Written in Camp at Nettlestone, Isle of Wight - 1943

The poem below was submitted by Bert Tolfree (11053245), to BBC Radio Stoke. He was posted to 523 battery H.A.A. at Nettlestone, Isle of Wight. At the time of writing the poem, the Portsmouth and Dock area were taking a beating from German aircraft. This poem was written to encourage people to do their bit.....

THOUGHTS

Have you ever stopped to think,
of the men up in the line,
they are making up a story,
that will last a whole lifetime.

The object of their fighting,
is to knock out all the men,
who are trying to make this world,
like an enlarged barbed wire pen.

The folks at home don't think it fine,
that their men should be away,
and I'm more than sure, that they'll be pleased,
on the final victory day.

But there are some men who won't return,
who have fallen in the fray,
but their soles will count in the reckoning,
on that final judgement day.

So if you are tired of your wartime job,
and you think you have done your share,
just think of the men who have fallen,
and the men still fighting there.

And carry on with strength renewed,
determined in mind one thing,
that you will not stop till the job is done,
and the peace bells at home do ring.

Bert Tolfree - 11053245

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