大象传媒

Notes by Nicholas Hutchings: My aunt Alice Hutchings (1909-2003) wrote this poem in about 1942. It should be sung to the tune of "Good King Wenceslas". H.E. = High Explosive. Andy = Anderson shelter.

Wartime Carol

Warden Bertie Blitz looked out (Sub Post twenty-seven),
All the lads sat round about, numbering eleven,
Brightly shone the flares that night, gleaming like a jewel,
When an H.E. came in sight, whistling something cruel.

"Rouse up, boys, and come with me ! Moments lost are telling,
Yonder missile, where fell he, on what street and dwelling ?"
"Look ! It landed good and fast on the Dog and Eagle -
Greta Garbo caught the blast over the Regal !"

"Bring me bandages and lint, bring me stretchers hither,
You and I must do a sprint, now's no time to dither !"
out into the street they went, swearing all together,
Wondering why Fritz was sent in such bitter weather.

"Hark ! Another Heinkel Three ! A shelter would be handy -
Why did I join the A.R.P. ? My kingdom for an Andy !"
"Hear that shrapnel rattling down ? Does you good to hear it !"
"This the hottest spot in town ?" "Must be somewhere near it !"

At each other's heels they ran, stumbling through the darkness,
Facing calmly, to a man, war in all its starkness.
Therefore let us wish them luck, heroes of the Blitzes,
Meeting with their cheerful pluck everything of Fritz's.

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