Soldier

[@Brianhugetool.]

This breaks my heart , rip Billy boy , till we muster for the last time . Heroes all .

[@normancameron6165]

I was in the army from 1964 for 9 years love this song i am now 78 i do think when you get older you get more sentimental keep thinking back on my own my thoughts get pissed in my home look you tube a lot still no my number my mates all just memories we all the same my friends sitting with our thoughts

[@TracyBinns-b1c]

I first heard this song when I was in NI as an Army wife in 1983. Very moving and poignant, so glad I have found it again.

[@smithd441]

I was there and I served. Lost for words on how accurate the lyrics are.

[@karrenvallance9053]

I was born in 1972 in Holywood, my dad served in Ireland what reg were you in ? I know he would love to know of others who served at the same time

[@anneford3088]

​@@karrenvallance9053my brother did a tour there in 72..he was in the Royal Artillery..he was 24 years old..he wasn't the same person when he came back

[@mikeward8769]

@@anneford3088 my dad served with the Royal Artillery there in 1972 as well, he was a sergeant from Liverpool, loved listening to his story’s about his experiences over there

[@anneford3088]

​@@mikeward8769I wonder if they knew each other Mike,

[@Hazyweather]

Such a powerful song. When I first heard this song in the early 1970s it was on a Record that I had borrowed. and I just had to play it over and over again.

[@wyorkslad3035]

in memory of Sgt M Willets GC parachute regiment RIP to a hero.

[@trevm02]

W Yorks Lad what a great guy, goodnight mucker, enough said

[@sterlingarcher7036]

W Yorks Lad I was also in this army

[@georgebuller1914]

W Yorks Lad: First time I've listened to this song all the way through and read the lyrics too. It saddens me, when I realise that the death of this young man, was but a prelude to the many needless deaths that were to come. Sadly, I feel that mankind will never truly learn the value of life. I believe that it is a Genetic fault we carry, that makes us want to kill..... This young man was not, of course, the first to lay down his life for others and neither was he/will he be the last. But, like all those who have made a similar sacrifice, his willingness to give up his life for others should be remembered for all time.

[@e30316]

Spot on there. More people should hear this song

[@Angelripperize]

RIP.

[@davidfox9541]

I am proud to be born in the same town as Sgt Willets ,Sutton in Ashfield and we have a Community Centre named after him but he deserves so much more !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He deserves to be talked about more and remembered as the hero he was in our town

[@sdlillystone]

He won the George Cross and is remembered by many

[@kippaxstreeter]

​@@sdlillystonenot enough

[@l.salisbury1253]

FUCK THE IRA!!!!

[@Ghyykfu]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧💙💙💙💙💙

[@leckey19]

Hero

[@burkey548]

IF ANY MAN IN THIS LIFE TIME SHOULD BE IN HEAVEN IS THIS AMAZING SGT M WILLETS RIP MY DEAR WONDERFUL MAN IN OUR HEARTS FOR EVER

[@billroy7860]

50 years this year. If you have served then this song means so much, and I know it still does to those serving.

[@markwilson3414]

I live in Belfast , we are forever thankful … I teach my children the story of this song and the meaning of it … a true hero , thank you son

[@karrenvallance9053]

I was born in 1972 in Northern Ireland, my dad was in the army and this song is a song my mum played as I grew up. I always shed a tear listening to it. Such a powerful song.

[@blaudrap11]

A wonderful song with poignant words. A British soldier, a hero to all but them!

[@johnmcgregor7834]

Invader not hero the real hero's were the men and woman who fought to drive the invaders out tiocfaidh ar la

[@john111257]

@@johnmcgregor7834 still dont understand, lives lost

[@johnmcgregor7834]

@Anglo Commando explain .he was were he didnt belong I.R.A

[@johnmcgregor7834]

@@john111257 wich never wud have happend if he wasnt there .

