SCARS OF WAR 

The scars of war are there I find

Still rooted deep within my mind

Memories of those far off days

For me will never be erased.

The sight of children, faces blank

Orphaned by a shell or tank

No one there to tend their need

But one young lady - shame indeed.

Someone must have left them there

Short of food and things to wear.

This little island with no name,

Was passed by time and time again.

As Christmas time was drawing near

To celebrate this time of year.

The Captain said; “We’ll have a tree,

From that island there I see”.

Not knowing there just out of view,

Were huts that housed this wretched few.

The children there were duly found,

Then as the word was passed around.

The crew sent food, clothing too

To help them all, that winter through.

Had we passed that island by,

Left those children there to die.

Who would have found the tragic scene

Where happy children once had been.

I now thank God we stopped that day

To help those children there on their way.

When I think back, now I find

The children killed still haunt my mind.

I ask myself and always will,

How many did I help to kill.

Fred Kenrick

HMS Ceylon, Royal Navy

This vehicle is released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the ceasefire of the Korean War - July 27th 2003. Donations are being made to the British Korean Veterans Association. The poems above is written by Fred Kenrick and further poems can be found in the book Poetry of the Korean War.

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