Hymn for Airmen [hymn by L. E. Homfray, 31 July 1940]

[Editor: This hymn, written during the Second World War (1939-1945), by L. E. Homfray, was published in The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW), 31 July 1940.]

Hymn for Airmen.

Tune: Old Hundredth.

Oh! Thou Who holdest in Thy hands
Each wonder of the starry heights,
Look down in mercy, and defend
Our airmen on their trackless flights.

As through the clouds they wing their way,
Oh! May they feel Thy presence near;
In times of danger, or distress,
Renew their courage, calm their fear.

Oh! Bless the longing hearts that yearn
For loved ones far beyond their care,
Sustain them in their loneliness,
And all their anxious waiting share.

Give comfort, Lord, to those who mourn
Some dear beloved life laid down;
And may each brave and gallant heart
Receive from Thee the victor’s crown.

Oh! Lord of Heaven, and earth, and sea,
Look down from out the starry heights,
Our flying men and women guard
Upon their lone and trackless flights.

— Amen.

L. E. HOMFRAY,
Beecroft.

(Many years ago the Homfray family lived at Tinonee for 17 years. — Ed., “M.R.T.”)

Source:
The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW), 31 July 1940, p. 3

Editor’s notes:
Ed. = an abbreviation of “Editor”

Lord = in a religious context, and capitalized, a reference to God or Jesus

Lord of Heaven = God

M.R.T. = The Manning River Times (full title: The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales)

thee = (archaic) you