[@lukasvavrinec5380]

@@johnmcgregor7834 unlike those you defend with your statements (IRA), he did not use bombs against civilian targets, british army did not hide in crowds, like cowards, IRA was behaving like real terorists. What is saddest about your comments is that you are happy for loss of life of SGT Willets, who by his actions saved lives of not englishmen, but Irishmen. He saved lives of those who IRA proclaimed to be fighting for, isn't it little bit ironic trying to drive British away by killing indiscriminately Irish civilians and British military personel alike?

[@leonajamison5966]

This song gives me goose bumps everytime I hear it. 😢

[@abigailslade3824]

That facts behind this song just add an extra dimension to it, it’s such a brilliant song.

[@ruthm46]

What a hero. This song breaks my heart 😢

[@john111257]

me too, just like all the heroes lost

[@aidan5201]

What about all the Irish that the British killed ?

[@vulgar_display_of_power2302]

My Dad was in the British Army and did 7 tours in Northern Ireland and even had to escort Harvey Andrews when he a guest at one of the Camps. We had this album "Writer Of Songs" when I was a child even though possession of it was banned by the Army and there are some excellent songs on it. Hey Sandy, Unaccompanied and this one being the best. My dad died a year ago today and I have just finished settling his estate and for some reason this song popped into my head and those damn onion ninjas have brought a tear to my eye. Miss you Dad. That is all, carry on as you were ;) lol fucker.

[@geordie304]

RIP Hero

[@Horus9339]

I was an army brat, we moved around and this was a 7" single that was played regularly. I still see the fly on the records centre. My Dad was an arsehole, but maybe he was injured mentally by being posted in Ireland several times. Not sure I can forgive him, but maybe after decades of life I have come to understand why he might have been such a wanker.

[@Angelripperize]

RIP to your Father and many thanks for his service to every member of the community of Northern Ireland.

[@Hangedman11911]

your father was a terrorist

[@karrenvallance9053]

Sorry to hear your dad passed , my dad served in prince of wales reg at that time.

[@colsamo4]

needs more recognition

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

He Saw the sights of Summer, felt the wind upon his brow. That is an amazing lyric.

[@graemelister5926]

Heard this for the first time ever today. Didn't know the song or artist until now Wow. Just. Fucking. Wow!!

[@alalex6418]

are you related to phil lister

[@abigailslade3824]

I was in the Mansfield cadets and we used to sing songs around the camp fires on weekends camps and this one always hushed the crowd.

[@carlteacherman194]

Up until about about 25 years ago many army units, TA and Cadets were "strongly advised" not to sing or play this song. We had a guy in our RLC unit who would play just the first few bars on a guitar in the mess.

[@abigailslade3824]

@@carlteacherman194 our cadet platoon left the ACF and formed our own unit so we didn’t have to follow those rules, however to clarify the crowd was not civvies but the rest of the cadets.

[@carlteacherman194]

@@abigailslade3824 Thanks, I understand.

[@Thorny5718]

True story, Gave his life for those that would hate him. That was Ulster. 🙏🏻🇬🇧

[@robertajohnston7718]

Growing up in ulster we were taught this song from an early age. Still sing this song as a tribute to our Brish soldiers past and present.

[@oasis4life014]

A pawn lost to the game.... Most accurate statement I've herd

[@mo8616]

War is a chess game. Played from afar by those that are not a piece!! Totally agree!! But that is and always will be why soldiers fall. A soldier cares not about politics. And considers not the reasons of or for war. Every soldier fights and dies thinking they are doing it for the right reasons on any side. They fight and die for the men beside them

[@DudeSilad]

My uncle brought this back from Northern Ireland in the 70's. Even as a kid I knew its significance. It never fails to move me. My daughter is a singer and she need to know a song about war so I sent her this. It is probably not a song you can just sing in public without knowing your audience. It was banned in Ulster I believe.

[@ruthcasement5844]

Thank god for internet for keeping this amazing song I bought this song when it first came out 1970s didn’t hear it till internet started no every word gets to me every time I hear it served late 70s UDR James casement

[@kelly-ko2co]

Flute bands in Northern Ireland Belfast still play it at band parades here keeping his memory alive xo

[@DudeSilad]

@@kelly-ko2co That's good to know.

