Grostenquin France

Ode to Grostenquin – George Hogg


Looking through some of the things I still have from 2 Wing I came across the program for the final Mess Dinner, under the auspices of Group Captain ER Johnston, AFC, CD, which was held on April 24th, 1964. There was a little poem on the back which I thought you might like to see. Since logging onto your site a few days ago I have already been contacted by one of my Navigators. Thanks for providing this opportunity.


T'was 52, in frantic haste
With Ivan ever yelling,
At lowest tide they saw a strip
Hard by the lovely Lelling.

Grostenquin place, that massive swamp
They braved its mire to bring,
A timely fort, for NATO's force
they built THE MASTER WING.

A decade then, the faithful Sword
And Leaden Sled stand by,
While aged craft with grizzly crew
Their humble missions ply.

Caloric bird, long-snouted thing,
The toothless One-O-Four,
Screeched o'er this land, then one sad day
Vanished for evermore.

Now we are done; the Chieftain said
"Vacate that 2 Wing place."
But hear ye all from those who know,
THEY CLOSED THE WRONG DAMNED BASE.

Signed with initials (R.G.S.) unknown.