Belgium

Belgium - Visit to Ploegsteert 2019

Years have I waited

To pay my deep respects

To a long lost great uncle

Whose life was ended in 1915

Cecil Taylor was his name

I have no idea of his image or description, although he was aged 30

And unmarried

Researched by a family member

We found his name high in the portals of the memorial

As we placed the wreath of red poppies beneath the thousand names

My face crumpled and I was overwhelmed

At having achieved a lifelong ambition

To REMEMBER CHARLES CECIL TAYLOR - AGED 30

Belgium - Visit to Poperinge October 2019

Down from Hyde Park Corner cemetery

We travelled to a place called Poperinge

Behind the lines this small town

Still holds some surprises

Here soldiers would rest and recover

From wounds, and fear and fatigue

Others a more frightful fate awaited them

Behind the town hall.

We located a small cell

In which those who were accused of desertion

Were held, after being court marshalled

And sentenced to death.

Young, some under-aged, shell shocked, stood in the open air

Strapped to a wooden post

Alcohol, and opiates, religious men and officers all conspiring 

To eliminate traitors and win a war.