THE D-DAY DODGERS
I heard an old soldier half sing, and half recite, an old war song on the CBC about six months ago. He was concerned that
the song The D-Day Dodgers would be lost to antiquity. Thanks to help from the Canadian Legion web site, I found a
site that has secured the lyrics.
The song has many versions I'm sure - just like all soldiers songs, some verses are likely a little more risqué than
others.
Apparently, Lady Astor made some derogatory remarks about the Canadian soldiers. According to her misguided wisdom, they
were in Italy and had avoided the D-Day invasion.
This soldier's song was their response. The author or authors are lost to time and war. It was widely known at the time
and sung to the tune of Lili Marlene.
Here is the version I found. This version was compiled and edited by Hamish Henderson.
If you have additional verses or versions please contact me.
D-DAY DODGERS
We're the D-Day Dodgers, way off in Italy,
Always on the vino, always on the spree;
Eighth Army scroungers and their tanks,
We live in Rome, among the Yanks.
We are the D-Day Dodgers, way out in Italy;
We are the D-Day Dodgers, way out in Italy.
We landed in Salerno, a holiday with pay,
The Jerries brought the bands out to greet us on the way.
Showed us the sights and gave us tea,
We all sang songs, the beer was free,
To welcome D-Day Dodgers to sunny Italy.
Naples and Casino were taken in our stride,
We didn't go to fight there, we went just for the ride.
Anzio and Sangro were just names,
We only went to look for dames,
The artful D-Day Dodgers, way out in Italy
Dear Lady Astor, you think you're mighty hot,
Standing on the platform, talking tommyrot.
You're England's sweetheart and her pride
We think your mouth's too bleeding wide.
We are the D-Day Dodgers, in sunny Italy.
Look around the mountains, in the mud and rain,
You'll find the scattered crosses, some that have no name.
Heartbreak and toil and suffering gone,
The boys beneath them slumber on.
They are the D-Day Dodgers who stay in Italy,
They are the D-Day Dodgers who stay in Italy.
If you love your freedom, say thanks to a veteran, - and wear your poppy.
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