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A
Little History of Cherington and Stourton
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| Home | World War One - Private Arthur Ivens | Close page |
Through this poem, preserved by his descendants, Ernest Ivens expressed the grief he felt at the loss of an elder brother and fellow soldier. For Ernest, "the bitterest blow" was not knowing where Arthur's remains lie. |
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In Memory of Arthur Ivens of Cherrington who was killed in action in the Great War 1914-1918 |
He left his home in perfect health He looked so young and brave He little thought how soon he'd lie Within a hero's grave. We think we saw his smiling face As he bade us all goodbye When he left his dear ones forever In a foreign land to die His king and country called him "I am ready", he replied For freedom and humanity He bravely fought and died But we have one consolation He bravely did his best Somewhere abroad that dear one sleeps A hero laid to rest Some think we may forget him When at times they see us smile But they little know the sorrow That a smile hides all the while And then the unknown grave is the bitterest blow And none but the aching hearts do know For only those who have lost can tell The pain of not bidding a last farewell Oft we sit and think of him But not with outward show For the heart that mourns with sincerity Mourns silently and low Sleep on beloved and take thy rest In a grave we shall never see But as long as life shall ever last We will remember thee His king and country had called him The call was not in vain For on Britain's Roll of Honour You will see my brother's name |
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