Dave,

I think the most successful (and most sung) English version is pretty much as Pete Seeger does it. Some of the German verses just don't render in English well and writing completely new English ones just doesn't sit well either.

             Peat Bog Soldiers

1.        Wohin auch das Auge blicket,
        Moor und Heide nur ringsum.
        Vogelsang uns nicht erquicket,
        Eichen stehen kahl und krumm.

1.        Far and wide as the eye can wander,
        Heath and bog are everywhere.
        Not a bird sings out to cheer us,
        Oaks are standing gaunt and bare.

Chorus:
                We are the peatbog soldiers,
                Marching with our spades
                To the moor.

                Wir sind die Moorsoldaten,
                Und ziehen mit dem Spaten,
                Ins Moor.

5.        Up and down the guards are pacing.
        No one, no one can get through.
        Flight would mean a sure death facing,
        Guns and barbed wire greet our view.

6.        But for us there is no complaining,
        Winter will in time be past.
        One day we shall rise rejoicing,
        "Homeland" dear. your mine at last.

Chorus (twice, or more):
                Then will the peatbog soldiers
                March no more with their spades
                To the Moor.

                Dann ziehn die Moorsoldaten
                Nicht mehr mit dem Spaten
                Ins Moor!