Expendable

They were the expendable
To all but a few, remembered
They were so very brave
So fearless in the face of war

They were the expendable
Many lost their lives to many to count
To many to give a decent burial
Marked graves only marked by blood

They were the expendable
Enlisted rather than volunteered
They did the most dangerous tasks
They served King and country valiantly

The were the expendable
They died where they fell
Their rotting carcases for all to see
The flies and rats cleared their bones

They were the expendable
1,200,003 the best of British
Horses, mules and camels died
902 the best of British
Dogs became canon fodder
200,000 the best of British
Carrier pigeons slaughtered
400 the best of British
Cats were shot for being rat catchers
156 Best of the British Colonies
Elephants died
9,446, 390 the best of British
Animals served their country
Died is appalling circumstances
Many dieing a painful death
Or being shot as a mercy killing
Millions of injured animals
Too many to count
Referred to as our dumb animals
But their bravery new no bounds
Their sacrifice should be a mark of shame
That these beautiful animals were used
In a war of human verses human
On remembrance day we should
Hang our heads in shame for what we did
Give a moments silence out of respect
For the animals we forced to fight
They fought and died not knowing
They were the expendables