Les Pickford's 1943 Diary
Title
Les Pickford's 1943 Diary
Description
Provides details of Les's time as a prisoner of war. Describes playing lots of sport and camp plays and musicals. He escaped in September when Italy made peace with the Allies, and describes his journey to British lines then back home.
Creator
Date
1943
Temporal Coverage
Spatial Coverage
Coverage
Language
Format
One printed book with handwritten annotations
Publisher
Rights
This content is available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 International license (Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0). It has been published ‘as is’ and may contain inaccuracies or culturally inappropriate references that do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Lincoln or the International Bomber Command Centre. For more information, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ and https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/omeka/legal.
Identifier
MPickfordL551653-210811-02
Transcription
[picture]
FROM THE VATICAN GALLERY
CHRISTMAS 1942
[page break]
May the Lord grant His Christmas peace to the prisoners of war of every nation whom adversity has made doubly dear to Us. The longer and more painful the separation from their country and their dear ones, the deeper be their peace within their hearts. At this holy season of Christmas Our prayers for them are still more fervent, and on them and on their families We call down God’s choicest blessings.
Pius pp. xii
[page break]
[crest]
[italics] The words quoted beneath the calendar for each month are taken from speeches made by His Holiness Pope Pius XII [/italics]
[page break]
[January 1943 calendar]
BOB BUSHNELL.
3 NORMAN AVE. SOUTHALL
MIDDLESEX.
[italics] With boundless and unshakable confidence, We place in the tiny, omnipotent and merciful hands of the new-born Redeemer, Our desires, Our hopes, Our prayers, and in union with all those who recognize in Christ our Lord and Saviour, We beg Him to deliver mankind from the deadly conflict into which the war has led it. [/italics]
(December 24th, 1940).
2
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
OPENED YEAR WITH INTERNATION [sic] SOCCER MATCH:- ENGLAND v SCOTLAND. SCORE 4-1. TWO DANCES, AND THREE SHOWS FOR CAMP ENTERTAINMENT. OFFICERS PRODUCED AN XMAS PANTOMINE [sic] “ALLADIN”. [sic] SGT’S PRODUCED A DRAMA “ROPE”, AND THE TROOP’S A MUISICAL [sic] COMERDY [sic] “DERBY DAY” THE TROOPS WAS BY FAR THE BEST SHOW. SIX LETTERS RECEIVED DURING THE MONTH. 24TH. FALL OF TRIPOLI ADMITTED. 27TH LAST OF MY TOP TEETH EXTRACTED. THE WEATHER HAS BEEN A HUNDRED PER CENT BETTER THAN THIS TIME LAST YEAR. NO SNOW ALL MONTH AND ONLY A LITTLE RAIN. THE SUN HAS BEEN WARM. ONLY ONE AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN THIS MONTH.
3
[page break]
[February 1943 calendar]
JACK KENNY.
39 GRANGE RD. NORTH
HYDE M/C.
[italics] in human society all men are brothers – no one is a stranger to the other, the poor need the rich, the rich are debtors to the poor, the strong to the weak, the wise to the foolish, for all are made from the same dust and come from the hands of God, all are redeemed by the same Saviour, all are journeying towards the same Home of their Heavenly Father, Who has called them all to share in the same happiness. [/italics]
(April 20th, 1941).
4
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
ALL TROUSERS HAD RED PATCH SOWN ON LEG PRIVELEDGE [sic] OF HAVING A MESS TAKEN FROM US. KNIVES, FORKS, PLATES, AND CUPS, ETC. BIBLE & MYSTERY NOVEL RECEIVED FROM P.O.W. BOOK FUND, SIX MONTHS IN TRANSIT. SENT ALL CREDITS TO DATE HOME. NO PANCAKES ON SHOVE [sic] TUES. TWO CANTINE [sic] ORDERS ONE ON THE 1ST. THE OTHER 15TH. TWO RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. MAIL POOR RECEIVED TWO LETTERS FROM HOME, TWO FROM WINNIE, ONE FROM FLO SHARPE AND ONE FROM THE RV MR JOHNSON. ATTENDED TWO DANCE, AND WATCHED SEVEN COMPOUND FOOTBALL MATCHES. PLAYED IN A BRIDGE LEAGUE TOURNEMENT [sic] WITH SGT. B. KNIGHT AS PARTNER. WEATHER FAIR THRO-OUT THE MONTH.
5
[page break]
[March 1943 calendar]
MRS. E.W. PEPPER.
ROSLYN. KING [deleted] S [/deleted] HENRY’S ROAD
LEWES SUSSEX.
[italics] We exhort you always to give the first place in your family circle to Christ, our Saviour, King and Master of your home. He is the Light which illuminates it, the Flame which warms and cheers it, the powerful Protector Who will preserve its peace and happiness. [/italics]
(July 30th, 1941).
6
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
FOUR AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. ALL NAVAL MEN IN THIS CAMP REPATRIATED. SMALL WORKING PARTY LEFT FOR CAMP 102. MAIL. ONE FAG PARCEL FROM FLO SHARPE. ALSO ONE LETTER FROM HER, ONE FROM HOME, ONE EACH FROM RUBY AND EDITH HALLAWAY. ATTENDED ONE DANCE. ONE BAND CONCERT GIVEN BY A NEWLY FORMED STRING BAND “THE MANDOLEERS” WATCHED THE FINAL INTER-REGIMENT SOCCER MATCH BETWEEN:- R.E’s v SIGNALS. RE’s WON 4-1. BULK FOOD FROM ARGENTINE ARRIVED IN CAMP. SHOWERY WEATHER ALL MONTH. MANY ROMOUR’S REGAURDING [sic] REPATRIATION. VERY FEW PROVING CORRECT. QUITE A NUMBER OF NEW PRISONERS BROUGHT IN DURING THE MONTH.
7
[page break]
[April 1943 calendar]
25 Easter.
MR. S. M. MOORE (DARKY)
93 BELGRAVE RD.
PORTSWOOD SOULTHAMPTON [sic]
[italics] Let us pray for a speedy and universal peace – not a peace which involves the oppression and disintegration of peoples, but a peace which, by guaranteeing the honour of all the nations, may satisfy their vital needs and their lawful rights. [/italics]
(April 13th, 1941).
