An earlier meaning of the word "Host" refers to an army.
"Glory, glory, what a hell of a way to die" is the refrain form the WW2 US Army paratrooper song "Blood On The Risers". The song relates how a rookie screws up on packing his parachute, lands very hard, and has to be poured out of his boots.
Last appearance of the Saint of killers played by Graham McTarvish