Royal Navy - Heart of Oak

“Heart of Oak“ is the official march of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. It is also the official march of the Canadian Navy, as well as the Canadian Forces’ Naval Operations Branch. The music was composed by Dr William Boyce and the words were written by the 18th Century English actor David Garrick. Heart of Oak was originally written as an opera. The “wonderful year“ referenced in the first verse is 1759-60, during which British forces were victorious in several significant battles: the Battle of Lagos on 19 August 1759, the battle of Quebec City on 13 September 1759 and the Battle of Quiberon Bay on 20 November 1759, foiling a French invasion project. These were followed a few months later by the Battle of Wandiwash in India on 22 January 1760. Britain’s continued success in the war boosted the songs popularity. Come, cheer up, my lads, ’tis to glory we steer, To add something more to this wonderful year; To honour we call you, as freemen no