22 SEPTEMBER 1944, Page 9

OFFICIAL SEPULTURE

LEAVE them in peace beneath the staring sky. At head the rough wood cross, at foot the steel Of battered helmet. They will not feel, Beneath the shallow shifting sand the cold Night wind. Nor will they wonder why They died, these men who did not wish to die.

Leave them in peace. They do not need to lie In neat meticulous lines—Oh let them rest Where they have fought and died, for sweet forgetfulness Will make them one. Their careless work is done, And they are lost--forget them—they have won.

DEREK MONSEY.