Sunday 11 November 2012



On a day like today it makes me think of my Grandfather born in 1895, He lied about his age I believe saying he was 15 yrs old and by doing so served in both wars. HIS ship H.M.S.Exter went down in the java sea and many of his comrades were lost.HE carried by two boys no more than 17/18 Yrs according to family history. one was carried by two boys n scared to jump as Exeter was going down apparently grandad informed him " colorfully" that he could have a go at saving himself or let Hitler do what he set out to do, then promptly thew him overboard. when they were captured by the Japanese 24  hours later these two young men carried my bootless grandfather to micassa concentration cap as it was so hot the tarmac had turned to liquid. I can only imagine what my grandad and his fellow men injured at their time there. the two that  saved my Grandfather went on I am told and had very good military careers. I don't know their names but always think of them and the good they have done for all whgo served under them.
 I wish you a gentle day and soft reflection weather you know of someone serving now or then. it is because of them i am able to be who i am.

Rupert Brooke. 1887–1915

 The Soldier

IF I should die, think only this of me;
  That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
  In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,         5
  Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's breathing English air,
  Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.
  
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
  A pulse in the eternal mind, no less  10
    Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
  And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
    In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.