;

 Though storms were fierce and battles raged,

   Our fathers knew no fear.

 While fighting ‘neath the Union Jack,

   For home and country

 Though their foes were sly and fierce,

   Still they knew no fear;

 They fought for right in the sight of God,

   And maintained their liberty.

 

 Then, we, their sons, will rally round,

   Our Union Jack so grand,

 And tell our enemies to come on,

   And make their only stand.

 We’ll fight them ten to one,

   Though fierce the battle be,

 We’ll conquer in the end, you’ll see,

   And maintain our liberty.

 And when the battle’s over

   And we have conquered all,

 We’ll raise our flags in triumph,

   And sing our conquering songs”

(At this point the chorus which ended the song consisted of “The Maple Leaf,” “Rule Britannia” and “God Save Our Gracious King.”)¹

¹ “The Union Jack : Hamilton Soldier has composed New Patriotic Song”

Hamilton Times.    May 6, 1915