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Wrexham is the name Men of Harlech
The song Men of
Harlech is something of an unofficial anthem in Wales. Every Welsh person knows the tune and despite the variety of lyrics over the years, the martial air has become identified with the country's determination to retain its identity. Harlech Castle in North Wales, one of the "iron ring" of castles intended to subdue Wales in medieval times, remains as a picturesque reminder of the ultimate futility of the invader's ambition. Wrexham is the Name In 1978 a group of Wrexham supporters recorded 'Wrexham Is the Name' which is sung to the tune of Men of Harlech. The record was made in recognition of arguably the ‘glory days’ of Wrexham Football Club history which saw famous victories in the European Cup Winners Cup, the FA Cup and league Cup. The following song was to establish cult status amongst the Racecourse faithful, which still remains as popular as ever.
Wrexham is the Name Here they come our mighty champions, raise your voices to the anthem, Marching like a mighty army, Wrexham is the name. See the ‘Reds’ who fight together, speak their names with pride forever Marching like a mighty army, Wrexham is the name. Chorus Fearless in devotion, rising to promotion Rising to the ranks of mighty heroes, fighting foes in every land. History only tells the story, we are here to see your glory.
Stand aside, the Reds are
coming, Wrexham is the name. We have made the mighty humble, we have made the mountains rumble Falling to our mighty army, Wrexham is the name. Down the wings the ‘Reds’ are roaring, to our greatest goal wer’e soaring. Destiny we hear you calling, Wrexham is the name. Chorus – Repeat 1st and 2nd Verses.
The version from the film Zulu Men of Harlech stop your
dreaming In later years, the tune has been adopted by fans following the national side and more recently Cardiff City. Cult Wrexham band The Declan Swans, whose musicians all follow the fortunes of Wrexham FC and Wales, are believed to be recording a new up to date version of ‘Wrexham Is The Name’ to help raise funds for The Wrexham Supporters’ Trust. Listen to the Declan Swans’ cult songs ‘Meet the Kilshaws’ and ‘Mickey T’ on the audio links at the bands creative website! The film ZULU...an inspiration We've all seen the marvellous movie, where the heroic Welsh garrison at Rorke's Drift match the awesome Zulu war-chants with a stirring rendition of Men of Harlech. Come on Ivor, sing something they know … Back in 1964, a young up-and-coming composer by the name of John Barry delivered one of the first outstanding scores of his career for Zulu, an epic-scope adventure set in 1879 during the Boer War. Directed by Cy Enfield and starring Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins and a still unknown Michael Caine, Zulu told the story of 120 British soldiers who, under threat from an advancing army of over 4000 warriors, and against all the odds, successfully defended their stronghold at Rorke's Drift. Myths of the Anglo-Zulu war
The year - 1879. The place - Natal, Africa. One British garrison has already fallen to a huge army of Zulu tribesmen. The fearless native warriors are now heading for the isolated colonial outpost of Rorke's Drift, which is manned by no more than a hundred South Wales Borderers. A stirring tale of courage under fire, Zulu boasts fine performances from Michael Caine and Stanley Baker as conflicting British officers, and an unforgettable rendition of "Men of Harlech". Well, it wasn't quite like that. In fact, the county designation of the 24th Regiment in 1879 was the 2nd Warwickshires; they didn't change their title to the South Wales Borderers until 1st July 1881 - almost exactly two years after the war had ended. True, the Regimental Depot had been established at Brecon, in South Wales, in 1873, and from that point there was a small but significant increase in Welsh recruits in the ranks. In fact, however, recruits for the regiment - like every other battalion in the British army - were signed on at recruiting depots across the country, and the 24th consisted of men from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The most that can be said is that the Welsh connection had, by 1879, led to a rather higher proportion of Welshman in the ranks than was common elsewhere. Nevertheless, even the most optimistic search of the regimental roll can find only 19 men of B Company, 2/24th, with any sort of Welsh connection - out of a total strength of more than 80. Of course, there were detachments of numerous other units - including Colonial Volunteers - present at the battle, making a total garrison of about 145. So the Welsh contingent comprised no more than 15% of the total.
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