Mine Sweepers

Sea Warfare 1914-18

Dawn off the Foreland - the young flood making
    Jumbled and short and steep - 
Black in the hollows and bright where it's breaking -
   Awkward water to sweep.
   "Mines reported in the fairway,
   "Warn all traffic and detain.
" 'Sent up  Unity, Claribel, Assyrian, Stormcock, and Golden
        Gain."  

 Noon off the Foreland - the first ebb making 
   Lumpy and strong in the bight.
 Boom after boom, and the golf-hut shaking 
   And the jackdaws wild with fright !
   "Mines located in the fairway,
   "Boats now working up the chain,
 "Sweepers -  Unity, Claribel, Assyrian, Stormcock, and Golden
        Gain."  

Dusk off the Foreland - the last light going 
  And the traffic crowding through,
And five damned trawlers with their syreens blowing 
   Heading the whole review !
   "Sweep completed in the fairway.
   "No more mines remain.
" 'Sent back  Unity, Claribel, Assyrian, Stormcock, and Golden
        Gain."

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