Back to Top
AR banner
Search Tips Advanced Search
Poetry of Direct Personal Experience
Our Collection of Aviation and Military Poetry

Requiem For A Rear Gunner
William Clapham

And should you weep for him, if so inclined,

Then mingle knowledge with your gift of tears,

Bare not your heart alone - unveil your mind

Upon the history of his nineteen years.


He kicked a ball in narrow London streets,

Then pedalled groceries round Walthamstowe.

He learnt of love in cheaper Gaumont seats,

Set it to jazz-time on his radio.


He had a wife for seven magic nights,

His eyes grew softer in a small hotel.

They shared a dream of London, rich with lights

And all the things that Woolworths has to sell.


Against his shaggy head he brushed a sleeve,

Within the barber's shop considered 'pride'.

Bought contraceptives in the hope of leave,

Then flew to Nurnburg that night and died.


Written by William Clapham

In memory of Fl/Sgt. Wiliam Paterson Clapham

Killed on Halifax III LV923 ZL-M on the 31st March 1944

Fl/Sgt. Wiliam Paterson Clapham

  You can show you value this content by offering your dedicated research team a coffee!  
You can lay a wreath on this page to show your respect in an everlasting way.
Add us to your address book. Click here

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning we will remember them. - Laurence Binyon
All site material (except as noted elsewhere) is © 2012 - 2025 Aircrew Remembered and owned or managed by us
and should not be used without prior permission.
 • Last Modified: 19 July 2019, 17:41