Lest We Forget - Volume 17 www.legionnl.ca 127 continued .... A Shattered Soul – War takes its toll They carted us to the hospital ship, “Winchester Castle” in Naples Harbour, Italy. We were fed and confined to bunks, enroute to Malta and their health care facility. Now it’s still February, 1944 and I was trying to recuperate in my semi-conscious state. There were voices echoing and visions flashing from the corpses of my mates. What bothered me, so deeply, was the loss of hundreds of teenage boys and numerous fathers to be. Bobbing face down, like broken and bloated stuffed toys, on a dark and deathly sea. An ocean of future lawyers, doctors, teachers, mill workers and also, fishermen. Now just memories, by loved ones, so bitter and distraught forever, for what they could have been. Able seaman Henry Silas Hillier, the war for you is over, You’re sailing back to England, early in the morning. “Though death and darkness gather all about me, my ship was torn apart upon the sea, I shall smell again the fragrance of England, and the heaving waves that brought me once to thee And should I return safe again to England, I shall watch the English mist roll through the dale.”(3) Now you’re back in England, ol’ topper, you have to rest awhile, before you sail again. You’re still not well and stable, it will take time, for you, to heal and mend. We have to arrange safe passage, for medical care in St. John’s, Newfoundland. The ocean conflicts are still rampant, and, continually, raging out of hand. “I am sailing, I am sailing, home again across the sea, I am sailing troubled waters, to be near you, to be free. Mom, can you hear me! Mom, can you hear me! Through the dark night, far away. I am sailing, I am sailing, home again, that I pray”(7) Welcome back, my son, thanks for serving our country, young lad, all the good jobs are gone, but be thankful and be glad. You’re hired, in the machine room, ask Charlie, your father, where to go, please pay attention, we don’t like accidents, in here, you know. You start tomorrow, at eight A.M., you have to bring a lunch, it’s shiftwork, and don’t be late, there’s a timeclock you have to punch. “Broadcast news! London, House of Commons; Germans surrender, May 7/45, our thanks and gratitude to the British Empire and all our allies. Lest not forget those who died for freedom, Rejoice fellow comrades, long live the King!” “Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile. Don’t let your joy and laughter hear the snag, smile boys, that’s the style. What’s the use in worrying? It never was worthwhile, So pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.”(8)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==