The Airborne Museum, Hartenstein, March 2023

People I knew who escaped alive From Arnhem, the Bridge too Far, That Unsuccessful campaign Of The Second World War. But for a leg broken in practice Richard would have been there Maybe jumping to his death Through the clear still air. Captain Bill, then a glider pilot. A hazardous way of arrival Cutting down the chances Of his amazing survival. Old Alan the Para Not long passed on Who yarned over a pint About times long gone. Other people I served with, Names gone beyond recall, Shades of faces remembered, Surviving Heroes one and all. Eighty years later I’m here In a state of anticipation To tour the museum Set at its exact location.