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Poetry of Direct Personal Experience
Our Collection of Aviation and Military Poetry

To My Winged Son
Bernard D. Cropper

We played together, you and I, my son,

From early morn till day was done.

What boundless love was ours, what joy, what fun;

Together, you and I, my son.


It seems but only yesterday that I

Bought you an aeroplane to fly.

You were eleven. I still see your eyes

So bright as your craft flew the skies.


You did not flinch when called to do or die,

(So proud was I at your reply);

But took your wings to battle in the sky.

I only wish ‘twere you and I.


I too, must fight, and pray to God that we

May be united when ‘tis done.

I also humbly pray that He make me

As great a man as you, my son.


Written by Bernard D. Cropper, 2nd Lt., R.A., the father of P/O. Douglas Cropper killed whilst flying with 609 Squadron over France on 16th August 1941.

boy and plane

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 • Last Modified: 26 May 2014, 08:15