"war is a grim necessity to which we owe our present freedoms." But the song is specifically about WWI. I think many people, and not just Bogle and a few idealists, would struggle to understand why the said war was a necessity? As well as WWI it also evokes Flodden. Bogle showing his Scottish Borders roots. Flodden was another completely unnecessary conflict. Germany wasn't threatening British freedom in the run up to WWI and likewise England wasn't directly threatening Scottish freedom in the run up to Flodden. I take it you are not suggesting all war is necessary?