8
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
STARTED FRENCH CLASSES AGAIN WITH SGT. G. BRETT. R.A.M.C. REPARIATED [sic]. FOUR RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN WITH USUAL CIGARETTES. BULK FOOD IN LEAU [sic] OF PARCEL ONE WEEK. 1 1/2 LBS BISCUITS. 6ozs BULLY, 3 1/2 ozs SAUSAGES. 4 1/2 ozs BUTTER. 2 1/2 CIG TINS SUGARE [sic]. 1/2 lbs JAM, 1/4 TIN HONEY, 8 1/2 oz RANK CHEESE. 1 LBS McV. 1 LBS IRISH STEW. 1/4 LBS MEAT AND ONIONS. EXTRA ILBS [sic] IRISH STEW AND TIN HONEY WON IN RAFFLE. 1/4 LBS PRUNES. OPEN-AIR BOXING CONTEST. 1 FAG AND 1 BACCY PARCEL RECEIVED. 1 LETTER FROM WINNIE. BOROUGHED [sic] GRAM AND RECORDS TWICE FOR ROOM ENTERTAINMENT. TOOK UP ART. (SKETCHING.)
9
[page break]
[May 1943 calendar]
BILL KNIGHT.
60 WYKEHAM STREET.
LIVERPOOL 4.
JOE FOWSETT. 17, MEECH ST.
OPENSHAW.
[italics] Heroism is not the work of a day, nor does it ripen in a morning. By slow degrees souls are moulded and mount higher until they are ready, when the occasion presents itself, to undertake noble deeds. [/italics]
10
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
WEATHER GLORIOUS ALL MONTH. FOUR RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN WITH USUAL 50 CIGS. GOOD MAIL THIS MONTH. ONE PRIVATE FAG. PARCEL. FOUR LETTERS FROM HOME, ONE FROM NORMAN, ONE FROM FLO. TWO FROM FINSBURY AND THREE FROM WINNIE. 140 NEW PRISONERS ARRIVED FROM TUNISIA. “GEORGE AND MARGERRET [sic] PRESENTED BY NO 4 COMPOUND. USUAL 8 INTER-COMPOUND MATCHES AND WEEKLY INTER-ROOM SOCCER. MY 23RD BIRTHDAY WITH FEAST IN THE WAY OF A FULL RED CROSS PARCEL BETWEEN BILL AND I IN ONE MEAL. TWO YEARS SINCE LEAVING ENGLAND. CRICKET STARTED. INTER-ROOM AND COMPOUND GAMES AS IN SOCCER.
11
[page break]
[June 1943 calendar]
W. WRIGHT. 1. AMERSHAM PLACE
BURNAGE.
LOUIS WEBB. 16 EXETER ST.
ARDWICK
[italics] God will never permit trials of whatever kind they may be, to exceed the strength which He will give you to meet them, by His timely grace and paternal liberality, a grace so generous and all-embracing in its beneficent effects that it will enable you to find in fidelity to your most difficult duties, one of the sweetest and deepest joys of your life. [/italics]
(August 13th, 1941).
12
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
TWO YEARS A PRISONER. THREE LETTERS FROM HOME, THREE FROM WINNIE, ONE FROM PAT AND ONE FROM THE R.A.F. RECEIVED MY MARCH CLOTHING AND ONE QUARTER OF BACCY. EACH MAN RECEIVED TWO ENGLISH TWO CANADIAN AND ONE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS PARCEL AND FAGS. EXCELENT [sic] BAND CONCERT GIVEN BY “THE MANDOLIERS [sic] ENGLAND BEAT SCOTLAND 2-1 IN THE WATCH CONTEST. THE ARMY BEAT THE RAF AT CRICKET. PASS-BALL STARTED WITH KNOCK-OUT CONTEST. TEAMS GRADED INTO FOUR LEAGUES. WEATHER GLORIOUS, NEWS AS CHEERFUL AS EVER. TEAM TO WIN MOST GAMES IN THREE TO BE PRESENTED WITH ENGRAVED WATCHES.
13
[page break]
[JULY 1943 calendar]
J.F. JOHNSON
12, BROWNLOW ROAD
REDHILL SURREY.
[italics] You must be ready every day to forgive the offences committed against you, in family or social life; just as, every day, on your knees, before the Crucifix you repeat: “Our Father, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us.” [/italics]
(July 10th, 1940).
14
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
SEVEN LETTERS FROM WINNIE. TWO FROM HOME, AND ONE FROM PAT. ONE FROM TED AND ELSE OF HULL. MY MARCH CLOTHING PARCEL INTACT. WEATHER GLORIOUS MUCH SUNBATHING FORMED COMBINE WITH NEW PRISONER SGT. KNIGHT OF LIVERPOOL [inserted] ONE YEAR AGO. [/inserted] PLENTY OF READING. FOUR BAND CONCERTS. AND FOUR DANCES. TWO WORKING PARTIES LEFT CAMP. TROOPS FANCY DRESS BALL. GREAT SUCCESS. MANY FINE COSTUMS [sic] MADE OUT OF ODDS AND ENDS. THREE AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN ITALY. SEVERAL GAMES OF CRICKET.
15
[page break]
[August 1943 calendar]
J. GERAUGHTY. 268, NEW BANK ST.
LONGSIGHT.
PHIL FELTON. “SUN HOTEL”
WESTON WOOLSTON
SOUTHAMPTON.
[italics] Suffering is often a more effective teacher than success . . . And we trust in God that mankind in general as well as each nation in particular, will come forth from this school of terrible suffering wiser, more experienced and more mature. [/italics]
(December 24th, 1940).
16
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
GOOD MAIL THIS MONTH. SEVEN LETTERS FROM HOME, THREE FROM WINNIE, TWO FROM FLO, SHARPE, ONE FROM PAT, AND ONE FROM THE ALBERT HALL. MUISICAL [sic] COMERDY [sic] “SPRING SONG FOR JENNIFER.” MUISIC [sic] BY SGT FEILDER (PIANO) TPR WHITE (VIOLIN) AND PTE HARRIS (VOCAL) WHOLE SHOW CLASSICAL 17TH BILL KNIGHTS BIRTHDAY (23RD). “BLITHE SPIRIT” BY THE FALCON CO. TWO AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. SAME WITH FAGS. HURT MY RIGHT ARM PLAYING PASS-BALL. PLENTY OF CRICKET, AND READING FRENCH THREE CLASSES PER WEEK. P. T. EACH MORNING. GOOD WEATHER.
