World War One - Private Arthur Ivens

Through this poem, preserved by his descendants, Ernest Ivens expressed the grief he felt at the loss of an elder brother and fellow soldier. For Ernest, "the bitterest blow" was not knowing where Arthur's remains lie.

In Memory of Arthur Ivens of Cherrington who was killed in action in the Great War 1914-1918

He left his home in perfect health

He looked so young and brave

He little thought how soon he'd lie

Within a hero's grave.

We think we saw his smiling face

As he bade us all goodbye

When he left his dear ones forever

In a foreign land to die

His king and country called him

"I am ready", he replied

For freedom and humanity

He bravely fought and died

But we have one consolation

He bravely did his best

Somewhere abroad that dear one sleeps

A hero laid to rest

Some think we may forget him

When at times they see us smile

But they little know the sorrow

That a smile hides all the while

And then the unknown grave is the bitterest blow

And none but the aching hearts do know

For only those who have lost can tell

The pain of not bidding a last farewell

Oft we sit and think of him

But not with outward show

For the heart that mourns with sincerity

Mourns silently and low

Sleep on beloved and take thy rest

In a grave we shall never see

But as long as life shall ever last

We will remember thee

His king and country had called him

The call was not in vain

For on Britain's Roll of Honour

You will see my brother's name

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