In Memorium: Remembrance – a tribute in poetry and prose to the fallen and some personal memories by John Bowler

John Bowler
3rd November 1930 - 14th February 2020

 They gave their all for us…

The Nation falls silent round the Cenotaph on 11th November,

The Queen leads prayerful homage when we all give thanks and remember.

In 1944, it was an anxious time for the nation,

Hitler poised to invade, causing much consternation.

It was a bright and sunny morning when I alighted from the Midland Red Stafford bus. I had arrived at Walton-on-the-Hill to stay with Auntie Fan and Miss Allsopp. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility. It was my first visit on my own. The war was not over, and Hitler and his troops were poised on the other side of the Channel ready to invade the UK. It was an extremely anxious time, yet here I was, in this quintessential English village, feeling contented and happy. 

I was a happy schoolboy, Walton -on -the -Hill my destination,

Through the kindness of Miss Allsopp and Auntie Fan, a stay at Walton Bury was in store,

Farm adventures, gardens and a large Victorian house to explore.

Approaching the stony back lane incline,

I was struck by an image that has stayed with me all this time:

Mrs Malpass cleaning the farmhouse windows, clear against the skyline,

The Nation’s youth gave their all,

For simple things like this, no matter how small.

Mr Davis, who lived at Wisteria Cottage, was bent low tending his vegetable garden. The Church clock chimed as I made my way up the stony back lane to the back gate of Walton Bury. As I looked towards the top of the lane, I could see the figure of Mrs Malpass, standing on a chair cleaning the farmhouse windows. It struck me that this was what our lads were fighting for.

We will never forget the sacrifice they made. Thousands paid the ultimate price, like my cousin ‘Bob’, Robert Theobald, who was reported missing over Italy on a mission. He was a Spitfire Pilot Officer – his name is on a War Memorial in Malta and will not be forgotten. They gave their days so that we could enjoy our tomorrows.

 Bob’s name, inscribed on a Maltese memorial, lives on.

Testament to the victory the Nation won.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them.”

(November 2019)