Aftertouch: My Tribute To The Soldiers Of WW1

Published by Stephen Milward in Culture · Saturday 21 Feb 2026 · 2 minutes
Tags: Aftertouch, Tribute, Soldiers, WW1, World, War, 1, Remembrance, History, Military, Commemoration, Sacrifice

My Grandfather, John Wain Milward, fought in World War 1. He lost both legs in the Battle Of The Somme in 1916 (i). I remember him when I was a young child, but I can't remember his voice as he never spoke to me. All he did was look out of the window in the front room. Even when prompted by Grandma, he never acknowledged me.

Much later, i found out what had happened to him. He was discharged from the army (papers below).

I have two things from him, a watchchain and a middle name.

'Aftertouch' is a song I composed telling the story of men and their thoughts leaving to fight. You can view the video here:

The lyrics:

I got a letter today, they're going to send me away,

I don't have a say, I'm going to the Somme.

I don't have a choice, I don't have a voice,

So I've got something to take with me.

I'm not afraid, I'll make the grade,

With my gun and grenade, the Boche will know where I'm from.

No piano for me, when I get to Picardy,

So I'm going to take with me, your

Chorus

Aftertouch

I love it so much,

I can feel my fingers running through your hair, I've got your

Aftertouch, it means so much,

I need to feel you near me, with our love.

I really hate the trench, there's a horrible stench,

Old food and rats are all around.

When the whistle blows, we all look around,

I believe time's up for me, but I've got your

Chorus

They got me, I'm in the mud of death,

I can hear others calling, they're calling for their Mum.

I put you down as next of kin,

You'll get a letter, words you never wanted to see,

They'll be more for them to write.

My name will be on a wall, for KIng and country they fell,

Stone of ages, many pages all tell of hell.

When you see it don't cry, stiff upper lip dear,

In the dark, on your own,

Just feel my

Chorus

(i) Wikipedia: Battle of the Somme