[@DokktorDeth]

Having served ... this song still hurts me as much now as it did then. Yes, I heard Mr Andrews play this, in Germany just before I went to N.I.

[@sterlingarcher7036]

I was also in this army

[@john111257]

RESPECTS TO ALL SERVICEMEN

[@abigailslade3824]

DokktorDeth it always brings a tear to my eyes

[@nobbyc42]

i served with pride in the best army in the world, and i haerd harvey sing this at Duisberg before we went to NOrthern Ireland 82

[@Angelripperize]

Thank you for your service in Ulster.

[@sianlewis992]

I'm 12 and have never heard of Harvey Andrews or this song until yesterday when travelling home from collecting my Dad( He was a young solider in the war against the I R A)and him and my mum where singing to it as it means a lot to them especially my Dad I saw the hatred on his face when it said 'One less solider to interfere where he did not belong' and when they were clapping and cheering about his death and I was shocked as I did not know what this song ment or what it ment to him

[@andrewcullen8635]

I would get this copied. The main reason you have not heard it before was because it was banned? So you cannot buy it for many years now. I bought the Single "Soldier" and the LP "Writer of Songs". As a young soldier back then I copied them to Cassette Tapes and always played them out the back of the Land Rover or Ferret at full blast whilst on patrols. Just enter Harvey Andrews and search above. Whilst in Canada I went touring the Mountains and went into a club in Banff. A group of 4 were singing and collecting for the IRA. As they finished the song they asked for any requests? I requested Soldier of course. They said they did not know the words. Base Ball club in hand I sung it whilst they played. Then they GTF out of there before I took them all on. The sad part is the last line. He gave his life to save all that were there but they do not call him friend

[@geordie304]

I am now 70 i spent my 21st birtday on the streets of Belfast, this song has so many memouries some good some bad , i understand how your dad feels.Very true song RIP sgt Willets

[@cecilwilson5442]

God bless your father I grew up in Belfast my grandmother had this song I was 6 when this happened ,, to all who served here ,, are heroes serving the Queen around the world doing their duty ,,☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from East Belfast,, Northern Ireland

[@jamesmcgowan4636]

@@andrewcullen8635 bullshit…..

[@alanbrown7271]

Now THAT's a SONG.

[@K.lou30]

My grandad loves Harvey Andrews songs and this one is so powerful- I always have tears in my eyes when I listen to this, my grandad passed his love of Harvey Andrews onto me and I have had the greatest experience of taking myself and my grandad to see Harvey Andrews sing his songs live. X

[@maga8307]

Remember this when I was 10yrs old. This song says it all. I'm glad we have moved past the troubles.

[@john111257]

you must listen to this..peace to the world

[@nigelryan9373]

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the posthumous award of the George Cross to: 2391067 Sergeant Michael WILLETTS, The Parachute Regiment. At 8.24 p.m. on the evening of 25th May 1971, a terrorist entered the reception hall of the Springfield Road Police Station in Belfast. He carried a suitcase from which a smoking fuse protruded, dumped it quickly on the floor and fled outside. Inside the room were a man and a woman, two children and several police officers. One of the latter saw at once the smoking case and raised the alarm. The Police Officers began to organise the evacuation of the hall past the reception desk, through the reception office and out by a door into the rear passage. Sergeant Michael Willetts was on duty in the inner hall. Hearing the alarm, he sent an N.C.O. up to the first floor to warn those above and hastened himself to the door towards which a Police Officer was thrusting those in the reception hall and office. He held the door open while all passed safely through and then stood in the doorway, shielding those taking cover. In the next moment, the bomb exploded with terrible force. Sergeant Willetts was mortally wounded. His duty did not require him to enter the threatened area: his post was elsewhere. He knew well, after 4 months service in Belfast, the peril of going towards a terrorist bomb but he did not hesitate to do so. All those approaching the door from the far side agree that if they had had to check to open the door they would have perished. Even when they had reached the rear passage, Sergeant Willetts waited, placing his body as a screen to shelter them. By this considered act of bravery, he risked - and lost - his life for those of the adults and children. His selflessness, his courage are beyond praise. 22nd June 1971 London Gazette, 21 June 1971

[@johnmcgregor7834]

London gazzet british propaganda

[@abigailslade3824]

Nigel Ryan damn right the guy was a true hero.

