This moving piece was written by Edythe Barker of 129 Queen’s Parade, Scarborough, in 1914.

AN INNOCENT VICTIM
Doctor and nurse were busy,
’Twas through the German raid;
And many were the victims,
In the hospital laid.

On one white cot was lying,
With grim, determined face,
A badly wounded youngster;
A most pathetic case.

His feeble voice, when speaking,
With eagerness did ring;
‘My daddy is a soldier brave,
Who’s fighting for the King.

And when he hears they’ve hurted me,’
He said with eyes aglow,
‘You bet your life my daddy will,
Give them what for, I know!’

Then to the eyes of those around,
The tears came fast and hot;
To see the youngster racked with pain,
So bravely bear his lot.

Poor child! He never lived to see,
The Germans made to pay;
The little hero’s spirit fled,
To heaven the following day.