Alfred Lester — A Conscientious Objector

Perhaps you wonder what I am I will explain to you My conscience is the only thing That helps to pull me through Objection is a thing that I Have studied thoroughly I don't object to fighting Huns But should hate them fighting me ‎ Non-combatant battalions Are fairly in my line But the sergeant always hates me And he calls me "Baby [?]" But oh, I got so cross with him I rose to the attack And when he called me "Ethel" I just called him "Beatrice" back! ‎ Send out the Army and The Navy Send out the rank and file Send out the brave old Territorials They'll face the danger with a smile Send out the boys of the Old Brigade Who made Old England free Send out me brother, his sister and his mother But for Gawd's sake don't send me ‎ We have a nasty officer He is a horrid brute Last Friday he was terse with me ‎'Cos I did not salute But I cut him twice today Then he asked the reason please? I said, "I thought, dear Captain That you still were cross with me."‎ ‎ Send out the Army and The Navy Send out the rank and file Send out the brave old Territorials They'll face the danger with a smile Send out the boys of the Old Brigade Who made Old England free Send out the bankers and the bloomin' profit-makers But for Gawd's sake don't send me. ‎