[@abigailslade3824]

John Mcgregor not so, in fact the guy who wrote this song used to be an IRA supporter but after hearing of how the dead soldier was mocked after saving the lives of Irish children he turned his back on the organisation and wrote this in honour of Sgt Willets.

[@DudeSilad]

@@johnmcgregor7834 You a supporter of killers of children then?

[@man8785]

It takes a lot to make me cry....

[@Brianhugetool.]

Rip sir , till we all muster for the last time lads , rip heroes all .

[@oasis4life014]

God save the Queen 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@technobhoy]

Get this in your head im a catholic who supports celtic but i served my country for 4 years and done a tour of crossmaglen so what do you make of that..

[@oasis4life014]

Fight each other for no reason

[@oasis4life014]

@@technobhoy fair play... Both of us in this war was not nice but I'd lovs to see peace.... Ad this soldidier proved it can be done.... Saved Irish people when he doesn't have to but he we did... Respect brother ❤️❤️

[@technobhoy]

Thanks deyan that means a lot, I joined for my own reason, lost a few friends due to me joining up but fuck them they would not have handled it..Peace Out Bro..

[@oasis4life014]

Both as bad as each other

[@robertlister5515]

God bless you mate a proper hero

[@kevincampbell8222]

Incredible song 👌

[@susanevans2673]

i have the original 45 record of this song and its still true today

[@kelly-ko2co]

Still crying listen to this his poor mother apparently had to sale his medals apparently so i heard years ago. I 1st heard this on a record my anty had years ago i think in the 80s not sure but Ive heard a flute bands playing it on the 12th in Belfast.keeping his memory alive still to this day

[@royalirish4208]

I can remember being asked to sing this song in the back of our Land Rover while on patrol by my company commander Maj Stevens, god I miss those guys and my younger life.

[@dasvermisstesalz6729]

Don't know how I landed here today. But I remember we listened to this song back then in school (Germany, English class) when we talked about this sad time. Back then, I figured: if it's not possible to peacefully life together on a damn isle, how should we ever reach "Star Trek" (as in united earth). Well, the question is not answered many years later. At least we don't place bombs around in Europe anymore...

[@Ghyykfu]

I totally understand the lyrics of this song but this man was not a pawn he is a hero❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@peterridley4251]

Sgt Michael Willetts, 3 Para, The Parachute Regiment, should be remembered for his sacrifice on 25th May 1971, this song is a moving tribute to a real hero, and hopefully will continue to honour his memory . RIP - We Will Remember This song should be played to humiliate the bleeding heart apologists (Blair, Biden etc) who want to put on trial British soldiers who served the crown and did their duty in a conflict, caused by British politicians, who for decades leading up to 1969, ignored the social problems in Northern Ireland. Blair and others, have now given early parole and amnesty to murdering paramilitaries while, as in the past, furthering their own morally and financially corrupt, self serving needs. Nothing changes.

[@kelly-ko2co]

We remember him every year as the flute bands in Belfast play this song at all there band parades. Always makes me cry.

[@deewilliamson4489]

puts us windpipes to total shame im so sorry to all our soldiers my man served

[@rustybayonette6641]

God save the King! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@amylouisebrutonl9051]

Amazing

[@nobbyc42]

did op banner in 82 then 2 year tour in Londonderry .Lost some good friends

[@stephennesbitt9118]

Respect from Belfast.. for god an ulster 🇬🇧

[@nobbyc42]

what was your regiment i was in west belfast in 82 and in derry in 87 8 inf

[@michaelmcdonagh3464]

Why cant there be peace. We are all people

[@Stu3100]

Religion.

