19th January

Chris didn’t make any notes in his diary today. Instead, we’re sharing just one of the many kind messages of support he and the lads received from notable public figures, friends and family while on tour.

They’re a special breed these young men
Conrad, Steve, James and Ben
1, 2, 3 and 4, Red, Blue, Green and Black
Lads together and up for the crack
Humble, bold brave and kind
No better in the world you’ll find
They stand together side by side
Trust and Mettle tested and tried
They fear no foe nor succumb to hate
The threat of terror has no weight
With gentle step and fist like iron
They engage the enemy with the heart of a lion
Ordinary men, extraordinary in deed
Flesh and blood they too bleed
No quarter asked or indeed given
Onward to victory, always driven
Officers and men from factories and farms
Forever Airborne brothers in arms
They wear with pride their parachute wings
What of these men, who are emperors and kings
Gary Sullivan