Damned By the Bomb

Lancaster formations
One two and three
To attack the dams
Off Industrial Germany
 
Targets to hit
In the Ruhr valley
Power providers
Canal alley
 
RAF Scampton
Near Lincoln they load
This barrelled bomb
Bounced to explode
 
Runway lined
Engines roar
Crews ready 
Tally Ho!
 
Flying low to reach their quest
Allied pilots at their best
Flak explodes all around
As the Germans hear our engine sounds
 
Targets reached as they circle round
To gauge their height as it bounces sound
Steady steady let her go
As it hits the water
First bounce slow
 
Second bounce, momentum gain
These dams, not to be the same
Clinical strike as it hits the wall
Sinks, explodes 
Crumbling walls
 
Minutes pass
As the crew's look back
To observe the severity of the attack
Nearly out of sight, as the walls finally gave
Cascades of water in thunderous rage
 
The Möhne and Eder breached as planned
Missions accomplished on these German dams
German war effort, hampered for a spell
As for the rest of the conflict
Time would tell


http://www.thehighlanderspoems.com/war-2.php
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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Guzzi Avatar
May 4, 2009 at 12:41 PM
history in verse..yet I would like another take with some blood sweat & tears, not just facts, history will be oft repeated if we do not bleed to read it. Light & Love
Devonshire Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 7:43 PM
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Devonshire Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 7:43 PM
Had to share this one with friends, too, James. They are familiar with the types of bombs you describe and also the attacks on the dams you mentioned. Your attention to detail is unrivaled!
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
May 2, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I agree with Carolyn's comment about teaching. You give history a wonderful sound. I can see it now. Poetic History by James Fraser. Or WW2 Battle sounds....I might be getting carried away here, but what I am trying to say is that you made this event flow easily into my head...students need that. Keep writing. I love your work. Love, Dane
Devonshire Avatar
May 1, 2009 at 2:12 PM
What an interesting story, James. I was not familiar with these air strikes. You impart knowledge so well and so freely that you would make an excellent teacher. As always, a captivating poem! Love, Carolyn
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