DOUBLE DUTY
( The Sappers war)

First on the field and last to leave.
a role that's crucial beyond belief,
Clearing the way for those to follow
to force the foe defeat to swallow.
-----
In the sun, and sand, and wind,
soldiering of a special kind.
The Sapper's gifts geared to construction
of things soon marked for destruction,
-----
Bridges thrown across each stream
at night by stars and moonlight gleam:
in daylight mining these to fall,
opposing counterattacks to stall.
-----
The enemy - ne'er taken for a fool
using each strategm and tool,
may fiercely charge and charge again,
redoubts they lost to reclaim.
-----
In rearguard role sappers may stand.
against each onslaught, enemy planned,
until their comrades have withdrawn
tactically, soon to reform,
-----
Blown sky-high, their handiwork
that slender bridge and strong bulwark,
Demolition nullifies their graft,
withdrawal then by powered craft.
-----
The enemy, paused and hesitant
to follow on may now relent
while down their flank RE purse
fresh crossing place to build anew.
-----
Then, fresh advances to the fore,
combined armies clinch the war.
The human cost must then be counted
and rescue operations mounted.
-----
In peace and political change of mind
building bridges of a different kind,
supplies and humanitarian aid
in fellow-feeling to be displayed,
-----
Hospitals to be created,
camps and homesteads re-instated,
building now for civilisation
a new regime is in creation,
-----
The Force's might-land, air and sea-
by logistics, armour, artillery,
strength of mind, and infantry skill
all play their part, and ever will,
-----
But, "Ubique" is the Sapper's claim,
humanity in warfare is their aim.
By science and skilful common-sense
"Honi soit qui mal y pense"!

 

by: Jo Allen,
Sappers Magazine, July 2003, page 233.
http://www.royalengineers.com