| A poem, penned by Jean Sweet (1926-2018), was written to present at a friend's 18th birthday party in the expectation that the crew of JB141 would themselves be at the party. Tragically they were killed between her writing it and the party taking place, making the poem all the more poignant. (By way of interpretation, Dinger is Arthur Bell, Corney is Cyril Wheatstone, Joe is John Joseph Smith and Baron is George Upfold- for reasons unknown. The first line of the second verse should read 'Bei mir bist du schön' - a contemporary song popularised by the Andrew Sisters, although originally penned in Yiddish which the title in the poem perhaps alludes to as it is closer to the Yiddish spelling).
"In tribute to a Gallant crew from a grateful British subject"
Johnny and Norman, the Baron and Joe, Corney and Dinger and George
Are out in a bomber on every Big Show
Their way through the flak they will Forge
Bei mir bist du shane (sic)
Is the Lancaster's name
It means what we think - you're the tops
Norm will pilot you through
John will aim his bombs true
Until all this monstrosity stops
If they're hit by the flak,
There is no turning back
They'll go on till the job has been done
And with all guns ablaze
They'll help put out that maze
Of searchlights with the Baron's rear gun
When wounded and torn,
Looking slightly forlorn
The bomber limps back with its crew
George will care for and tend
Every fresh battle scar
Till once more she can fly in the blue
Then with Dinger, Joe, Corney completing the crew
The cream of our land is displayed
We humble ourselves when we think of the courage
And sacrifices you have made
Well we're trying to help you by staying at home
Looking after the things that you love
And we'll still be waiting when you cease to roam
In those treacherous skies high above. |
| His name was a tribute to John William and Joseph Sydney Smith, his brothers killed in the first war, and was known as Joey. He received his education at Heighington School. He is commemorated on the memorial in Branston village. Joey, or Sonny as he was also known, worked for Mr S. Haigh in Sincil Street Lincoln which sold shoes and perhaps clothing before joining the R.A.F. His mother refused to sign his papers to join up but his father did, causing his parents to split up. They were never reconciled. |
