I wondered if anyone here may have heard about the 1737 poem that is thought of as a prophecy of the Battle of Britain. The following is a translation from Gray’s ‘Luna Habitabilis’, Cambridge, 1737 (originally written in Latin by the famous English poet who also composed the famous ‘Elegy’).
“The time will come, when thou shalt lift thine eyes
To watch a long-drawn battle in the skies,
While aged peasants, too amazed for words,
Stare at the flying fleets of wond’rous birds,
England, so long the mistress of the sea,
Where wind and waves confess her sovereignty,
Her ancient triumphs yet on high shall bear,
And reign the sovereign of the conquered air.
Pretty good prophecy, huh?
By: von Perthes - 17th November 2004 at 20:27
Ted,
I believe it was the menu card that Gerald had with him, can’t remember the date of it though.
Geoff.
By: Toddington Ted - 17th November 2004 at 13:27
Battle of Britain Prophecy
I had the task of organising the Annual Battle of Britain Dining In Night at a certain RAF Station in Lincolnshire in 2001 (unfortunately something dreadful happened t’other side of the pond a few days prior to the function which subdued things a little) and we reproduced this poem on the menu card. Needless to say, it has been repeated since. Indeed, IIRC, Gerald Stapleton was our Guest of Honour a couple of years ago! When I first joined the RAF, such dining-in nights (as opposed to cocktail parties) were rare, I’m pleased to say that most RAF units now commemorate the BofB with a formal Dinner, which is good for our ethos and culture.
By: Dave Homewood - 17th November 2004 at 08:32
I found this ‘prophecy’ in a copy of RNZAF Contact some months ago but I was reminded of it the other day when a local brought a painting along to our Air Force reunion. He’d bought it in an Air Force sale when they sold off lots of Mess chattles. The painting set is in a big old Gentlemen’s club style mess, real RAF. At a dining table are men in 1700’s period dress all toasting a 1940’s RAF pilot who’s at the head of the table. It’s a wonderful painting and is based around the prophecy. I will have to ask him if I can scan it.
By: DazDaMan - 17th November 2004 at 08:29
I think I’ve read that somewhere before, probably in a book. Couldn’t tell you which one, mind! :rolleyes:
By: von Perthes - 17th November 2004 at 07:56
Gerald ‘Stapme’ Stapleton had a copy with him when he visited the museum for the Battle of Britain London Monument, which he seemed quite taken with.
Geoff.
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November 17, 2004 at 5:01 am