A poem to remember the service of the Ulster Defence Regiment
As today the 1st of April marks the 56th anniversary of when the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC (UDR) was formed I penned this little poem in honour of the many brave men and women who served and lost their lives in the fight against terrorism from the Regiment. A debt we can never repay. LEST WE FORGET
In seventy's dawn, a call in Ulster’s troubled land arose,
To guard Northern Ireland from bitter, ungodly criminal foes.
The Ulster Defence Regiment, in operation Banner stood tall,
Against the storm of violence, answering Queen Elizabeth’s call.
From field and farm, from every village, town and city street,
They came to serve, for freedom and liberty, a purpose great.
A shield of flesh and blood against evil shadows, long and deep,
Where terror stalked, murdered and innocent families did weep.
With courage of the highest valour born of dark troubled days,
They held the line against terrorism in countless ways.
A price both men and women paid, night and day a heavy toll,
Peace to keep and stop the spiral into civil war for us, they gave all.
Though years have now passed, the great debt owed, still remains,
A bond of honour, proud service and achievement easing pains.
In Poppies bright hue flows remembrance, a crimson tide,
We see their sacrifice, their strength, such is our pride.
Service etched in Northern Ireland’s history to always keep,
While Ulster slept, they watched, they bled and still we weep.
The Ulster Defence Regiment, CGC name, legacy bright,
A beacon burning of service in a never fading, glorious light.
By Stevan D. T. Patterson, 1st April, 2026.