The Serviceman…
( Alnmouth, Northumberland…)
It is merely a pub sign in Northumberland Street, yet I was drawn to the hanging image
Of an infantryman, his rifle slung over one shoulder and wearing a smart uniform
In a recruiting poster of sorts. His square chin, confident visage
And steely expression exuded a confidence, an assertion that ‘joining up’ would quell war’s storm…
‘Follow me!’ And men did so. To trench warfare’s cruel horror and hell
Of shelling, of slaughter, of shock, of mud, of disease, of gas and of wondering
Whether God was on their side, as ‘over the top’ they were ordered, yet soon fell
For King and country, whilst those they had left behind about the wisdom of it all were left pondering…
Pete Ray…
3rd May 2026…
Couldn’t help noticing and thinking about the pub sign outside the ex-servicemen’s club in Alnmouth, Northumberland…
Many returned, of course.
Many never spoke about their experiences…
The red and yellow decoration on the sign reflect the colours on the flag of Northumberland…
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