17
[page break]
[September 1943 calendar]
S.C THOMPSON. 11 SAXON PLACE
ALFRED STREET NORTH.
NOTINGHAM. [sic] (STUART CARL)
[italics] He who truly desires the well-being of mankind, who earnestly wishes to help to protect from incalculable harm the spiritual and moral bases of the future collaboration of the nations, will consider it a sacred duty and a lofty mission to strive that the natural ideals of truth, of justice, of courtesy and of cooperation should not vanish from the minds and hearts of men, nor, above all, the sublime supernatural ideal of brotherly love, which Christ brought into the world. [/italics]
(December 24th, 1940).
18
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
ONE LETTER FROM FLO. ONE FROM HOME. 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAR – SULMONA BOMBED SECOND TIME BY 37 LIBERATOR MANDOLIER’S [sic] BAND CONCERT. 8TH PEACE SIGNED WITH ITALY. 12TH ESCAPED FROM CAMP. VERY HARD MARCH THROUGH, CAMPO DI GIOVA, PALINA, FIZZO FERRATO, SAN ANGELO DEL PESCO, AGNONE AND FINALY [sic] DECIDED TO HOLE UP ON FARMS BY TRIVENTO. SGT TAYLOR AND I TOLD OFF EACH DAY FOR SMALL CRIMES. I.E. EXPOSING OURSELVES. NOT KEEPING TO PATHS. PINCHING FRUIT. ETC. BILL KNIGHT AND McCORMISH CARRIED ON. C.S.M EVERETT STAYED WITH US.
19
[page break]
[October 1943 calendar]
CSM. THOMPSON
11 CORRIGE PLACE NORTH. BELFAST.
R.A. THOMPSON
16 ABERCORN DRIVE
EDINBOURGH. [sic] 8.
[italics] A Christian, who faithfully and bravely fights for his country, must nevertheless, refrain from hating those against whom it is his duty to fight. [/italics]
(July 10th, 1940).
20
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
STILL HID ON FARM UNTIL 3PM 12TH. SETTING OUT FOR LORINA. TRAMPED ALONG UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT. SLEPT IN A BARN UNTIL DAWN. CROSSED A RIVER UNDER FIRE. WE LOOKED COMICAL TRYING TO HURRY YET NOT GET A DUCKING IN DEEP RIVER. TWO ITALIANS PICKED US UP, AND TOOK US TO CASSACALENDA WHICH WE. EVERETT, TAYLOR AND I TOOK OVER UNTIL FIRST BRITISH TROOPS ARRIVED. SENT TO TARANTO THERE TO HOSPITAL AND BOUGIE N. AFRICA ON HOSPITAL SHIP. BY TRAIN TO ALGIERS, WHERE WE WERE SEPARATED AND SENT TO OUR OWN SERVICES CAMPS.
21
[page break]
[November 1943 calendar]
DON. W. TAYLOR.
STORRS MILL. CUDWORTH
NR BARNSLEY YORKS.
[italics] As there can be no strength of body without frequent physical exercise, neither can there be firmness and constancy of soul without frequent spiritual exercise . . . You have already learnt, or will learn, as you grow older, a profession or an art but making oneself a good Christian is also a profession, an art; in fact, it is the art of arts because it is the art of life. [/italics]
(November 2nd, 1941).
22
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
LEFT ALGIERS IN DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT FOR ENGLAND VIA CASSA BLANCA, AND GIBRALTA [sic] TO LONDON LEFT. 5TH ARRIVED 6TH. THREE DAYS IN LONDON. HOME ON 6 DAYS SICK LEAVE. SENT TO NO 1 A.C.D AT BLACKPOOL. S.S. FOR THREE WEEKS CONVALECENCE. [sic] MA CAME UP FOR ONE DAY.
MET LILIAN FORSETT. FRED SOUTHAM FOLLOWED ME. HAD MANY GOOD NIGHTS OUT. WRESTLING, PLAY, FILMS, AND DANCING. P.T MORNING AND AFTERNOON. GOOD COMPANIONS IN OUR “NEW MAYFAIR HOTEL.”
FALSE TEETH FITTED FINALLY.
GETTING USED TO BEING FREE AGAIN.
23
[page break]
[December 1943 calendar]
[italics] As we kneel before the crib of our Infant God, Who silently loves, protects and judges mankind, now torn by civil strife, may all men once more become brothers in love and concord, in the triumph of good over evil, in justice and in peace. [/italics]
(November 30th, 1941).
24
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MEMORANDUM
[blank page]
25
[page break]
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
[musical score]
26
[page break]
Hark! The herald Angels sing.
Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies.
With th’angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time, behold Him come
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hail! the Incarnate Deity!
Pleased as Man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanual!
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all! He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
27
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ADESTE FIDELES
[musical score]
28
[page break]
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
Come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God,
Begotten not created.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Sing, choirs of Angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above,
Glory to God,
Glory in the highest.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee
Born this happy morning.
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
29
[page break]
CHRISTMAS NIGHT
[musical score]
30
[page break]
Silent night! hallowed night!
Earth is hushed, Heaven alight!
Angels throng the star-lit air,
Whispering round the Child so fair:
“Sleep, O Baby King!
Sleep.” they softly sing.
All is still, Jesus sleeps;
Holy watch Joseph keeps;
Mary bends His Face to see,
Murmuring low her lullaby:
“Sleep, my Babe Divine!
Sleep, God’s Son and mine!”
Blissful night, prophesied;
Angels hosts glorified,
Wondrous news to shepherds tell;
Heavenly harps their chorus swell!
“Peace!” a seraph sings,
“Peace the Saviour brings.”
Gather round, children dear!
Little ones, gather near!
Though are closed those Eyes so sweet,
Lo! His Heart doth, watchful, beat,
Sleep, then, Jesus dear,
Sleep! Thy Heart doth hear!
31
[page break]
GOD REST YOU MERRY,
[musical score]
32
[page break]
In Bethlehem in Jewry
This blessed babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn;
The which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy:
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heavenly Father
A blessèd angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name:
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
“Fear not,” then said the angel,
“Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour,
Of virtue, power, and might;
So frequently to vanquish all
The friends of Satan quite.”
