By John M Milne (57 Sqdn)

A long cold night, a star filled sky,

A blacked out world below.

The grim faced crew on faith rely

They'll live to see tomorrow.

The searchlights sweep, the hell sent flak,

A thousand shards of steel.

But on they press their bold attack

And hide the fear they feel

For near six years, night after night

Squadron after Squadron

Shattered the dream of Nazi might,

Its power a sham illusion

They shared a duty, fate and fear

That forged uncommon pride

And paid a price in lives so dear,

More than fifty thousand died.