Never served either Georgie. Should have done the RAF thing, many members of family did during the war: Coastal Command (Sunderland aircrew), Fighter Command (armourer for Spit’s Western Desert), and bombers (Lancaster crew shot down over Black Forest in ’42 spent rest of conflict in POW camp). But it was the 60s when I should have joined and couldn’t face the whole wearing uniform, obeying orders at any cost stuff. Still love flying though. Magee’s High Flight is treasured by aviators everywhere. Am deeply envious of your war poem collections. Love the work of the war poets, especially Owen. For me, the only others to come anywhere near them are the metaphysicals, Donne in particular. Have quite an extensive “poetry corner” in our bookshelves. Includes a collection of Longfellow which might be signed by author.
Thought that the WT film might be like that. Whenever I see Colin Farrell in a cast, I make a point of avoiding at all costs. The quote you give sums it up, I think. The meeting of Beverly and Lake is one of the most poignant, stirring and moving accounts of passion, desire and, oh so many other things, that I have ever read. Had to immediately go and play Mark Knopfler’s Lions for the Stranger in the Night lyric. Then Romance from Gadfly suite. Still only just entered the second section of book – it forces me to … read… every… word. Stunningly eccentric – a wonder!