Was Willie McBride a British soldier?
Eager to do his bit for the war effort, Willie enlisted in the army in Belfast just nine months before his death. He would serve with the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers which was formed in Omagh in September 1914 and was known as ‘the Tyrones’.
Was there a real Willie McBride?
County Armagh historian Trevor Geary has researched Willie’s life and says there can be no doubt he is the young soldier of the song – despite one obvious discrepancy. In the song, “Young Willie McBride” is famously “only 19”. Willie was, in fact, 21 at the time of his death.
Where is Willie McBride buried?
Authuile Military Cemetery
The Willie McBride who most fits the description is Private William McBride from Lislea, Armagh, who was killed on April 22nd, 1916. His grave is in Authuile Military Cemetery in northern France. He was with the 9th battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Is Green Fields of France a Scottish song?
“No Man’s Land” (also known as “The Green Fields of France” or “Willie McBride”) is a song written in 1976 by Scottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle, reflecting on the grave of a young man who died in World War I.
What nationality is Eric Bogle?
ScottishEric Bogle / Nationality
Eric Bogle (born 23 September 1944) is a Scottish folk singer-songwriter. Born and raised in Scotland, he emigrated to Australia at the age of 25, to settle near Adelaide, South Australia. Bogle’s songs have covered a variety of topics, and have been performed by many artists.
What happened Willie McBride?
The lyrics reflect on the grave of Private William McBride, a 19-year-old World War One soldier, killed on the western front in April 22, 1916.
Where was Eric Bogle born?
Peebles, United KingdomEric Bogle / Place of birth
How old is Eric Bogle?
77 years (September 23, 1944)Eric Bogle / Age
Was Willie McBride in the UVF?
“When Home Rule looked set to be implemented, William joined the ranks of the Ulster Volunteer Force to fight for the future of Ulster and her people. “Like so many others however, he was to set his anger aside for a greater good, and enlisted into the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
What age was Willie McBride when he died?
Willie was, in fact, 21 at the time of his death. “The song’s writer, Eric Bogle, has admitted he used a bit of poetic licence with the age,” Trevor said. “Willie was 21, but so were the other William McBrides in Authuile [military cemetery near the Somme].
Who originally wrote green fields of France?
Eric BogleThe Green Fields of France (No Man’s Land) / Composer
Who wrote Waltzing Matilda?
Eric BogleThe Band Played Waltzing Matilda / Composer
