 |
| credit: Adam Rutter |
Paul, David, Ryan and Philip all stood on a hill, dressed in military uniform, overlooking the fields chequered in green and yellow. Rape-seed and grasslands were gridded by trees and hedgerows, like a picture frame. All four men watched an array of hot air balloons hanging in the air.
‘Look’, began Ryan. ‘That one is covered in the Union Jack flag’, he continued, pointing at the nearest balloon floating towards them.
‘I can see people inside the basket’, said Paul.
‘They’re waving at us’, said Philip.
They pulled their berets off their heads, and waved fervently at the passengers as the balloon flew over them. The passengers whooped and cheered. The burner seethed, blowing flames through the open canopy like a flame thrower. The balloon descended the slope-side of the hill, dipping towards flat terrain. The airmen plonked their hats back on their heads. They watched the rest of the balloons rising and sinking, growing larger, filling the azure-blue sky with red, white, yellow and dark blue gargantuan above. The huge floats drifted by like Chinese lanterns. The hiss of the burners rose, and dropped, giving way to a gloomy silence.
Church bells rang the tune, ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, which swelled, and faded in the wind. The airmen stood at ease. Philip had his hands behind his back. David looked down at a village. Tears welled up in his eyes; tears of grief and sadness.
‘Gran and Grandad will be celebrating this proud day’, said Ryan.
‘I wish my Grandad were here celebrating’, said David, sobbing.
‘Your Grandad would’ve been proud if he saw you standing here today’.
In the distance, there was a low hum. Five dark figures appeared above the horizon. The hum grew heavier, and thunderous. The figures became wider and more recognisable as they drew closer. Their distinctive shapes were unmistakably aircrafts. The aircraft in the middle was the biggest: the Lancaster Bomber, escorted by four spitfires.
‘Cadets’, began Philip. ‘Attention!’
The five aircrafts whined overhead. The airmen saluted.
5 comments:
Such lovely descriptive language here - really paints the picture.
a timely piece as well - there was a Lancaster flyover in Ironbridge at the weekend!
A very visual piece, especially enjoyed the picture framed fields and the Chinese lanterns. I like that you include the fact that there are so few veterans left. May they go on being remembered!
Yes , loved the descriptive work here! I think to emphasise the 'size' of the Lancaster, I would have put something like ' The aircraft in the centre, flanked by four spitfires, was the largest of all : the might Lancaster bomber. On a side note, my uncle was a pilot in bomber command, but he flew Halifaxes - Nevil 'bluey' Mottershead. There is an interview on radio Shropshire if you are interested in stuff like that.
That should say 'mighty. lol
Post a Comment