大象传媒

This poem is submitted to the People鈥檚 War site by a member of Market Harborough Branch, Royal British Legion on behalf of Joan Ashmore and has been added to the site with her permission. Mrs Ashmore fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

Combined Ops.- A War-time Wedding Personnel from Royal Navy, Army (R.E.M.E.), Royal Air Force*

By Joan Ashmore

We got married. When?
When leave was stopped
to start the new advance
in France.

But Hey!
Hopeful, the bride to be, she asked, she said,
鈥淐ould I have just a day or two to wed?鈥�
But no, no pleading would prevail
against the word of jumped-up, chauvanistic male.
鈥淚f you had wanted matrimony,
why did you become a WREN
instead of nesting like a qualified,
kitchen-oriented hen?鈥�

But kind C.O. when on his rounds declared
that four days leave (compassion) was allowed.
So plans were made
and family rations were combined
to make the cake.
Despite the bombing raining down each night
that Anderson shelter kept it tight, secure,
until the siren called 鈥淎ll Clear鈥�.

However, just before 鈥渢he day鈥�
down came a bomb
the Church door opened very wide,
so wide, inside was then the same as out,
and booked hotel was scattered all about.
But luckily for us the law
had changed its course a week or two before.
We knew we were O K in law
with Army C.O.鈥檚 signature
to change the place to tie the knot,
this didn鈥檛 matter - not a jot.

So off to rural Hunts we went
left London lying - bombed and bent.
But on the chosen wedding day
the curate then had no idea
that one could stop and turn about
the place, the church. He had his doubt.

So off to Huntingdon he sped
on motor bike with tyres red.
Meanwhile, the Minister, he prayed
while congregation wondered, glanced around,
then whispered soft behind the hand,
鈥淭hat London girl would be delayed.鈥�

Later on the curate came
with paper signed by legal name.
The marriage then, though late, took place,
allowing time to realise with grace
that when the Services unite
they almost get it nearly right,
just like we do when we decide
to be that groom or be that bride.

* Leave granted as follows:-
Bride (Navy - Senior Service) 4 days compassionate
Groom (Army) 7 days between courses
Bride鈥檚 Maid (WRAF and table tennis partner of M. O.) 10 days sick leave

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