A Poem by Charles Mager (3 Cdo) about Fred Walker (3 Cdo)
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The author, Charles Mager, served during the Second World War in No.3 Commando and saw action on D-Day in Normandy and subsequently in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. The poem he wrote is about Fred Walker who was his Commando comrade during that world conflict and in subsequent years, his close friend.
WARRIOR WALKER - A tribute to a second world war British Commando.
A fresh – faced butcher’s boy woke up one wartime day
Said “I’m not going to work – I want to join the fray”.
The year was ’41 and England’s back was to the wall”
So Fred toddles off with determined look to answer his Country’s call.
When he arrived to enlist – small enough to be missed!
He gave the Sergeant a surprise.
You see Fred, was a lad of only sixteen summers
And the Sergeant could not believe his eyes.
With a smart salute and a click of his boot
He had by then “picked up King George VI’s shilling”.
Soon came the call
And Fred – still quite small,
He arrived at the depot quite keen
Desperate to “do his bit” for Britain’s fighting machine.
Fred was posted to the “Beds & Herts”
Which was then his first and final aim.
The Regiment had a great history
With lots of glory and lots of fame.
Fred soon gained military skill
And learned of the enemy he had to kill.
Then by chance – Part I Orders caught his glance
And realised there was another role he wished to fulfil.
Churchill wanted eager men
To take the fight to the foe.
Straight away Fred volunteered.
His kit packed, ready to go.
Achnacarry was tough and at times – bloody rough!
But Fred took it all in his stride
And soon on the square – with a quiff in his hair
He wore his green beret with pride.
And with “Abe” and “Barty” for a short while.
Yet still maintained his true cockney smile.
So it’s “Hat’s off” to Trooper ‘542 Walker
And the brave men of 4 and 5 troop who died.
In following John Pooley attacking the Merville Battery
With Gordon Pollard at his side.
These days, if by chance you’re in the City
And maybe near to Chiswell Street,
There you’ll see Fred enjoying retirement,
Having a quiet pint and something to eat.
The moral of this story –
Guess it if you can?
Fred left the city a boy ….
Went to war and came back a fine man.
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