Remembrance

Remembrance

November 11th we have set aside
To think about the heroes who bravely fought and died
In two world wars to save us from being defeated slaves
My Father was among them, he witnessed many graves

Before his 18^th birthday, he enlisted, to fight a war where horses pulled big guns
The Bradford Pals, as they were called, marched off to war leaving wives and sons
The officer in charge said they’d be home within six months, great adventure lies ahead
His words were so misleading,  just Passchendaele and Ypres instead

Dad won the DCM and the MM too for bravery in battle, the details still unknown
The constant cry of “Stretcher bearers” echoed through the muddy fields
The Generals sat behind the lines and issued senseless orders
“Advance, advance “ and another thousand were mown down

But Dad returned to give his services again in 39.
Too old for war but OK for as an officer in the Civvy streets, Home Guard.
Two brothers fought in World War Two and returned without a scratch.
But our Dad retained some shell shock, now it’s got some fancy name
Remnants of a war that was more than just a game

Written by Don Read 22.10.17 .