THEY WERE THE BRAVEST. THEY WERE THE BEST.
WWI
Leonard Chivers. Died in 1917 aged 21. Buried in Jerusalem.
Herbert Clothier. Died in 1917 aged 30. Buried in Ruyaulcourt, France.
William Clothier. Died in 1918 aged 30. Buried Ypres, Belgium.
WWII
Norman Gale. D.F.M. Died 1944 aged 23. Buried in Bassevelle, France.
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells;
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, –
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.
September - October, 1917
Wilfred Owen
We will remember them.