[@e30316]

@@Stu3100 Or rather, the wilful perversion of religion. As a Christian, I see sectarian hatred as being completely incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who preached peace and love of neighbour. Catholics who hate Protestants, and Protestants who hate Catholics, have completely lost sight of the teachings of the faith they profess - I say "faith" rather than "faiths" because, in order to be Catholic or Protestant, a person must first be a Christian. If Northern Ireland's Catholics and Protestants could see each other as fellow Christians - as brothers and sisters in Christ - rather than as enemies who must be destroyed, it would go a long way towards peace and justice in Northern Ireland

[@Stu3100]

@@e30316 maybe so, but, almost, every war has been over religion

[@stevesmith7530]

Was true in 72, no less accurate today

[@highlanstar1]

I remember Mike gall singing this in the teashack offshore...rip mikey

[@cg2bx264]

Not heard the term ‘tea shack’ since I stopped working offshore in 2015…good times and memories.

[@hirdy161]

Sgt M Willets GC good job our lad

[@travelguy6259]

Why do I put myself through this pain? I was there. Why do I have to listen to this song? My wife has banned me from listening to this. Perhaps it’s the amount of whiskey I’ve been drinking

[@deewilliamson4489]

:( lest we forget

[@l.salisbury1253]

Check out the Angelic Upstarts' cover version (1986 version)...

[@benbuckley2540]

i love this song only 27 so true the words . can understand why the gov at the time banned this

[@john111257]

i can't ..its the truth

[@jamespeebles527]

The ultimate sacrifice fee no foe 🇬🇧 💙 🧡

[@itsmesoitis4059]

Tell your children

[@alantownsend778]

Such a brave man

[@wongjonny123456]

sad ppl, sad world, and sad song

[@Irishman23285]

some song

[@calumroney7352]

This is what it means tae be a squaddie, God bless these brave men

[@paulmartin-gl2dl]

1977 North Howard Street

[@maga8307]

This soldier through himself 9n the bomb to save others. But these ppl didn't care. Even in death these ppl didnt care.

[@benlng1989]

Micheal Stone!

[@donnacripps8409]

That war means alot to me. My father's cousin fought for the British and my mum's side was IRA. My dads cousin even killed an IRA sniper on a roof pointless brother wars to be honest

[@kippaxstreeter]

Nothing pointless Rule Brittannia

[@richardaiken1]

Obviously the song is epic in it's own right, but the bass playing has no right going as hard as it does for an acoustic folk tune. It truly builds and flourishes with the anticipation of the story and takes the song to the next level.

[@patriciaberryman1172]

Good 👍

[@robertlister5515]

Begged the brave hero soldier to save there children's life's then clapped and cheer , what chance did they kids have, probably through petrol bombs at army years later

[@lottienicholson4030]

No wonder this song was banned in the Army...

[@daviddudley1]

cominng back

[@ou4534]

Angelic upstarts sent me here

[@thrivingbrock9260]

so moving :(

[@CW-dl2dd]

As much as I despise the British Army's role in the Troubles (look up Bloody Sunday for reference) I am moved by the sacrifice made by Sgt. Willets and see him as a true hero

[@gemstone1234567]

i am british, and this has nothing to do with us, we should of kept away, but yes sgt. willets was a good man, and he saved a lot of irish people that day!

[@johnmcgregor7834]

True laura but he and the rest of his army should never have been there in the first place

[@johnmcgregor7834]

@@acecolnaco6587 Listen you fucking bam you had all of that and you still couldnt defeat the IRA

[@MrDurrant15]

John Mcgregor because the Irish fought like cowards.. just listen to the song that will tell you all you need to know. Fuck the IRA.. all should die painfully. Disgusting

[@britard8499]

@@johnmcgregor7834 well he couldn’t control that could he? You think soldiers decide where they are deployed? The Northern Irish government requested that the British Army be deployed, so saying he didn’t belong there is utter shite.

