Military Service Recognition Book Volume XIV 376 Private Tyman trembling, With thoughts of his baby and wife; Fearfully praying, He would not lose his life. “Oh Jesus, I believe in you; Forgive me my sin. This is righteous; with your help, I trust we will win.” In bloody waters, the Sergeant, Flung open the door. Above the booming terror, “For your country!” he roared. Most fell immediately; A few made it to land. Tyman lay wounded, In red-stained, wet sand. High in the heavens, Angels sighed at the view. “Dieppe,” they decried, “Shows the evil men do.” Private Tyman gasping upward, Cursed at the Lord, “I prayed that you’d help us, But you’ve shown us the sword!” The angels said, “Listen, They lament at death’s door. Dishonouring God, As if He caused this war.” Jesus scorned, “Hush, That’s the cry of my sheep. Anguished and broken, Are the souls that I reap.” Descended to the battlefield, Jesus gathered Tyman home. He placed Tyman’s soul, At the foot of his throne. Tyman awoke frightened; Shocked by the glory. He quickly bemoaned, “You must not know my story. I’ve killed men and cursed you; Just moments ago. I am undeserving, Of this mercy you show. I’m a solider, a murderer; My sins run so deep! Chain me to the hell, Of the battlefield,” he weeped. Jesus replied sorrowfully, “How soon men forget; The battle I won. Donald, shed your regret. I beat all evil. Here is a tributary poem I wrote about my great uncle, who died at Dieppe. It links his passing with the geomemorial Sask veterans who die in conflict receive so I thought it might be of particular interest to your members. It’s written from a Christian perspective and tries to wrestle with the battle I imagine he and other Christians of the time might have had with going into bloody conflict. Joshua Freistadt, PhD Private Tyman Above (continued)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==