Commemorated in stained glass, Claude Eustace Ralph de Quincey Browne,

Shining example of his class, will be remembered by the town.

 

Yet what of Joe, the orphan boy, sent off by Lord and Lady Browne

As batman to their pride and joy when their whole world turned upside down?

 

They knew their own beloved Claude would much prefer to sketch and write.

Young Joe could shoulder every load and workhouse boys knew how to fight.

 

No warrior he, their gentle son, yet fear of shame kept him at war

Until his trench was overrun and he lay dying on the floor.

 

Joe, wounded too, still tended him. ‘Rely on me, sir. You’ll be fine.’

He waited till the stars grew dim and carried Claude back to the line.

 

Though in great pain and losing blood, Joe focused on his one intent;

To save his master from the mud before all energy was spent.

 

The surgeons did the best they could, but soon faint hope turned to despair.

Not every hurt can be withstood and so it was with the young heir.

 

Without a word, he passed away, his loyal batman by his side.

Joe had no further part to play and, duty done, collapsed and died.

 

Prostrate with grief, the Brownes had Claude borne home by private ambulance,

Remains to be revered, adored. Brave Joe they left unmourned in France.

 

Commemorated in stained glass, Claude Eustace Ralph de Quincey Browne,

Shining example of his class, will be remembered by the town.

Dedicated to the memory of David Robert Davidson, the inspiration behind my novel 'Workhouse Orphan', this poem is included in the second Ripon Poetry Festival Anthology.