Almighty and all-present Power,
Short is the prayer I make to Thee.
I do not ask in battle hour
For any shield to cover me.
The vast unalterable way
From which the stars do not depart,
May not be turned aside to stay
The bullets flying to my heart.
I ask no help to strike my foe,
I seek no petty victory here.
The enemy I hate, I know,
To Thee is also dear.
But this I pray: Be at my side
When death is drawing through the sky,
Almighty God, Who also died,
Teach me the way that I should die.
Hugh Brodie
Sergeant/Observer Hugh Brodie, old boy and former master of Melbourne High School. Written about 1941, these lines were found in a letter to the boys of the school, among his personal belongings after he had been posted missing during RAAF operations.
Crest of 625 Squadron RAF