war_poetry | Michael Anthony Roy Skeet, 'Wings of Thunder'

Wings of Thunder

They rode the wind on "Wings of Thunder",
with targets asigned, sent to tear asunder.

In our 'Time of Need' they answered the call,
giving their youth and many their all!

Riding the wind over land and sea,
setting aside thoughts of what might be.

Borne aloft on their thundering wings,
parted from home and their cherished things.

Delivering cargoes of deadly intent,
to leave their enemy battered and bent.

Braving the Fighters, Shells and Flak,
knowing that many might never come back.

Flung high on fate in that fearsome hell,
torn from flight, many tumbled and fell.

The lucky few saved by their silken threads,
sent to ponder their war in prison camp beds.

They carried their missions time and again,
facing the fears and taking the strain.

In thousands they thundered the air in flight,
the extent of their losses bring tears to the sight.

They gave all with honour seeking no praise,
now we look back in awe with humbled gaze.

No Campaign Medal was cast for these men,
but we must never forget their sacrifice then.

In Bomber Command, the bold and the brave,
with our Nations hopes to serve and save.

Forging a freedom for us all to live under,
they rode the wind on their "Wings of Thunder".

by Michael Anthony Roy Skeet
Dedicated to the Valiant Aircrews of RAF BOMBER COMMAND 1939-45, particularly the 55,573 who made the ultimate sacrifice.