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface:
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
33
[page break]
GOOD KING WENCESLAS
[musical score]
34
[page break]
Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know’st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
By St. Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,
Bring me pine-logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth thay [sic] went together;
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
And the bitter weather
“Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how;
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, good my page;
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall ourselves find blessing.
35
[page break]
A VIRGIN UNSPOTTED
[musical score]
36
[page break]
A Virgin unspotted, the Prophet foretold
Should bring forth a Saviour which now we behold,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin.
Which Adam’s transgression had wrapped us in.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Aye and therefore be merry, set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
At Bethlehem city in Jewry it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass,
All for to be axed with many one moe,
Great Caesar commanded the same should be so.
Then they were constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie:
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Saviour was born.
Then God sent an angel from Heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie
And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day.
Then presently after the shepherds did spy
Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky;
They joyfully talked and sweetly did sing,
To God be all glory, our heavenly King.
To teach us humility all this was done,
And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun:
A manger His cradle who came from above,
The great God of mercy, of peace and of love.
37
[page break]
ONCE IN BETHLEHEM OF JUDAH
[musical score]
38
[page break]
It was not a stately palace
Where that little Baby lay
With His servants to attend Him
And with guards to keep the way.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
O Saviour, gentle Saviour,
Hear Thy joyful people sing:
The God of our salvation,
The Child that is our King.
But the oxen stood around Him
In a stable low and dim:
In the world He had created
There was not a room for Him.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
For He left His Father’s glory
And the golden halls above,
And He took our human nature
In the greatness of His love.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Of His infinite compassion
He can feel our want and woe;
For He suffered, He was buried,
When He lived our life below.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Still He stands and pleads in Heaven
For us, weak and sin-defiled;
God Who is a Man for ever:
Jesus, Who was once a Child.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
39
[page break]
WE THREE KINGS
[musical score]
40
[page break]
We three Kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star:
(Refrain)
[italics] O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light. [/italics]
2. [italics] Melchior: [/italics] Born a king on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
3. [italics] Gaspar: [/italics] Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh:
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship him, God most high.
4. [italics] Balthasar: [/italics] Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
5. [italics] All: [/italics] Glorious now, behold him arise,
King and God and sacrifice!
Heaven sings alleluia,
Alleluia, the earth replies.
41
[page break]
EVENING HYMN
[musical score]
42
[page break]
Sweet Saviour! Bless us ere we go;
Thy word into our minds instil;
And make our lukewarm hearts to glow
With lowly love and fervent will.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
The day is done; its hours have run;
And Thou hast taken count of all,
The scanty triumphs grace has won,
The broken vow, the frequent fall.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways
True absolution and release;
And bless us more than in past days
With purity and inward peace.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
Labour is sweet, for Thou hast toiled,
And care is light, for Thou hast cared;
Let not our works with self be soiled,
Nor in unsimple ways ensnared.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
For all we love – the poor, the sad,
The sinful – unto Thee we call;
Oh let Thy mercy make us glad;
Thou art our Jesus and our All.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
F. W. FABER
43
[page break]
LEAD KINDLY LIGHT
[musical score]
44
[page break]
Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on;
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will; remember not past years.
So long Thy power hast blessed me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those Angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
Amen.
J. H. NEWMAN
45
[page break]
EASTER HYMN
[musical score]
46
[page break]
The clouds of night are past away; Alleluia,
Rejoice, Marie, rejoice today; Alleluia,
The Offspring of thy Virgin womb, Alleluia,
Is risen from the virgin tomb, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Death’s arrows keen are snapt in twain; Alleluia,
At Jesu’s feet Death lieth slain: Alleluia,
Though heaviness endure a night, Alleluia,
Joy cometh with the morning light, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Cross, whereon our depts were paid, Alleluia,
His kingly sceptre now is made: Alleluia,
Rejoice, Marie, rejoice today; Alleluia.
The clouds of night are past away, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
47
[page break]
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED
[musical score]
“Fear not,” said he (for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind);
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
“To you in David’s town this day
Is born of David’s line
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:
The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”
Thus spake the Seraph: and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.”
48
[page break]
Among the many calamities resulting from the vast conflict one in particular has, from the outset, weighed heavily, and still weighs, on Our heart: the fate of the prisoners of war which We have felt all the more keenly the less opportunity was allowed to our fatherly solicitude to come to their aid where greater numbers and more acute distress call for efficaciousre lief and comfort. Bearing in mind what We were able to accomplish during the last war, in the name of Pope Benedict XV of happy memory, for the alleviation of the material and moral sufferings of very many prisoners, We hoped that this time also the way might remain open to the religious and charitable enterprises of the Church.
Nevertheless, if in certain countries Our purpose has been frustrated, Our effort has not been everywhere without success. In fact, We have been able to send not a few spiritual and material proofs of Our interest to at least one section of Polish prisoners, and others more frequently, to Italian prisoners and interned civilians, especially in Egypt, in Australia and in Canada.
Nor did We wish the holy festival of Christmas to dawn on the world without sending, by means of Our representatives, some tangible evidence of Our blessing, Our encouragement and Our remembrance to the English and French prisoners in Italy, to the Germans in England, to the Greeks in Albania, and to the Italians scattered throughout the British Empire, chiefly in Egypt, Palestine and India.
Moreover, in Our longing to make our own the eager desire of so many families anxious to know the fate of their unfortunate and absent relatives, We have established another work of no small magnitude which We are actively developing and extending with a view to obtaining and transmitting news, whenever and as soon as it is possible and permissible to do so, not only of numerous prisoners but likewise of refugees and all those who have been cut off from home and country by present circumstances. In this way We have been able to feel thousands of other hearts beating in unison with Our own in the tumult of their deepest affections, in the agitation of longing desire, in the nightmare of uncertainty, in the exultant joy of safety regained, in deep grief and patient resignation for the fate of their loved ones.
(December 24th 1940).
[page break]
[blank page]
FROM THE VATICAN GALLERY
CHRISTMAS 1942
[page break]
May the Lord grant His Christmas peace to the prisoners of war of every nation whom adversity has made doubly dear to Us. The longer and more painful the separation from their country and their dear ones, the deeper be their peace within their hearts. At this holy season of Christmas Our prayers for them are still more fervent, and on them and on their families We call down God’s choicest blessings.
Pius pp. xii
[page break]
[crest]
[italics] The words quoted beneath the calendar for each month are taken from speeches made by His Holiness Pope Pius XII [/italics]
[page break]
[January 1943 calendar]
BOB BUSHNELL.
