A Tour of the Battlefields by a Dunkirk Veteran
of the Royal Regiment on Cambrai Day 1976

Arthur Matthews 

 

I approached this very quiet place,
Just back from the road a pace
And saw a stone plaque set in a wall,
Very near to the village hall,
Though many passed, few ever saw,
These men died in the Second World Way,
I looked closely, the names I read,
Under the title "Our Glorious Dead,"
I paused, three names I knew,
My friends, members of my crew,
Sadly now a neglected place,
Where sometimes children came to play,
I knew my friends, I knew they would say,
No complaints, the price we were prepared to pay,
For children play in freedom - don't they?
Though I'm getting old, I'd done my best,
Shoes polished, medals gleaming on my chest,
I stood to attention as best I could,
And there silently I stood,
Bowing my head to hide my grief,
Icarefully placed a Poppy wreath,
I prayed as "Tank" men sometimes do,
"Roll on lads," remember the blue,
Talk of home over a hurried brew,
Then mount up, move off, press on,
Remember our days at Mersa Matruh,
Way out in Egypt, way out in the blue,
Something else I have to say,
I will never forget the day,
When I "blew a gasket" and had a lot to say,
I remember I called you a sloppy crew,
Yet in my heart I really knew,
I was so proud of you,
I slowly turned and walked away,
Reflecting to myself, God willing,
I will be on parade next "Cambrai Day."

By Arthur (Jess) John Matthews.
7883399
R.T.C. 1932
R.T.R. 1939

 

EXPLANATIONS: I had served with my crew in Mersa Matruh in Egypt in 1935. We called the desert the Blue, it was rough. A brew is of course a mug of tea when possible. Cambrai Day is the special day of the "Royal Tank Regiment," November 20th, when our regiment was born.

 

Perhaps you have an article to add to the site concerning our family's history? Contact me at the email address for consideration. nrbcpastorkev@yahoo.com.au

---

 

11/04/2007

Top of this Page
Articles Archive
Kevin Matthews History Site

A KEVIN MATTHEWS
PRODUCTION