Waltham

Waltham

Draft version of four verse poem about Lancaster JB596 crashing on Hatcliffe top when returning from operation to Berlin. Airfield was fogbound and crew were on 23rd operation. Handwritten annotation.

Additional information on the crash is available via the IBCC Losses Database.

One-page printed document with handwritten annotation

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SReidK473650v20034

[inserted] NOW HARVESTS OF GOLD CORN here are gathered.
No swords of war now – [/inserted]

Through the years you are remembered
Here, [inserted][deleted word][/inserted] where harvest of gold [deleted] grain [/deleted] [inserted] golden CORN [/inserted] are gathered
No swords of war [deleted] now, but [/deleted] [inserted] now THEY [deleted] ARE [/deleted] HAVE BEEN BEATEN INTO [/inserted] ploughshares instead.
[deleted] But, [/deleted] the Pine trees that your Lancaster scythed through, still
[inserted] And STILL STAND SENTINAL [/inserted] stand Sentinel –
Over these peaceful fields where your lifeblood was shed.

[inserted] OR [/inserted]

You are remembered here, where now, harvests of [deleted] gold [/deleted] [inserted] golden [/inserted] grain are gathered,
Where, wars swords have been beaten into [deleted] the [/deleted] peaceful ploughshares instead
And [deleted] where [/deleted][inserted] PINE TREES [/inserted] the trees of Pine still stand silent sentinels –
Over these fields where your young lifeblood was shed.

In their Lancaster they had bravely battled with Berlin's fighters and Flak
Skipper Proudfoot and his young crew on their 23rd Op.
Homing to Waltham, through cloud dense and low
Crashed by the Pines and suffered and died
On [deleted] high [/deleted] Hatcliffe Top

The years have flown by, but you are remembered
Here, [inserted][deleted] IN Farm Fields rich where [/deleted][/inserted] where [deleted] nature's [/deleted] rich Bounties are spread.
And the trees of Pine still stand sentinel,
Over peaceful fields, where your young lifeblood was shed.

Shed in the hope that there would be
Lasting peace for suffering Humanity.
Pause by this Stone and before you go
Remember –
The debt to brave Bomber Command Aircrews
That we will forever owe.

Alternate verse, Now, no Reaper of death to take youth in its prime
You are remembered here, [inserted][deleted] in Farm IN Farm Fields [/deleted][/inserted] where nature's rich bounties are spread [symbol]
And where the trees of pine stand [inserted] silent [/inserted] sentinel [deleted] still [/deleted]
Over the peaceful fields where your young lifeblood was shed.
[inserted][deleted] you are remembered here, where no reaper of death Takes youth in its prime But [/deleted][/inserted]