Wednesday, 28 January 2015 14:15

Brixham Great War Poetry Series

Pictured: ‘William Pillar’ the Skipper of the Provident Pictured: ‘William Pillar’ the Skipper of the Provident

As part of Brixham Heritage Museum’s commemoration of the Great War (1914-1918), Samantha Little, Writer in Residence, has researched poetry inspired by the conflict, first published in the local newspaper, the Brixham Western Guardian.

The first in the series is a special commemoration of the gallant rescue of survivors from HMS Formidable, by the crew of the Brixham trawler Provident, which took place 100 years ago in January, 1915. There will be a new article each month during 2015, which can be found at www.brixhamheritage.org

Her discoveries include poems written by men serving in the Army, the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Flying Corps, which variously describe recruitment processes, life in the trenches and air station service using parody, irony and humour, while civilians’ and women’s verse examines the feelings of those on the WWI Home Front. Reactions to air raids and deaths of the innocent, and the anguish of families waiting for news of those ‘missing…believed killed’ are powerfully and poignantly expressed in the stanzas. Obituaries to the Fallen also reveal multifarious attitudes to the War.

Samantha explores the construction of the poems, some presented individually, some in groups with similar themes, also providing information about significant influences and the context in which they were written.

Samantha has found researching and writing about WWI poetry both fascinating and absorbing. She hopes those visiting the website will enjoy reading the poems and learning about Brixham in the Great War.

If you wish to comment on this series or have any queries, please contact Samantha on 01803 856267 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


TO THE BRIXHAM HEROES

O men of Devon, ye fishermen brave!
Risking your lives your brothers to save;
With never a thought of self or fear, 
Though waves rolled high and death was near.

O Brixham men, we are proud of you.
Of “Pillar” and all his valiant crew;
Worthy successor of “Drake” and the rest
Of the heroes who hail from the West.

Sad the fate of the “Formidable’s” crew
It rung our hearts when the news came through,
Honoured the “Provident” was to save,
So many of them from a watery grave.

Many are blessing ye men who dared
To count your lives nought and were prepared
Danger to face, with courage true,
Devon – aye England – is proud of you.

S. Munden
Isle of Wight
14th January, 1915

 

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