The RAF way
By Ruby Walton-Cox, Carterton Community College
I wear no uniforms no blues or greens
But I am in the ranks rarely seen
I have no rank upon my shoulders – salutes I do not give
But the RAF world is the place where I live
I’m not in the chain of command – orders I do not get
But my Dad is the one who does, this I cannot forget
I’m not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line
But my life is just as tough as I’m the one left behind
My Dad is the patriot, a brave and prideful man
And the call to serve his country not all understand
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep his country free
My Dad makes the sacrifice, but so does my Mum and me
Moving around from time to time
It’s not perfect but I don’t mind
I love my Dad and the RAF way
Maybe I’ll follow in his footsteps one day
The runners laying wreaths at the Military Arboretum in Alrewas
“One of this year’s
team, Howard
Bidmead, has a
special affinity with
D-Day as his father,
Bill Bidmead, was
20 years old and in
4 Commando, part of
the 1st Special Service
Brigade commanded
by Brigadier Lord
Lovat, that landed on
Sword Beach before
making their way to
Pegasus Bridge to
relieve the airborne
troops (as seen in
the film The
Longest Day).”
thebaton.co.uk
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