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| Britain |
| Soldiers assigned to London told to NOT wear uniforms off base. |
| 2013-05-23 |
| Betrayal of the brave Tommy, not long in coming. Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' 'Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?' But it's 'Thin red line of 'eroes' when the drums begin to roll, The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll, O it's 'Thin red line of 'eroes' when the drums begin to roll. Gunga Din was an Indian water carrier for English soldiers in the late 19th century. Kipling describes Gunga Din though Atkins' eyes. Gunga Din is beaten and abused by Atkins and the other soldiers that he serves and treated with contempt because of his skin colour. Then we wopped 'im 'cause 'e couldn't serve us all. Atkins eventually comes to deeply respect the courage of Gunga Din. However, even Atkins' praise, by today's standards, seems insensitive: An' for all 'is dirty 'ide, 'E was white, clear white, inside When 'e went to tend the wounded under fire! Finally, Gunga Din brings Atkins water after Atkins has been wounded and lies bleeding. The water is given in the thick of battle. Gunga Din is then himself 'drilled' by a bullet. His last words to Atkins before he dies are: 'I 'ope you liked your drink', sez Gunga Din. So I'll meet 'im later on At the place where 'e is gone -- Where it's always double drill and no canteen; 'E'll be squattin' on the coals Givin' drink to poor damned souls, An' I'll get a swig in hell from Gunga Din! Yes, Din! Din! Din! You Lazarushian-leather Gunga Din! Though I've belted you and flayed you, By the livin' Gawd that made you, You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din! - Rudyard Kipling |
| Posted by:Besoeker |