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In the Army - Walter’s story - WW 2

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Written 10th February 2025

Tribute to my late father-in-law Walter Edmonds

In Their Voice Poetry, Poetry Contest - Sponsored by: Crystol Woods

At the Spitfire factory love was found Not long before off to war I was bound To do my duty to God and all those Whose lives were dreadfully threatened by foes. I joined the army, though aptly afraid Meeting up with a brave band of comrades There I trained to become an engineer Fixing motors, an army gadgeteer. It was horrific in the mist of war Sounds of bombs exploding, gunshots galore Sleep didn't come comfy, the nights were unkind Missing home and the love I'd left behind. We were married when I came home on leave Soon some sensational news I received Our first, and only child was on the way Joy filled my heart on that historic day. War ended, our family was complete I held the son I'd been longing to meet From that day on life was pure utter joy For me, my wife and our bonnie young boy. * * * Walter Edmonds

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Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 2/16/2025 3:53:00 AM

Hey Beryl what a lovely story about your father in law and WW11 and what a perfect ending for a family to celebrate, your father in laws return from the war, and, a little baby boy which thrilled them both. To still survive the war was a miracle, millions didn't, lOVE AND HUGS Jennifer

Beryl Edmonds
Date: 2/18/2025 1:06:00 AM

Thank you so much Jennifer. My father-in-law was a wonderful poet, I was fortunate to have read poems he wrote and sent to his wife during the war. My sister and I did a book for his 93rd birthday, with illustrations and photos included. That book gave him so much joy, he loved it. I have that book in my possession since he passed away. Hugs with love returned… Beryl

Duke Beaufort

Date: 2/14/2025 12:28:00 PM

Beryl, a lovely tribute. You are so descriptive with dense imaging in few words and all your work is a pleasure to read. Really generates smiles!

Beryl Edmonds
Date: 2/15/2025 2:08:00 AM

Thank you so much Duke, I truly appreciate those words. I’m flying without wings, smiling too… Beryl

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 2/11/2025 9:34:00 AM

Dear Beryl, a great tribute to your father-in-law. They were brave men. Many died, even Maltese soldiers. Any news?

Beryl Edmonds
Date: 2/11/2025 10:50:00 AM

Dear Victor, thank you for your comments, they’re gratefully received. They were definitely brave men, going to war never knowing whether they’d survive, or ever get home to their families or wives. Alan is improving day by day, still fragile and wobbly on his legs though. Take care… Beryl

John Read

Date: 2/11/2025 5:32:00 AM

Hi sister Beryl, my father was in Monty's eighth army,if he and Walter could see what has become of our once proud land they would turn in their graves, all the best in the contest. xx

Beryl Edmonds
Date: 2/11/2025 10:44:00 AM

Hi brother John, what you say is so true, it’s such a shame what’s become of our green and pleasant land. My father served in the RAF, sadly he never spoke of the war, I wished I had asked him about it. Thank you, Sis Beryl

Tom Cunningham

Date: 2/11/2025 4:38:00 AM

Lovely tribute Beryl, we must never forget their sacrifice that guaranteed our freedom. Did he work at Castle Bromwich by any chance? Hope you're ok and I hope Alan is feeling better. Tom

Beryl Edmonds
Date: 2/11/2025 10:38:00 AM

Hi Tom, yes he did work at Castle Bromwich, strangely enough Alan and I met in Castle Bromwich too, at work, we were both clerics in a builders office block. I have a short story on the site, it’s Walter’s story. Walter was also a poet, I’ve still got poems he wrote to his wife during the war. When he lost her he still wrote her poems, when he lost his sight I wrote them for him, he loved what I did. Thank you, Beryl (Alan is slowly improving.)

Oliver Mckeithan

Date: 2/10/2025 3:07:00 PM

Very nice. Good comes out of the horror of war.

Beryl Edmonds
Date: 2/10/2025 3:31:00 PM

So it does, thank you very much Oliver… Beryl