"NOW in the time of trail, the end of the years of fighting, And the echoing gates falling back on the country I cannot see, If it is life that waits I shall live forever unconquered If death I shall die at last, strong in my pride and Free."
Scottish First World War poet Ewart Alan Mackintosh's words adorn the freeze behind the Scottish American War Memorial, opened in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens in 1927. Canadian sculptor R Tait MacKenzie thought it was his best piece and had wanted his heart buried beneath it.
Mackintosh on the other hand just wanted his words to be read and heard. He had a selection of his poems published around his death. Mackintosh died on November 21, 1917, at the Battle of Cambria. The Seaforths had met fierce resistance at Cantaing Mill on the German line. His will afforded a run of another selection. Alas only a dozen of Mackintosh's poetic publications sold soon after the war. Potential Christmas pamphlets adorned with his poems Christ in Flanders and Miserere were mocked up, however a full print run never appeared post war. Most just wanted to forget.
And so 100 years on what do we see in our country and what messages do we take from Remembrance and stories of men like Mackintosh? Thankfully historian Colin Campbell and Rosalind Green are helping shed light on these important figures.
Mackintosh had tried to join the army in 1914 when war broke out however poor eyesight restricted him. He reapplied in December 1914, when this bloody war should have been over, and got in. Injured in the Somme, he did not need to return. However he did. Not for civilisation, not for his country but for his men.
His most epic poem, In Memorium, perhaps teaches us most about conflict, cooperation, commemoration and humanity. Describing a scene during a trench raid in No Man's Land, he hears a German in the shell hole next to him. Despite the danger presented, Mackintosh cannot bring himself to shoot the man as he only knows about him by his coughing and spluttering. How would Can't Shoot a Man With a Cold reflect on our modern-day interactions at international and individual level?
And as if Mackintosh's words were not poignant enough, not only did he deliver messages on humanity but also leadership lessons we can all learn from. Mackintosh was well respected by the troops. A natural all around entertainer and raconteur he was also recognised for his loyalty in command. Tosh, as he was affectionately known by his men, described them as "50 sons" in his poem In Memorium.
Last week the French town of Cantaing opened a memorial to Mackintosh. This week we hope Scotland will remember this Makar. This week we remember the famous tank battle of Battle of Cambrai November 1917. However we also should remember Ewart Alan Mackintosh, his powerful poetry and his messages of humanity and leadership that still resonate 100 years on.
Neil McLennan chaired Wilfred Owen's Edinburgh commemorations this year. His great grandfather, Roderick McLennan was next to Mackintosh when he fell at Cambrai
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