[Peter Libra]

Yes, the song about the British victory over the mighty German battleship went down well in England. I am able to retain a sense of humour at the song about the British defeat at New Orleans. The awful losses of the British compared with the defenders of New Orleans, could be the worst in the whole war.

In actual fact Sir Edward Pakenham who was the British commander was wounded once. He demanded to lead his men again and was finally killed. The British withdrew. I understand that Johnny Horton then composed and sang the song about the defeat of the Bismarck. This to to make up for some inaccuracies historically that is.

Ironically the Treaty of Ghent in Belgium was already signed in December 1814. New Orleans battle was in 1815. A little bit of humour here. The Americans say they won the war of 1812-1814. The Canadians say they won the war of 1812-1814. The British say it was a draw.

[Rockpile]

I believe the New Orleans song was originally a poem written by a school teacher in the late 1940s. One of my Kentucky militia uncles and one of my wife’s G-g-g grandfathers were combatants there.