The Saga of Wolraad Woltemade
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This is the saga of Wolraad Woltemade
And his grey stallion called Vonk
Long ago not recognized for their supreme sacrifice
And buried with no glory or pomp.
Wolraad Woltemade was just a humble farmer
At the Cape in 1773
There was the fort, the castle and the port,
Of the Dutch East India Company.
Five of their fleet anchored out in Table Bay
'Twas folly for they had been forewarned
To Rather refuge 'round in the bay of Simonstown
For June brings the start of winter storms.
Captain Barend Lameran on board with nigh 200 men
Heard the wind as it began to roar.
The storm came up and snapped many and anchor rope;
Steered his ship De Jonge Thomas to the shore.
Wolraad Woltemade had a valiant stallion charger,
His name was Vonk, big and strong and grey;
Heard a ships distress cannon roar so he galloped to the shore,
Down to the beach at Table Bay
Saw the good ship De Jonge Thomas on a reef break up in two;
Rode that valiant steed into each icy wave.
Seven times to the wreck with two men each time and back
And all of fourteen crewmen he did save.
The eight time six men hung upon the bridle rein,
The exhausted horse went down and with him all men drowned
And that valiant steed was never seen again.
Wolraad Woltemade for his valour and his ardour
Won't be forgotten for many-a-century.
And medals for valour are named Woltemade
And highest awards for bravery.
To lay down your life for a friend they say
Is the biggest sacrifice one can bestow.
But Woraad Woltemade laid down his life
For fourteen men he didn't even know.
So we will remember the first day of June
At Table bay in 1773
When the white horses play, we will look for one of grey
And Wolraad as we look out to sea.
This is the saga of Wolraad Woltemade
And his grey stallion called Vonk.
Long ago not recognized for their supreme sacrifice
And buried with no glory or no pomp
They were buried with no glory or no pomp.