Today I attended my local Church for the Remembrance Sunday service. In the cemetery are 50, very mixed nationality, Second World War graves: English, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian, Polish and German. Walking distance from where we were stood is a former RAF airfield where many of these young men died carrying out their duties in the service of their country.
The vicar spoke of remembrance, reflection and forgiveness and mentioned one startling fact; in the two world wars, a period of only 30 years apart, some 50 million people died. A staggering figure.
One of the hymns we sang was written by Richard Bewes, and was based on Psalm 46. The tune is better known as ‘The Dambusters’.
1. God is our strength and refuge,
our present help in trouble;
and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!2.There is a flowing river,
within God’s holy city;
God is in the midst of her – she shall not be moved!
God’s help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence
God the lord of hosts is with us evermore!3.Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his deeds all-powerful;
wars will cease across the world where he shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift him in the nations-
God the lord of hosts is with us evermore!
May the sacrifices of those people never be forgotten.
Aviation Trails 
‘You touch upon something that strikes a nerve with me quite often. It seems this country is determined to forget that we owe our freedom to men and women who came from all across the world to put on a British or Commonwealth uniform and fight for our little island. We can’t forget those people either’ – Here here Tony. Great post Andy.
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Thanks Rich.
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Thanks Rich
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You touch upon something that strikes a nerve with me quite often. It seems this country is determined to forget that we owe our freedom to men and women who came from all across the world to put on a British or Commonwealth uniform and fight for our little island. We can’t forget those people either.
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You are absolutely right Tony. ‘We’ tend to be very insular about the war and find it hard to accept that actually many of those who died in conflict did so in defence of our country. They are conveniently forgotten all too often!
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This has come up while I am writing a piece requested by a reader about his father from Abercarn in South Wales who served with the RAAF flying Hampdens under Coastal Command.
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Sounds interesting!
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That is a wonderful old hymn. The sort of words that take away your fears. An excellent hymn for a Remembrance Day service.
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I thought so too John.
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We will remember them!
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