In Loving Memory of our Dear Son
Private James Thompson, R.I.R of Kirkistown
Who was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme at Thiepval
on 1st July 1916, aged 20 years
“What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter” -
John 13 v 7
A loved one has been called away
He’s in our midst no more
In a land afar his body lies
Far from his native shore
He bade us all a last farewell
A happy brave “Good-bye”
And with the gallant few went forth
To suffer and to die
Upon the first day of July
Amidst the shot and shell
‘Twas in the battle of the Somme
He in the conflict fell
What anguish fills each fainting heart
And many cheeks grow pale
And in that sorrow-stricken home
How many mourn and wail
None in that home shall e’er forget
The one so bright and fair
Who young in years were called away
Now sits a vacant chair
No one was near when in that hour
He breathed his latest breath
But Jesus led him gently on
Thro’ the dark vale of death
He answered not the roll call here
But in that world so fair
When Jesus calls the roll above
He’ll not be missing there
We know ‘twas in that solemn hour
His spirit took its flight
To dwell with God above the skies
In realms of love and light
Oh, sorrow not, but cast your care
On Christ, the Unfailing One,
Who ever doeth all things well
And say “Thy will be done”
Let this a warning be to all
To cease their sinful strife
Thy soul may be required of thee
Escape thou for the life
Oh, be prepared to meet thy God
This warning he doth give
Consider now your latter end
Believe and thou shall live
And then, where parting is unknown,
All sorrow shall be o’er
For strife and conflict never come
On yonder happy shore.
Note: according to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the memorial of rifleman James Thompson of the Royal Irish Rifles (A Company, 13th Battalion) is at Thiepval, Pier and Face 15A and 15B. His parents are recorded as William and Margaret Thompson, Kirkistown, Kirkcubbin.
