I packed my kit-bag and sailed away;

having been told that I’m going, only the previous day.

My home was a tanker, full of fuel and oil;

one of, war’s life-blood’s, along with death sweat and toil.

Adrenaline increased as Ascension was passed.

The News grew louder as peace went to half mast.

My Seakings were ready, when needed to fly.

The Falklands grew larger in the near darkening sky.

The war had begun, after words fell far short.

Bombs, bullets and death commenced, right from the start.

Carriers, Frigates and many Grey Ships,

came for their fuel, in large and small sips.

As the days went by and fuel was a need,

The ships appeared, with increasing speed.

Frigates with holes as big as your fist; 

a missing Lynx’s nose, that a bomb had just kissed.

But morale was high, and jokes were so daft;

the Frigate crew’s kept asking, if we’d like a swop draft.

The fear of the missiles, were always with you.

They started with six, then we count but two.

The Sheffield was hit, but one went astray;

it went looking for us, or another of grey.

I sat in my Seaking, awaiting a deck range;

our Frigate fired chaff; how somber and strange.

But the missile grew weak, and dropped in the sea;

Davy Jones for the missile; bloody lucky for me. 

We flew to San Carlos, one dark early morn;

to help with the load-lifting, on the following dawn.

Port Stanley was taken, and the peace flag raised high; 

giving a sign to sail home, in the blue yonder sky.

I often lay awake, in my bed without rest;

fond memories of comrades; men of the best.

Strong thoughts of the past, how time has flown.

The memories remain strong, but my family has grown.

How lucky we are, on this very special day;

 to be able to honour and remember all;

 where ever they lay. 

Bob Lees – 824 Naval Air Squadron