Persia, now Iran, 1942.
My Homeland
When I’m away in a far off land, with nothing around but dust and sand,
My thoughts often turn to a distant soil, upon which I used to toil,
In a county renowned for its beautiful scenes, that’s what I see in my day of dreams.
The best time of year is spring I think, when the lowing cattle come to drink, at the cool waters of the rippling brook, 
Watching their young with a loving look, as they gambol around full of life, knowing nothing of war and strife.
Summer of course is the next season, but it stands to all for good reason, 
The crops that were planted in the spring, are rapidly growing and waiting to bring, 
The reward that’s due to farmer and men, who worked so long hours time and again.
Another season that has to be seen, is autumn when the leaves that were green, 
Are turning colour and falling down, to give the earth a carpet of brown, 
Which to walk through when I was a boy, gave me great pleasure and filled me with joy.
In winter the farmer has some rest, but he looks forward with great zest, to the crops he will plant in the oncoming year,
The outcome of which he has no fear, 
For he knows all those who work very hard, always reap their just reward.
I am a Dunkirk veteran, landing at Ramsgate, June 1, 1940, which I never forgot, 77 years ago. I also was on the Invasion of Madagascar, Sicily and Italy and finished up crossing the Elbe in Germany. I am now 99 years old, I love Wiltshire.
Cyril Chivers
Palmer Road
Trowbridge