The Gefangener's Dream (By L. Cpl. Chisholm) Poem by Andrew Wright

We've speculated often, as to what will happen when,
Old Churchill's tidied up the war, and we go home again,
Of how the king will greet us, and how the crowds will cheer,
And the nation joins in giving the lads free beer,
Well, I know what will happen when we reach old Blighty's shore,
I had a dream the other night and this is what I saw!

We marched down to the harbour, singing hi le, hi low,
And miles and miles of rowing boats were anchored in a row,
And dressed up like an admiral, cocked hat and tassled sword,
Was dear old Sgnt. Moffat, shouting loudly 'All aboard'.
And then I saw a paddle-boat, (last relic of our navy) ,
Which towed us back to Dover's port, across the ocean wavy.

Thousands stood upon the beach, they came from near and far,
There in the middle stood Churchill, with a 14 inch cigar,
And as we passed along the beach he laughed himself to tears,
He said we were the queerest sight he'd seen for many years,
For some had boots, some had clogs, and some had stockinged feet,
But all of us had trousers with big patches in the seat.

And then we all passed and he kissed us one by one,
Lord Nuffield (who had just arrived) gave every man a bun,
Our hunger being thus appeased we marched up to the bank,
And there received our credits, each according to his rank.
I only drew a dud half crown, (the clerk said he was sorry) ,
The R.S.M. drew so much he had to hire a lorry.

And they formed us up again and gave us a short address,
Every man was issued with a pretty A.T.S.
Mine was a sweet and lovely wench, she took me round the town,
She hadn't any money so we spent my dud half crown.
And then we wandered to the park and found an empty seat,
I whispered in her shell like ear, in accents soft and sweet.

And she replied, 'Forever dear, I'm yours and you are mine',
But ere I could continue, Uncle George called 'Rise and Shine'.
And in my little narrow bed I woke up with a start,
My arm around my palliasse and passion in my heart.
Now every night I'm first in bed and though my pals may scoff,
I mean to catch that dream again, just where I left off.