Mined

She had no chance, a blow which shook
Our hull and made the watch below
Run up on deck, to see a surge
Of water first engulf, then lay her low,
Whilst all around were men and wood.

We manned our boat. No gala, this,
Of picking up survivors, cold
And hurt, we half afraid to miss
A head among the bobbing casks.

Nine men we saved of twenty two
Who but an hour before had left
The quay. They left a promise to
Return next day, a promise that
For thirteen will be unfulfilled,
And thirteen families will mourn
A son, a brother, father killed
At sea. Such things we don’t forget.

And some day, sipping tea, you’ll read
“The Board of Admiralty regret …..”

1943