3 NORMAN AVE. SOUTHALL
MIDDLESEX.
[italics] With boundless and unshakable confidence, We place in the tiny, omnipotent and merciful hands of the new-born Redeemer, Our desires, Our hopes, Our prayers, and in union with all those who recognize in Christ our Lord and Saviour, We beg Him to deliver mankind from the deadly conflict into which the war has led it. [/italics]
(December 24th, 1940).
2
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
OPENED YEAR WITH INTERNATION [sic] SOCCER MATCH:- ENGLAND v SCOTLAND. SCORE 4-1. TWO DANCES, AND THREE SHOWS FOR CAMP ENTERTAINMENT. OFFICERS PRODUCED AN XMAS PANTOMINE [sic] “ALLADIN”. [sic] SGT’S PRODUCED A DRAMA “ROPE”, AND THE TROOP’S A MUISICAL [sic] COMERDY [sic] “DERBY DAY” THE TROOPS WAS BY FAR THE BEST SHOW. SIX LETTERS RECEIVED DURING THE MONTH. 24TH. FALL OF TRIPOLI ADMITTED. 27TH LAST OF MY TOP TEETH EXTRACTED. THE WEATHER HAS BEEN A HUNDRED PER CENT BETTER THAN THIS TIME LAST YEAR. NO SNOW ALL MONTH AND ONLY A LITTLE RAIN. THE SUN HAS BEEN WARM. ONLY ONE AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN THIS MONTH.
3
[page break]
[February 1943 calendar]
JACK KENNY.
39 GRANGE RD. NORTH
HYDE M/C.
[italics] in human society all men are brothers – no one is a stranger to the other, the poor need the rich, the rich are debtors to the poor, the strong to the weak, the wise to the foolish, for all are made from the same dust and come from the hands of God, all are redeemed by the same Saviour, all are journeying towards the same Home of their Heavenly Father, Who has called them all to share in the same happiness. [/italics]
(April 20th, 1941).
4
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
ALL TROUSERS HAD RED PATCH SOWN ON LEG PRIVELEDGE [sic] OF HAVING A MESS TAKEN FROM US. KNIVES, FORKS, PLATES, AND CUPS, ETC. BIBLE & MYSTERY NOVEL RECEIVED FROM P.O.W. BOOK FUND, SIX MONTHS IN TRANSIT. SENT ALL CREDITS TO DATE HOME. NO PANCAKES ON SHOVE [sic] TUES. TWO CANTINE [sic] ORDERS ONE ON THE 1ST. THE OTHER 15TH. TWO RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. MAIL POOR RECEIVED TWO LETTERS FROM HOME, TWO FROM WINNIE, ONE FROM FLO SHARPE AND ONE FROM THE RV MR JOHNSON. ATTENDED TWO DANCE, AND WATCHED SEVEN COMPOUND FOOTBALL MATCHES. PLAYED IN A BRIDGE LEAGUE TOURNEMENT [sic] WITH SGT. B. KNIGHT AS PARTNER. WEATHER FAIR THRO-OUT THE MONTH.
5
[page break]
[March 1943 calendar]
MRS. E.W. PEPPER.
ROSLYN. KING [deleted] S [/deleted] HENRY’S ROAD
LEWES SUSSEX.
[italics] We exhort you always to give the first place in your family circle to Christ, our Saviour, King and Master of your home. He is the Light which illuminates it, the Flame which warms and cheers it, the powerful Protector Who will preserve its peace and happiness. [/italics]
(July 30th, 1941).
6
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
FOUR AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. ALL NAVAL MEN IN THIS CAMP REPATRIATED. SMALL WORKING PARTY LEFT FOR CAMP 102. MAIL. ONE FAG PARCEL FROM FLO SHARPE. ALSO ONE LETTER FROM HER, ONE FROM HOME, ONE EACH FROM RUBY AND EDITH HALLAWAY. ATTENDED ONE DANCE. ONE BAND CONCERT GIVEN BY A NEWLY FORMED STRING BAND “THE MANDOLEERS” WATCHED THE FINAL INTER-REGIMENT SOCCER MATCH BETWEEN:- R.E’s v SIGNALS. RE’s WON 4-1. BULK FOOD FROM ARGENTINE ARRIVED IN CAMP. SHOWERY WEATHER ALL MONTH. MANY ROMOUR’S REGAURDING [sic] REPATRIATION. VERY FEW PROVING CORRECT. QUITE A NUMBER OF NEW PRISONERS BROUGHT IN DURING THE MONTH.
7
[page break]
[April 1943 calendar]
25 Easter.
MR. S. M. MOORE (DARKY)
93 BELGRAVE RD.
PORTSWOOD SOULTHAMPTON [sic]
[italics] Let us pray for a speedy and universal peace – not a peace which involves the oppression and disintegration of peoples, but a peace which, by guaranteeing the honour of all the nations, may satisfy their vital needs and their lawful rights. [/italics]
(April 13th, 1941).
8
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
STARTED FRENCH CLASSES AGAIN WITH SGT. G. BRETT. R.A.M.C. REPARIATED [sic]. FOUR RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN WITH USUAL CIGARETTES. BULK FOOD IN LEAU [sic] OF PARCEL ONE WEEK. 1 1/2 LBS BISCUITS. 6ozs BULLY, 3 1/2 ozs SAUSAGES. 4 1/2 ozs BUTTER. 2 1/2 CIG TINS SUGARE [sic]. 1/2 lbs JAM, 1/4 TIN HONEY, 8 1/2 oz RANK CHEESE. 1 LBS McV. 1 LBS IRISH STEW. 1/4 LBS MEAT AND ONIONS. EXTRA ILBS [sic] IRISH STEW AND TIN HONEY WON IN RAFFLE. 1/4 LBS PRUNES. OPEN-AIR BOXING CONTEST. 1 FAG AND 1 BACCY PARCEL RECEIVED. 1 LETTER FROM WINNIE. BOROUGHED [sic] GRAM AND RECORDS TWICE FOR ROOM ENTERTAINMENT. TOOK UP ART. (SKETCHING.)
9
[page break]
[May 1943 calendar]
BILL KNIGHT.
60 WYKEHAM STREET.
LIVERPOOL 4.
JOE FOWSETT. 17, MEECH ST.
OPENSHAW.