[@woodyforest7308]

ex Howard 3 tours in

[@johnpaterson4833]

G.S.T.Q

[@ray-x8423]

Anyone know the notes on flute?

[@geoff64709]

You had bobby sands 👎 we had are own , up the British Army 🇬🇧

[@dangerousdavecox]

I visited his grave last week. I'll upload the video

[@Azzi_0161]

No surrender 🇬🇧🇬🇧 Just think the IRA are 6ft deep in mud 😍

[@Hangedman11911]

Least they got a proper burial unlike a lot of British Army soldiers who got blasted to bits.

[@Vvv-1690]

​@enclavelad8447 Remember Loughgall when all the provos were riddled bye bye East tyrone brigade 😂

[@ruthcasement5844]

I am near sure the man who wrote the song was a IRA sympathiser after the bombing he wrote the song turned against the IRA I heard this years ago ,as a 14 year old in Belfast I still remember the bomb James casement 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@ceciladams2515]

IRA IS DEAD AND BURIED MY GRANDFATHER WAS IN IRELAND AT THE TIME HE DIED THERE

[@nigelmoore6486]

Am I correct in saying this song was banned for political reasons?

[@gwenjack8980]

thats a solders job

[@john111257]

Utter bollocks, to lay down and give your life for people who dont care, we respect our lost men from all wars..including terrorism.

[@baileywaite5850]

Piss off u is a legend in my books

[@johnmcgregor7834]

Thay knew what thay signed up for n couldnt take it wen the shots r fired back .in a country thay didnt belong so fuck up he took the queens shilling no hero invader who got wot thay all deserve .god bless the men n woman of the I.R.A

[@mo8616]

@@johnmcgregor7834 an ignorant comment!! John. And what a keyboard warrior would say!! The republican movement/army respected their foe!! And seen them as soldiers! At war!! As thats what the provos wanted to be reguraded as!!

[@stuartbeaumont3936]

Both sides think they are both right to the point young boys are sacrificed on both sides. God bless them.

[@mdcs1992]

I arrived in Germany, Boxing Day 1976. Posted as attached personnel to The Royal Irish Rangers. The very first words uttered to me by an Irish Ranger, formed as a question..."Are you a Fenian." Innocent in my youth and not even out of my teens, I asked "What's a Fenian?" In a rasied voice he hissed, "A f*cking Catholic bastard." Says it all really.

[@erickpaolosantos7016]

Song about the George floyd protest in 2020

[@makkapakka2098]

Not sure if you can compare a bloke giving his life for people that hated him because they were innocent. To a bloke getting murdered by the police.

[@mzsty8761]

People are killed everyday and don't get a song about them, this song exists because the solder died saving lots of people who didn't even like him.

[@erindunn10]

lets remember that this regiment was also responsible for two of the biggest atrocites during the troubles. The Ballymurphy Massacre and Bloody Sunday. But in those cases the murders were knighted by the queen and the innocent victims labeled as terrorists. Where as in this case the bombers ended up in prison

[@jack18over]

Let’s also remember they were victims at narrow water and countless other attacks, yeah ?

[@mo8616]

Ummm?? Execute a so called military ambush? Using civilians as cover??? Shot at.. shoot back!! Says alot about those in command that day.

[@cecilwilson5442]

Only the ones that we're not agents for the crown of course and you had many as we know now ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️😕

[@cecilwilson5442]

Only the ones that we're not agents for the crown of course and you had many as we know now ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ never seen a cell

[@bobross6384]

Go on home British soldiers go on home

[@joshuaryan3202]

Love how you say that to man who saved Irish people ye tool

[@donnacripps8409]

He was a hero that sacrificed his own life to save women and children that hated him what's wrong with you

[@jack18over]

@@donnacripps8409 I wouldn’t worry about it, it’s the anti brit propaganda that’s the cause for the likes of the original commenter, there’s no hope at all for people like that

[@nigelmoore6486]

What a tosser you are,Thank god this human being didn’t think like you he was going home to his pregnant wife but gave his life to save women and children who despised him for doing his job.