Slapton Sands Devon - D. Day 1944

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Slapton Sands and D Day 1944

The shingle of the beach at Slapton Sands, provides a beautiful venue to enjoy a day by the sea, and as the waves lap gently upon the shore, some may remember, when those water worn pebbles played host to soldiers preparing for the D. Day invasion of Normandy, France. Reflecting on the sadness of war, and honouring those who were involved may help in the healing of those who lost their loved ones during this time. Such an event forms an important time in the history of Devon. It is with this in mind that I have been prompted to send the following thoughts, by the words of an old soldier, who took part in the D. Day landings in 1944. To him I offer my thanks.

A Soldier’s Love
My rifle is my friend
To keep me safe, in battle’s fear
My fingers shake, in my mind
My eye takes aim, and sheds a tear
In my sights, I see a man
In uniform standing there.
Gently my trigger pulls, just once
He falls to his knees, as in prayer.
I hear a cry, his voice seeking his mother’s love
He breathes no more, what have I done
Was he a father? With a wife and children
Was he his mother’s only son.
Their grief, oh such grief
Their hearts of love, cry for home
From their arms, I took him away
In my heart, and with my limb
They say, this is war, all is fair
It is not, surely not
My enemy, his he, died today
My heart too, died in every way.
Wise words within the book
Says “Love and be free”
Then, why do men do these things
In the name of what? I say to thee
Love, only love, freedom brings.

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