[italics] Heroism is not the work of a day, nor does it ripen in a morning. By slow degrees souls are moulded and mount higher until they are ready, when the occasion presents itself, to undertake noble deeds. [/italics]
10
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
WEATHER GLORIOUS ALL MONTH. FOUR RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN WITH USUAL 50 CIGS. GOOD MAIL THIS MONTH. ONE PRIVATE FAG. PARCEL. FOUR LETTERS FROM HOME, ONE FROM NORMAN, ONE FROM FLO. TWO FROM FINSBURY AND THREE FROM WINNIE. 140 NEW PRISONERS ARRIVED FROM TUNISIA. “GEORGE AND MARGERRET [sic] PRESENTED BY NO 4 COMPOUND. USUAL 8 INTER-COMPOUND MATCHES AND WEEKLY INTER-ROOM SOCCER. MY 23RD BIRTHDAY WITH FEAST IN THE WAY OF A FULL RED CROSS PARCEL BETWEEN BILL AND I IN ONE MEAL. TWO YEARS SINCE LEAVING ENGLAND. CRICKET STARTED. INTER-ROOM AND COMPOUND GAMES AS IN SOCCER.
11
[page break]
[June 1943 calendar]
W. WRIGHT. 1. AMERSHAM PLACE
BURNAGE.
LOUIS WEBB. 16 EXETER ST.
ARDWICK
[italics] God will never permit trials of whatever kind they may be, to exceed the strength which He will give you to meet them, by His timely grace and paternal liberality, a grace so generous and all-embracing in its beneficent effects that it will enable you to find in fidelity to your most difficult duties, one of the sweetest and deepest joys of your life. [/italics]
(August 13th, 1941).
12
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
TWO YEARS A PRISONER. THREE LETTERS FROM HOME, THREE FROM WINNIE, ONE FROM PAT AND ONE FROM THE R.A.F. RECEIVED MY MARCH CLOTHING AND ONE QUARTER OF BACCY. EACH MAN RECEIVED TWO ENGLISH TWO CANADIAN AND ONE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS PARCEL AND FAGS. EXCELENT [sic] BAND CONCERT GIVEN BY “THE MANDOLIERS [sic] ENGLAND BEAT SCOTLAND 2-1 IN THE WATCH CONTEST. THE ARMY BEAT THE RAF AT CRICKET. PASS-BALL STARTED WITH KNOCK-OUT CONTEST. TEAMS GRADED INTO FOUR LEAGUES. WEATHER GLORIOUS, NEWS AS CHEERFUL AS EVER. TEAM TO WIN MOST GAMES IN THREE TO BE PRESENTED WITH ENGRAVED WATCHES.
13
[page break]
[JULY 1943 calendar]
J.F. JOHNSON
12, BROWNLOW ROAD
REDHILL SURREY.
[italics] You must be ready every day to forgive the offences committed against you, in family or social life; just as, every day, on your knees, before the Crucifix you repeat: “Our Father, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us.” [/italics]
(July 10th, 1940).
14
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
SEVEN LETTERS FROM WINNIE. TWO FROM HOME, AND ONE FROM PAT. ONE FROM TED AND ELSE OF HULL. MY MARCH CLOTHING PARCEL INTACT. WEATHER GLORIOUS MUCH SUNBATHING FORMED COMBINE WITH NEW PRISONER SGT. KNIGHT OF LIVERPOOL [inserted] ONE YEAR AGO. [/inserted] PLENTY OF READING. FOUR BAND CONCERTS. AND FOUR DANCES. TWO WORKING PARTIES LEFT CAMP. TROOPS FANCY DRESS BALL. GREAT SUCCESS. MANY FINE COSTUMS [sic] MADE OUT OF ODDS AND ENDS. THREE AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. SECOND ANNIVERSARY IN ITALY. SEVERAL GAMES OF CRICKET.
15
[page break]
[August 1943 calendar]
J. GERAUGHTY. 268, NEW BANK ST.
LONGSIGHT.
PHIL FELTON. “SUN HOTEL”
WESTON WOOLSTON
SOUTHAMPTON.
[italics] Suffering is often a more effective teacher than success . . . And we trust in God that mankind in general as well as each nation in particular, will come forth from this school of terrible suffering wiser, more experienced and more mature. [/italics]
(December 24th, 1940).
16
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
GOOD MAIL THIS MONTH. SEVEN LETTERS FROM HOME, THREE FROM WINNIE, TWO FROM FLO, SHARPE, ONE FROM PAT, AND ONE FROM THE ALBERT HALL. MUISICAL [sic] COMERDY [sic] “SPRING SONG FOR JENNIFER.” MUISIC [sic] BY SGT FEILDER (PIANO) TPR WHITE (VIOLIN) AND PTE HARRIS (VOCAL) WHOLE SHOW CLASSICAL 17TH BILL KNIGHTS BIRTHDAY (23RD). “BLITHE SPIRIT” BY THE FALCON CO. TWO AND A HALF RED CROSS PARCELS PER MAN. SAME WITH FAGS. HURT MY RIGHT ARM PLAYING PASS-BALL. PLENTY OF CRICKET, AND READING FRENCH THREE CLASSES PER WEEK. P. T. EACH MORNING. GOOD WEATHER.
17
[page break]
[September 1943 calendar]
S.C THOMPSON. 11 SAXON PLACE
ALFRED STREET NORTH.
NOTINGHAM. [sic] (STUART CARL)
[italics] He who truly desires the well-being of mankind, who earnestly wishes to help to protect from incalculable harm the spiritual and moral bases of the future collaboration of the nations, will consider it a sacred duty and a lofty mission to strive that the natural ideals of truth, of justice, of courtesy and of cooperation should not vanish from the minds and hearts of men, nor, above all, the sublime supernatural ideal of brotherly love, which Christ brought into the world. [/italics]
(December 24th, 1940).
18
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
ONE LETTER FROM FLO. ONE FROM HOME. 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF WAR – SULMONA BOMBED SECOND TIME BY 37 LIBERATOR MANDOLIER’S [sic] BAND CONCERT. 8TH PEACE SIGNED WITH ITALY. 12TH ESCAPED FROM CAMP. VERY HARD MARCH THROUGH, CAMPO DI GIOVA, PALINA, FIZZO FERRATO, SAN ANGELO DEL PESCO, AGNONE AND FINALY [sic] DECIDED TO HOLE UP ON FARMS BY TRIVENTO. SGT TAYLOR AND I TOLD OFF EACH DAY FOR SMALL CRIMES. I.E. EXPOSING OURSELVES. NOT KEEPING TO PATHS. PINCHING FRUIT. ETC. BILL KNIGHT AND McCORMISH CARRIED ON. C.S.M EVERETT STAYED WITH US.
