One Particular Hero

Written about a true life WWII dog fight, taken from a combat report by Pilot Officer Jaques Arther Phillipart ... Born 11th Jan 1909 ~ Died for our country 25th August 1940, just 31 years old!

Leading his squadron above Portland Bill,

The air grey and hauntingly still,

An attack from enemy aircraft ensued.

Behind Gatling guns he fought

Bullets in blood soaked steel

Taking shards for country too surreal

 

The antagonist spun down to a slow gliding spin

Another assault simultaneously begins

Our gritty pilot steadfastly undaunted remains

 

Enemy defeated, shrapnel falling from an inverted dive

Dog fights ensued engaging the prize

Bravely valiant and so daring in others eyes ...

 

Un-wavered Our Pioneer battled on 'til bitter conclusion

Homeward bound a hero sent in all his confusion

He fought wounded in emotional pollution

Ten days on, another bandit bombardment ensued

He fought once more for Old Blighty bemused

Spitfire's propellers droned around his death muse

Adrenaline rushed though heated sounds

Ammunition from opposition falling abound

He fought for our lives, our freedom ground

 

Our particular hero plummeted into the sea

Bequeathing freedom for you and for me

In his silent grave,

we salute you

Author's Note

Information taken from a military combat report from the Battle of Britain, this young officer fought...Originally quickly scribed for a memorial day tribute to this fallen pilot, this is a work in progress.

Reviews

[Laughing-Bear]

My Dear Friend Helen From Across The Pond:
Thank you for giving me clarity with the word “Blighty”, I would have never guessed it is a word meaning England. This gave this word tapestry a more vibrant color.
The Spitfire's of WWII and their pilots are a thing of legend. I do not believe the history books really clearly show that an English man with his back against the wall is about the toughest, non-compromising, foe to face on Earth.
Even during those dark days of the Nazi bombing, with England being pounded into dust, Her people’s spirit was far from pounded.
The tenacity of Winston Churchill, as what I view as the norm in England at this time in History, I see in this poem. I can easily see why this pilot whom you were in recent years able to view is logbook would of given his all, though it cost him his all!
A splendid tribute to a pilot whom sleeps now beneath the waves and your country’s spirit. Well written, and very deeply felt in my deepest parts of being.

Blessings, Laughing-Bear

[TrimarcoRansome]

Ol' Blighty! Yes, a term of endearment of a much loved country. My heart sank as I read the reports and tears rolled the contours of my face as I saw this hero's name printed in the obituary just 10 days after writing the report. This was a real heart felt poem, in honour of that particular hero. Thank you for feeling the depth of this one.
Helen

[Mia]

A wonderful write Helen, truly beautiful! I sensed there was no personal connection between you and the subject matter but without a doubt I could sense a lot of admiration. The last stanza is by far my favourite.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Thank you ,Mia! The combat report was incredible to read, hence the inspiration to write this.
Helen

[Tate Morgan]

This is why young men fight wars.This is what draws them to the field .They want to know what it is to fear death and to truly live Bravo.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Thank you,Tate. this is a really old one but yes reading the combat reports for this incident really touched me, enough t write this about him.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

The last two stanzas sit with me in particular... overall great piece. The ending was perfection.

[TrimarcoRansome]

Thank you for the review! glad you enjoyed it

[lothlorienwriter]

You dont see many poems like this one, yes there are plenty of war poems but they are usually Army related, Air Force and Navy sadly tend to be forgotten so well done.

[TrimarcoRansome]

The inspiration was taken [as i noted] from a combat report of the Battle of Britain, so much to write about! as you say, these military sectors do not get as much coverage. Interestingly this pilots family were pioneers of early flying in Belgium and have a museum there which is where the reports are being sent for safe keeping.

[Peter H]

i believe this here to be a nice write of narrative sort of poetry . well written and it gives you that empathy we lack for soldier's and war veterans impeccable write my friend keep up the good work

[TrimarcoRansome]

Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated and thank you for your praise
Helen

[John Phoenix Hutchinson..]

I believe there is a good poem here waiting to get out.......its too subtle for me considering the traumatic drama of the Battle of Britain.

[TrimarcoRansome]

This one was written quite quickly for a memorial day piece, I agree more work is needed on parts of this, I still have the combat reports so will edit some of this soon...Thank you for your feedback!

[TrimarcoRansome]

John, what do you think of it now?

[John Phoenix Hutchinson.]

Thats so much better really it is, just one criticism now the line, 'He fought for freedom a revolution' does sit right with me. Well actually its the word 'revolution' does not sit right historically or in context if you see what I mean?

[TrimarcoRansome]

Ive changed the entire line, i didn't like it much when i wrote it...have a look

[John Phoenix Hutchinson.]

Well you certainly plucked the chicken with that one!

[TrimarcoRansome]

;-)