52748: Poem written by G. Pocock

My late father and his four brtohers all went through the first world war, my father being recruited from Landguard fort, Suffolk, and sent to Scotland. He was in dugouts under the Forth rail bridge on the Leith (south) side of the river. There he took turns in manning the guns, one on Inchcolm, one on Inchkeith, and one on Inchmickery, and had to take turns in driving out to each island with supplies for the men. He wrote this poem during he service in Inchkeith. Afterwards, he was sent to Africa, being stationed in Freetown in the Orange Free State. He was later invalided back to England and spent some time in the spa waters of Bath, which were a daily routine until his joints were working again. He was later sent to Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, and had lodgings in Springfield Road and 2, Victoria Road. He took turns in manning the anti-aircraft gun on the cliffes at Gorleston seafront, and was on duty the morning the Armistice was signed. The gun was sited on what is now a patch of grass in front of the Gables nursing home.

Editor's Comment:
Poem written by Gunner Pocock while stationed in the Firth of Fourth forts, defending the naval habour of Rosyth. Transcribed by his daughter, Miss Jean Pocock.

Gunner G. Pocock served for a time in No. 1 Coy., Essex and Suffolk (Territorial Force) Royal Garrison Artillery, when stationed in Landguard Fort, Harwich.