19
[page break]
[October 1943 calendar]
CSM. THOMPSON
11 CORRIGE PLACE NORTH. BELFAST.
R.A. THOMPSON
16 ABERCORN DRIVE
EDINBOURGH. [sic] 8.
[italics] A Christian, who faithfully and bravely fights for his country, must nevertheless, refrain from hating those against whom it is his duty to fight. [/italics]
(July 10th, 1940).
20
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
STILL HID ON FARM UNTIL 3PM 12TH. SETTING OUT FOR LORINA. TRAMPED ALONG UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT. SLEPT IN A BARN UNTIL DAWN. CROSSED A RIVER UNDER FIRE. WE LOOKED COMICAL TRYING TO HURRY YET NOT GET A DUCKING IN DEEP RIVER. TWO ITALIANS PICKED US UP, AND TOOK US TO CASSACALENDA WHICH WE. EVERETT, TAYLOR AND I TOOK OVER UNTIL FIRST BRITISH TROOPS ARRIVED. SENT TO TARANTO THERE TO HOSPITAL AND BOUGIE N. AFRICA ON HOSPITAL SHIP. BY TRAIN TO ALGIERS, WHERE WE WERE SEPARATED AND SENT TO OUR OWN SERVICES CAMPS.
21
[page break]
[November 1943 calendar]
DON. W. TAYLOR.
STORRS MILL. CUDWORTH
NR BARNSLEY YORKS.
[italics] As there can be no strength of body without frequent physical exercise, neither can there be firmness and constancy of soul without frequent spiritual exercise . . . You have already learnt, or will learn, as you grow older, a profession or an art but making oneself a good Christian is also a profession, an art; in fact, it is the art of arts because it is the art of life. [/italics]
(November 2nd, 1941).
22
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
LEFT ALGIERS IN DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT FOR ENGLAND VIA CASSA BLANCA, AND GIBRALTA [sic] TO LONDON LEFT. 5TH ARRIVED 6TH. THREE DAYS IN LONDON. HOME ON 6 DAYS SICK LEAVE. SENT TO NO 1 A.C.D AT BLACKPOOL. S.S. FOR THREE WEEKS CONVALECENCE. [sic] MA CAME UP FOR ONE DAY.
MET LILIAN FORSETT. FRED SOUTHAM FOLLOWED ME. HAD MANY GOOD NIGHTS OUT. WRESTLING, PLAY, FILMS, AND DANCING. P.T MORNING AND AFTERNOON. GOOD COMPANIONS IN OUR “NEW MAYFAIR HOTEL.”
FALSE TEETH FITTED FINALLY.
GETTING USED TO BEING FREE AGAIN.
23
[page break]
[December 1943 calendar]
[italics] As we kneel before the crib of our Infant God, Who silently loves, protects and judges mankind, now torn by civil strife, may all men once more become brothers in love and concord, in the triumph of good over evil, in justice and in peace. [/italics]
(November 30th, 1941).
24
[page break]
MEMORANDUM
[blank page]
25
[page break]
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING
[musical score]
26
[page break]
Hark! The herald Angels sing.
Glory to the newborn King,
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled.
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies.
With th’angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord!
Late in time, behold Him come
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see!
Hail! the Incarnate Deity!
Pleased as Man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanual!
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
Hail! the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail! the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all! He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald Angels sing,
Glory to the newborn King!
27
[page break]
ADESTE FIDELES
[musical score]
28
[page break]
O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
Come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God,
Begotten not created.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Sing, choirs of Angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above,
Glory to God,
Glory in the highest.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee
Born this happy morning.
Jesus, to Thee be glory given;
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
29
[page break]
CHRISTMAS NIGHT
[musical score]
30
[page break]
Silent night! hallowed night!
Earth is hushed, Heaven alight!
Angels throng the star-lit air,
Whispering round the Child so fair:
“Sleep, O Baby King!
Sleep.” they softly sing.
All is still, Jesus sleeps;
Holy watch Joseph keeps;
Mary bends His Face to see,
Murmuring low her lullaby:
“Sleep, my Babe Divine!
Sleep, God’s Son and mine!”
Blissful night, prophesied;
Angels hosts glorified,
Wondrous news to shepherds tell;
Heavenly harps their chorus swell!
“Peace!” a seraph sings,
“Peace the Saviour brings.”
Gather round, children dear!
Little ones, gather near!
Though are closed those Eyes so sweet,
Lo! His Heart doth, watchful, beat,
Sleep, then, Jesus dear,
Sleep! Thy Heart doth hear!
31
[page break]
GOD REST YOU MERRY,
[musical score]
32
[page break]
In Bethlehem in Jewry
This blessed babe was born,
And laid within a manger,
Upon this blessed morn;
The which His mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy:
O tidings of comfort and joy.
From God our heavenly Father
A blessèd angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name:
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
“Fear not,” then said the angel,
“Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour,
Of virtue, power, and might;
So frequently to vanquish all
The friends of Satan quite.”
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All others doth deface:
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
33
[page break]
GOOD KING WENCESLAS
[musical score]
34
[page break]
Hither, page, and stand by me,
If thou know’st it, telling,
Yonder peasant, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?”
“Sire, he lives a good league hence,
Underneath the mountain,
Right against the forest fence,
By St. Agnes’ fountain.”
“Bring me flesh, and bring me wine,
Bring me pine-logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither.”
Page and monarch forth they went,
Forth thay [sic] went together;
Through the rude wind’s wild lament
And the bitter weather
“Sire, the night is darker now,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I know not how;
I can go no longer.”
“Mark my footsteps, good my page;
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter’s rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly.”
In his master’s steps he trod,
Where the snow lay dinted;
Heat was in the very sod
Which the Saint had printed.
Therefore, Christian men, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall ourselves find blessing.
35
[page break]
A VIRGIN UNSPOTTED
[musical score]
36
[page break]
A Virgin unspotted, the Prophet foretold
Should bring forth a Saviour which now we behold,
To be our Redeemer from death, hell and sin.
