A Coastal Command Lament.

[Lancman]

A thought came to me as I was out walking in the hills today that the Shackleton would fit well into Masefield's “Cargoes” so I cobbled this together:


A Coastal Command Lament.


Dirty Avro Shackbat with a salt-caked windscreen,
Butting out past Rockall in a mad March days,
Looking for the Foxtrot,
Seeking out the Whiskey,
Big Atlantic rollers in greens and greys.


Nothing on the radar, nothing for the eyeball,
Sea state 6 to 7 and the sub's gone deep.
Back to Ballykelly
As the day is dawning,
Ten hours in the log book and the Russians were asleep.


Would anybody else like to try? Perhaps “Quinquireme of Lyneham”?

[Onceapilot]

Cheers! I recall the observation that: Submariners and Coastal Command crews shared similar survival rates if their Boat or Aircraft was lost at sea. ie almost nil. :sad:

OAP

[Courtney Mil]

If my Dad were alive today, I think he would have approved. Especially if you bought him a G&T in the bar before reciting.

Nice one. :ok:

[Lancman]

Thanks for the comment Courtney, I might indeed have bought your Dad a G&T in days gone by, but in those less sophisticated days it would more likely have been an "ashcan". Decode: ashcan = depth charge = DC = Double Century = an ale very popular at that time.

[smujsmith]

Lancman,

I'll take your challenge, and by the way a splendid opening. I present three stanzas of five lines, perhaps straying a little from Masefield's intent, but Lyneham was challenged. I'm sure there's more to come.

Fighting into headwinds, determined crew aboard
Looking out for Lyneham, our home when not abroad
We've done a stint in hotter climes
The Bowl our thoughts do steer
We'll all enjoy the comradeship of our first homecoming beer

Well, there's a funny thing you see, some of your usual mates
Disdain your "sad" cavortin' with your grow bagged dressed "new mates"
OK, some may be Officers, some may be lads from MAMS
And once an Air Vice Marshall
Now that gained me some scans

My job is done, and long ago, I flew with those great blokes
I did my bit, when needed, and loved the fun and jokes
Till pop my clogs does happen, homecoming will remain
A treasure that I nurture
A memory to retain

Hope that qualifies

Smudge:ok:

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

That's very good, Lancman.

My mum got a gold medal for reading the original, so I've heard it a lot. Well done:ok:

Take a few more walks!

[Lancman]

Nice one Smudge :ok:.

Here's another assault on Masefield, vandalising the other end of the poem.

Whisperer of Proteus from distant airfields,
Clearing into Echo on the ebbing of the tides,
With a cargo of families,
And tired-out children,
Apprehensive soldiers and young exotic brides.