In nineteen and thirty nine, the war had just begun
The colony of Newfoundland, a part of Great Britain
Was sent a call to one and all and every mother's son
Come join the fray, without delay, this war it must be won!

A peaceful place was Paradise, where many men were young
They rallied around the Union Jack, each and every one
Without fail, they soon set sail, defending Britain's shore
My Uncle Jake, his brother Gil, and many dozens more

The battled raged, on land, sea and air and many ships went down
Uncle Jake and his brother Gil were often left to drown
But rescue came, and once again, sea battles were gigantic
They both fought in The Murmansk Run and Battle of The Atlantic

For six long years, through blood, sweat and tears, the war was finally won
And deep scared men, would never again, wish war on anyone
They both returned with sore scars burned, in mind and memory
No tales were told of heroes bold, of six long years at sea

One faithful day in mid July, the days were warm and long
My Uncle Jake decided to take a swim in Octagon Pond
By sheer bad luck, lightning struck and Uncle Jake was drowned
There's a resting place in Paradise where his grave site can be found

I remember seeing his mother's pain as he laid at home to wake
He survived the war and no very far from home, drowned my Uncle Jake
Though his mother's grief brought scant relief, her faith remained undaunted
He was laid to rest and on his chest his war medals were court mounted

Wilf Lynch
Victoria, BC