Which Adam’s transgression had wrapped us in.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Aye and therefore be merry, set sorrow aside,
Christ Jesus our Saviour was born on this tide.
At Bethlehem city in Jewry it was
That Joseph and Mary together did pass,
All for to be axed with many one moe,
Great Caesar commanded the same should be so.
Then they were constrained in a stable to lie,
Where horses and asses they used for to tie:
Their lodging so simple they took it no scorn,
But against the next morning our Saviour was born.
Then God sent an angel from Heaven so high,
To certain poor shepherds in fields where they lie
And bade them no longer in sorrow to stay,
Because that our Saviour was born on this day.
Then presently after the shepherds did spy
Vast numbers of angels to stand in the sky;
They joyfully talked and sweetly did sing,
To God be all glory, our heavenly King.
To teach us humility all this was done,
And learn we from thence haughty pride for to shun:
A manger His cradle who came from above,
The great God of mercy, of peace and of love.
37
[page break]
ONCE IN BETHLEHEM OF JUDAH
[musical score]
38
[page break]
It was not a stately palace
Where that little Baby lay
With His servants to attend Him
And with guards to keep the way.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
O Saviour, gentle Saviour,
Hear Thy joyful people sing:
The God of our salvation,
The Child that is our King.
But the oxen stood around Him
In a stable low and dim:
In the world He had created
There was not a room for Him.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
For He left His Father’s glory
And the golden halls above,
And He took our human nature
In the greatness of His love.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Of His infinite compassion
He can feel our want and woe;
For He suffered, He was buried,
When He lived our life below.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
Still He stands and pleads in Heaven
For us, weak and sin-defiled;
God Who is a Man for ever:
Jesus, Who was once a Child.
[italics] Chorus [/italics]
39
[page break]
WE THREE KINGS
[musical score]
40
[page break]
We three Kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star:
(Refrain)
[italics] O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light. [/italics]
2. [italics] Melchior: [/italics] Born a king on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown him again
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.
3. [italics] Gaspar: [/italics] Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh:
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship him, God most high.
4. [italics] Balthasar: [/italics] Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.
5. [italics] All: [/italics] Glorious now, behold him arise,
King and God and sacrifice!
Heaven sings alleluia,
Alleluia, the earth replies.
41
[page break]
EVENING HYMN
[musical score]
42
[page break]
Sweet Saviour! Bless us ere we go;
Thy word into our minds instil;
And make our lukewarm hearts to glow
With lowly love and fervent will.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
The day is done; its hours have run;
And Thou hast taken count of all,
The scanty triumphs grace has won,
The broken vow, the frequent fall.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways
True absolution and release;
And bless us more than in past days
With purity and inward peace.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
Labour is sweet, for Thou hast toiled,
And care is light, for Thou hast cared;
Let not our works with self be soiled,
Nor in unsimple ways ensnared.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
For all we love – the poor, the sad,
The sinful – unto Thee we call;
Oh let Thy mercy make us glad;
Thou art our Jesus and our All.
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night,
O gentle Jesus! be our light.
F. W. FABER
43
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LEAD KINDLY LIGHT
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44
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Lead, kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on;
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on.
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on;
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will; remember not past years.
So long Thy power hast blessed me, sure it still
Will lead me on,
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone;
And with the morn those Angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
Amen.
J. H. NEWMAN
45
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EASTER HYMN
[musical score]
46
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The clouds of night are past away; Alleluia,
Rejoice, Marie, rejoice today; Alleluia,
The Offspring of thy Virgin womb, Alleluia,
Is risen from the virgin tomb, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Death’s arrows keen are snapt in twain; Alleluia,
At Jesu’s feet Death lieth slain: Alleluia,
Though heaviness endure a night, Alleluia,
Joy cometh with the morning light, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Cross, whereon our depts were paid, Alleluia,
His kingly sceptre now is made: Alleluia,
Rejoice, Marie, rejoice today; Alleluia.
The clouds of night are past away, Alleluia.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
47
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WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED
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“Fear not,” said he (for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind);
“Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.
“To you in David’s town this day
Is born of David’s line
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
And this shall be the sign:
The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
And in a manger laid.”
Thus spake the Seraph: and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God, who thus
Addressed their joyful song:
“All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good-will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease.”
48
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Among the many calamities resulting from the vast conflict one in particular has, from the outset, weighed heavily, and still weighs, on Our heart: the fate of the prisoners of war which We have felt all the more keenly the less opportunity was allowed to our fatherly solicitude to come to their aid where greater numbers and more acute distress call for efficaciousre lief and comfort. Bearing in mind what We were able to accomplish during the last war, in the name of Pope Benedict XV of happy memory, for the alleviation of the material and moral sufferings of very many prisoners, We hoped that this time also the way might remain open to the religious and charitable enterprises of the Church.
Nevertheless, if in certain countries Our purpose has been frustrated, Our effort has not been everywhere without success. In fact, We have been able to send not a few spiritual and material proofs of Our interest to at least one section of Polish prisoners, and others more frequently, to Italian prisoners and interned civilians, especially in Egypt, in Australia and in Canada.
Nor did We wish the holy festival of Christmas to dawn on the world without sending, by means of Our representatives, some tangible evidence of Our blessing, Our encouragement and Our remembrance to the English and French prisoners in Italy, to the Germans in England, to the Greeks in Albania, and to the Italians scattered throughout the British Empire, chiefly in Egypt, Palestine and India.
Moreover, in Our longing to make our own the eager desire of so many families anxious to know the fate of their unfortunate and absent relatives, We have established another work of no small magnitude which We are actively developing and extending with a view to obtaining and transmitting news, whenever and as soon as it is possible and permissible to do so, not only of numerous prisoners but likewise of refugees and all those who have been cut off from home and country by present circumstances. In this way We have been able to feel thousands of other hearts beating in unison with Our own in the tumult of their deepest affections, in the agitation of longing desire, in the nightmare of uncertainty, in the exultant joy of safety regained, in deep grief and patient resignation for the fate of their loved ones.
(December 24th 1940).
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Collection
Citation
Leslie Pickford, “Les Pickford's 1943 Diary,” IBCC Digital Archive, accessed June 16, 2025, https://ibccdigitalarchive.lincoln.ac.uk/collections/document/42405.