In the Army - Walter’s story - WW 2

 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

absenceconflictlovewarrhyme

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Jennifer Proxenos

February 16, 2025 at 3:53 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

February 18, 2025 at 1:06 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

February 14, 2025 at 12:28 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

February 15, 2025 at 2:08 AM

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

Victor Buhagiar

February 11, 2025 at 9:34 AM

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

Beryl Edmonds

February 11, 2025 at 10:50 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

February 11, 2025 at 5:32 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

February 11, 2025 at 10:44 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

February 11, 2025 at 4:38 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

February 11, 2025 at 10:38 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.)