The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #12665   Message #2941091
Posted By: GUEST,George
07-Jul-10 - 05:49 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: McAlpine's Fusiliers
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: McAlpine's Fusiliers
The "folk process" continues, there is an another verse which can be added to Dominic Behan's song which was written by Alistair McAleer (who is sadly no longer with us)in 1976. McAlpines undertook a major project in Sudan (Kenana Sugar Project) in the mid 70s. Alastair was an engineer on the project and wrote these words.

Across the sand came Mcalpines band with the convoy strung behind them.
Way up in the van was Dave Trottman, Rod Palmer sitting right beside him.
We swallowed dust it was Sufya or bust, a hundred miles in every day
Then its up at dawn keep on moving on to get Kenana under way.

It refers to McAlpines taking 100 items of plant from Port Sudan across the desert (with no roads) to the site. It is a real tale and the people mentioned exist. I know, I was there.

I usually sing this verse after Behan's third verse. It would be good if others also sang the verse