Folk Antarctica

Sledging Songs
Doggy Ditties
Explorers' Laments

by

Peter Noble

Halley Bay
Dec '66 - Jan '69

This Team (February 68)

As we sledged home after a few days "jolly" in the Therons on the return from the first Shackleton reconnaissance, we were on a high with satisfaction and anticipation for the following year. I started to sing to the dogs The tune is an old skiffle number: "This train is a-bound for glory - this train".

This team is bound for base boys - this team
  "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "
  "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "    "
Dig in your toes and pull at your trace boys
This team is bound for base boys - this team

This team's been a-heaving and a-hauling, this team (etc)
Backs to it dogs, don't want no stalling (etc)

Just blank ice and nothing interesting this team (etc)
So don't look round, two miles you'll be resting (etc)

Heave away dogs no call for stopping in this team (etc)
Keep pulling lads 'til you feel like dropping (etc)

Up dogs now and pull with a will boys, this team (etc)
Won't get home if you all stand still boys (etc)

(Repeat first verse)

Folk Antarctica


18 December 2001
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