Rudyard Kipling's Verse, Inclusive Edition, 1885-1918/The Service Man

by Rudyard Kipling

1899

(Boer War)

"TOMMY" you was when it began,
But now that it is o'er
You shall be called The Service Man
'Enceforward, evermore.

Batt'ry, brigade, flank, centre, van,
Defaulter, Army-corps—
From first to last, The Service Man
'Enceforward, evermore.

From 'Alifax to 'Industan,
From York to Singapore—
'Orse,foot, an' guns, The Service Man
'Enceforward, evermore!