It's not a mockery. It was actually written by the guys fighting in Italy. It was their sarcastic reply to the Viscountess Astor who was heard to call the troops fighting in Italy as having it easy when in fact the fighting was extremely hard.
That's exactly being clueless about what was currently happening on the field of their soldiers and, for the current thinkers of it, history. Considering the fight in Italy was hellish due to its territory (the toughest ever, akin to asiatic theatres) and its secondary nature as a front.
1;18 second soldier in line, my dad, behind him my uncle, dont know where the pic is from but my mom had one, and she used to show these to me.. great to see it and love the song..
I've just watched this video with great interest an nearly fell off my seat when I see my late father who was in the Canadian Seaforth Highlanders in Silicy in 1944. Thank you so much for sharing!
one of my favourite videos is a small dutch lad in uniform saluting marching Canadians (well post war) who gave him "eyes right". hard to find this video now, but always touched me deeply. Canadian here.
My mothers father, who passed in 2014, my Opa, was from Holland. Was taken from the Krauts during the occupation of Holland. He was quite young, but kept him alive as he was a farmer. He grew food for the German troops. He wasn't treated the best, but treated him well enough to live. While on a train, a man had taken his window seat. He tried to get his seat back, but he just ended up sitting next to the man. Then a gunshot was heard. My Opa told the man next to him, "Wake up, they are shooting at us!" Only to find a bullet in the man's head. If he had been in that seat. I wouldn't be here today. He lived a long, happy life, even though he was blind. Came to my home, Nova Scotia, Canada, on the SS Watermanns. Came into Pier 21. I forget the date he came though.
My father was a D-Day Dodger. He was very bitter about this title and kept a letter from my mother in Windsor in his wallet on which he had written the words of this song all his life. I found it when he died.
A man I was proud to call my friend, used to sing this at parties, Lady Astor was hated, the fighting in Italy was exceptionally hard, because beyond every hill was another hill, and across every river was another river, they were fighting a D-Day every couple of days. Total respect to them all.
My grandfather was a D-Day Dodger, IV PLDG, a Canadian armoured reconnaissance battalion. I never got to discuss the war with him so all I have are photos and the few things he said to my parents. Apparently he drove a motorcycle and drank a lot.
my uncle bill was a D-Day Dodger, a proud fighting man and dispatch rider for the PPCLI,or The Princess Pats ( Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry). He was and is one of my heroes,doing what all men of age did in my family,fight for their country. RIP uncle Bill,till we meet again !!
My uncle landed on D day. He fought in France. After one his units officers was shot, a british officer was rotated in. This Brit wanted the Canadians to parade in the middle of an active battle zone. The guy's in my uncles unit told the Brit to f**k off. The Brit officer pulls his pistol and threatens to shoot anyone who does not follow his orders. My uncle then said a couple of these guys from Saskatchewan pointed thier weapons at the Brit and the Brit backed down. I suspect the Brits and Canadians never saw eye to eye.
went to Sicily this summer and made a stop in the Agira cemetary. The only one with only candian in it. 490 soldier. Stop at every tomb to read the name and regiment. To see the hilly inlands of the Island is impressive. To imagine that our men won against the German is amazing. The German were situated in the villages on mountain tops. Had a clear view of the coming army and the better guns. Really it was a David against Goliath kind of situation. Thank you to all CDN soldiers, less we forget
We Britons are eternally grateful to all our Commonwealth colleagues of all colours and creeds who sacrificed their lives to save the world from eteranl darkness.
LOL! Without Canada you folks would have been screwed! I jest: war is horror as well as a team effort. Without others, we do not succeed. Alone we sometimes might go faster, but together we always go further. This is the lesson we all, combned wrote for humanity. We destroyed great evil by working as one.
The D-Day landings were legend but few campaigns in the war were more vicious than those engaged by the allies as the battled their way up Italy. As hinted by the last verse in this song, the "D-Day Dodgers in Sunny Italy" were mostly those reposing in the unidentified graves along the way.
As a brief and former Hasty-Pee who had the honour to stand in the shadow of giants and meet some Dodgers (as they drank me under the mess table)...there are no words for what they did. None. My cousin, Lt Frederick Culliton Perth Regt, remains in sunny Italy. He was 28 and sacrificed an excellent life, a wonderful family, and sacrificed it all. For us all. My sons and I (we ALL look the same) - honour his memory every Nov 11. I have had the privlidge of standing sentry at the cenotaph as have my sons. The discomfort is an honour. In the morning, and at the going down of the sun, we do our best to remember him and all of them. We are enjoying what we have because of their sacrifices. This is a lesson that needs to be instilled in all. Lest we forget.
When you look 'round the mountains, through the mud and rain You'll find the scattered crosses, some which bear no name. Heartbreak, and toil and suffering gone The boys beneath them slumber on They were the D-Day Dodgers, who'll stay in Italy this makes me cry ;(
Thank you Sir's for dodging D-day and taking Italy in winter gear and on foot. Keeping pace with the Americans in their fancy tanks. The bottom line is that Canadians are stronger on foot than people in Tanks. You continue to make us proud with that sort of reputation.
I dont actually think america was in the war at this time. We only joined in the last year. As far as we were concerned it was a European war. That was back when we were more conservative about foreign conflicts, but the cold war and war on terror ended that conservative mentality. As president Roosevelt would say "Speak softly and carry a stick." (tho at the time we didnt rly have that impressive of a military, only a decent navy) The only way we would have joined was if Nazi troops actually set foot in Britain, and even then we'd prolly be reluctant. Hell, even after the numerous bomb raids on Britain, all we did was send financial aid. Thats why they mention the "yanks" at the beginning of the song, they thought it was absurd that they were being called "D-Day Dodgers" when the US wasn't even joining the war at all. (which it was. it was incredibly absurd) Even during the time we were at war, most of our focus was in the pacific.
