Cave_Panel_Final Design provided by Quench Design & Communications Inc., Port Hope. www.quenchme.ca When a battery's on the move it parks in queerest places, Some OCs favour barn-yards, others wide open spaces And so the 47th on their way up to the "mill" Decided on a new spot on top of a windy hill. As they prowled around the place, their faces lit up with grins They discovered a cave on the hillside, there my story begins. Not merely a hole-in-the-ground, it could shelter maybe 200 You see with curfew in effect no one could leave the lines If they'd a place to kill three hours, things'd be just fine. Major Builder was deep in thought as he paced about the floor, Suddenly a thought hit home, and he let out-a roar. Said he, "I've figured out a move, you'll agree I'm right, We'll turn the cavern into a tavern where the boys come at night." They went into the nearest town and purchased little kegs That re-acted on all of the boys, especially in the legs. It really was a clever move, everyone had real fun All hands would quit workin', slip on the jerkin And down to the cave for a "quick--one." They had a lighting-system, which was a piece of luck, Consisting of a headlight, they'd salvaged from a truck. Fergy and Joe were bar-tenders, and kept the boys in line, When they came far and near, with a handful of lire, Which they handed across for wine. They didn't draw it out of taps, but with no regrets The tins they drank the stuff out of, once held cigarettes. And when a happy gunner had a few over the limit His "boozin"' pals would find his tent, "Gently" lay him in it. Just the same the "Old Cave Inn" was a grand meeting-place, Whether you'd had mud on your boots, or old fatigue-suits Or three days' beard on your face. A place where pals could gather, amid a friendly throng To have a quiet discussion or indulge in Lively song. And when this party is over and Adolph has had his fill When you're guzzling a bottle of Bingo Just remember "The Cave-on-the-Hill." T. McMahon THE CAVE ON THE HILL NEAR GRAVINA, ITALY, CHRISTMAS 1943