The Cruel Sea

Pounding seas, wind tossed spray Cold North wind, blowing night and day The ice gripping men in disarray The convoy ploughing onward The merchant vessels, shadows in mist, Weave and wind, wend and twist Then disappear when torpedo kissed The convoy ploughing onward The small corvette, the guiding hand The leader of the straggling band But cannot make a fighting stand The convoy ploughing onward The men washed into icy seas The eyes that bulge, the limbs that freeze The ship brought down upon its knees The convoy ploughing onward The submarine torpedoes roar Explosion, seas rush through open door Ships and men on the ocean floor The convoy ploughing onward Few are left when journey's done Supplies got through, the race is run So many lost, so who has won? The convoy ploughing onward