Secret service

My dad started working at a young age
He was herding cattle as a kid: yes he did!
Grandpa had a horse and cart for working with
Bringing home the firewood: it was understood
Dad would help his father in any way he could
First for his own family: then to sell for others
Taking care of everyone: all those sisters and brothers
They had ten children to feed: it was hard work
That is most certainly agreed: it was difficult
To provide for everyone: so they all worked
Yes even the little ones had their chores to do
That's how it all worked out perfectly you see
That's how my dad ended up working in a factory
He was only a young lad when he had to start
Working in that factory was his major part
He had to make saucepans, cigarette lighters too
Pens and writing stuff was all in a day's work
Until it was requested that he make something new
They made the shells for the army effort
Huge shell casings for the war: it was World War Two
It was supposed to be a secret: nobody allowed to tell
Yes it was for the army: they had to work in secret
My dear dad remembers it very well!