31st anniversary of the Falklands, May their sacrifice never be Forgotten. LOST COMRADES, LOST FRIENDS. Where are Ray, Chalky and John, They were here in San Carlos, Lord, where have they gone. We drank together on that journey down, We trained on the decks, or just messed around, We sat playing cards and boasting of birds, Gossiped on what the staff clerks had heard. We knew what was coming, least thought that we did, Christ we knew nothing, just wide-eyed green kids. Those faceless men, in their plush velvet seats, Sent us far from home, where death we must meet. Ray lost his belly, cut wide by grenade, He died on a rock, his blood a cascade. We gave him some smokes, said soon you’ll be home, As he died masked our feelings, then left him alone. We’d trained for this, these past ten years, Touched it in Ireland, but shed few tears. We thought we knew all to be known, Soldiers trained true, men full grown. Where are Ray, Chalky and John, They were here in San Carlos, Lord, where have they gone. At Fitzroy burned John, on Galahads deck, Flame burned him black, From feet to his neck, They drink their brandy in rich dining hall, Read war reports, worried shares might fall. But we can’t accept the price that we paid, As we count the cost at the end of the day. Men of both sides, both young and old, How easily, cheaply their lives had been sold. On Harriet mount, Chalky drained blood, Green ghosts in their trenches cut him down in the mud. I couldn’t be with him to ease his pain, I was hit on Mount William, but who is to blame. Not those soldiers we fought, not those scared young men, But political leaders who start wars with a pen. They profit from conflict, in wealth and power, While they sit in splendour in their Ivory tower, Hide previous knowledge, with political intrigue, Cover indecision and cloak their own greed. There Are Ray, Chalky and John, They were killed in the Falklands, Lord, Why have they gone. by Phil. M. Lamb© August 1982
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:44:13 +0000