ALAN Mansell, from Shropshire, recently holidayed in the Blackdown Hills and became increasingly aware of the area’s wartime airfields and the involvement with the events of D-Day (June 6, 1944).

We should never forget that we view historical events with the benefit of hindsight. We know the outcome, but only our forefathers knew the uncertainty and the sad real cost.

Eighty Years On

Near D-Day anniversary after eighty springs run

I was pushed through the lanes to fair Churchstanton,

‘Twixt primrose studded banks beneath budding trees

Where bluebell heads bob in a cool northwest breeze,

And brambles and nettles sprout June’s straggle trap           

So round my stiffened knees a carer’s blanket did wrap.               

There thick ivy clambered up grey hollowed stumps

Birds’ barrage of song flew above hedge bank bumps,

Shed freed cattle did roam in longed-for liberation

And all seemed so well in God’s peaceful creation,

But I remembered brothers who with duty’s call done  

Could never return to prayerful Churchstanton.

Alan E. Mansell