My grandfather wrote a book called D-Day Dodger, Memoirs of a Foot Soilder. He has eye witness accounts. And many historical battle reports confirm that a Canadian on foot is more lethal than an American in a tank. So just deal with it that a few plucky Canadians are better at war than Amercians.
@@mak9595 thats not what i was arguing against? im just pointing out that americans weren't in the war yet. which is just a simple fact. kinda weird that u guys always mention us when we literally have nothing to do w half the things y'all mention us in. makes u kinda come off as obsessive
@@WGGplant, are you talking to yourself? My grandfather wrote a book about his experience, and there are too many facts to list that show they took Itally alongside the Yankees. I don't know what you're jabbering on about or who you're replying to.
This is the hasty p theme my dad was a hasty p God rest his soul. Dad you are getting a soldiers head stone thanks to the last post. You be proud of what we fought to get you. LOve ya dad
My grandfather faught with the 48th Highlanders of Canada and fought hard in Italy. Also a member of my orange lodge is the only member of his regiement, Black Watch of Canada, to survive Montecassino, Mac Roulston is his name.
Thank you for comments and for viewing my video ! When I made the video almost 5 years ago I didn't have a photo of the cemetery. I have never been to Sicily or Italy. I'm hoping to do it one day but life keeps interfering with that plan. The important thing for me was to get the message out there that Canada played a very important part in a campaign, that is for most of the world, unknown. We're not the greatest at standing up and saying "Hey, look what we did!" Regards John
Bloody marvelous! Great tribute boyos! Now when is someone in this country going to make a feature film about Ortona and the like, eh? You can't tell me we don't have the wealth or talent to do it proud.
I would love to get a downloadable version of this. My grandfather was a 'd-day dodger' with the Middlesex Regiment and was killed coming home in October 1945, aged 33.
My regiment, the British Columbia Dragoons, fought through Italy as part of 5th Armoured Division. Every year we celebrate Gothic Line Day, and are proud of our status as "D-Day Dodgers".
My late father was a D Day Dodger. He fought in Tunisia, Pantelleria, Sicilly (I think), Anzio and Bologna. He was in the British Army (Royal Engineers) and i think that its worth pointing out that, in what has become a very much neglected campaign, there were troops from many countries fighting. The great tragedy was that Mark Clark threw away the opportunity to cut off the German Army's retreat following the Anzio break out so he could be photographed "liberating" Rome.
13 дней назад
My Uncle Sgt. Fred Ward, my mother's brother was a D-Day Dodger. He served with Lord Strathcona Horse as a Tank Commander. He lost three tanks in Italy and saved another Canadian Tank Crew whose tank was on fire. The Germans were firing a machine gun at the crew trying to escape. Fred pulled his tank in front of theirs so they could make their escape. He then fired on the German Machine Gun Position and took them out. He would never speak of the War unless he had too much to drink and then he'd start to cry. I never asked him to tell me any more. He always felt guilty, that after seeing so many of his friends die, he never got a scratch. He talked of reconnaissance in a Bren Carrier and of seeing a large German Convoy of Tanks and Artillery being led by a Motorcycle and his Canadian gunner opening up with a Bren Gun on the Motorcycle and the Motorcycle and driver flying apart in pieces. He said they had to go like hell as the German's called in an Artillery Barrage. Another time they went into the basement of a Winery and there was a huge cask of wine with a sprgot, after a couple of glasses of wine the sprigot would not work, so they climbed a ladder to have a look, and only then noticed a dead German was lodged against the sprigot. They drank no more wine.
You are correct sir! It all started when back in England by British Member of Parliament Nancy Astor. used the term in public. She implied that the Allied troops fighting in Italy were having a good old time. Like being on vacation so too speak. As we know it was the exact opposite. The Allies experienced some of the hardest fighting ever seen. When they heard about her comments they took exception to it. This song is evidence of that. Enjoy!
“If I were married to you, I’d put poison in your coffee,” Lady Astor once famously remarked to Winston Churchill. “If I were married to you,” he replied, “I’d drink it.” This may be wrongly attributed to Churchill (some say his friend Fredrick Erwin Smith may have said it.. or related it as a story about Churchill.) ... that tells you Churchill's opinion of the Lady Astor.
Remember my dad had a record of this song. He didn't go to Italy but was in the D Day landings in Normandy. He had friends who were "d day dodgers" and it used to piss him off that they were branded this way by the idiot lady Astor.
Nice collection of photos!! Most canadians were not used to the mountainous regions in Italy. Italy was actually known as the "Forgotten Front". But I did not forget it!!
another forgotten front was the burma campaign against the japanese. the father of a friend of mine fought in that. a lot of his comrades became prisoners of war. he didn’t, thanks to luck or divine providence or something. but he never forgot the horror if that campaign.
My grandfather was in the 5th mechanized division of the 1st infantry in Italy and then in Holland. They were torpedoed on their way to Sicily and spent much of one night in the water, men drowning all around him. I don't think the Husky campaign gets recognized for how hard they fought and how many Germans surrendered to Canadian troops
@p1ckerings 'Twas composed after a comment from some Lady Astor about how sloppy war was in Italy, as she referred to infantrymen deployed there as 'd-day dodgers'. It's actually bitterly sarcastic.
Lady Astor was called the Honourable Member for Berlin and it was said that debating her in parliament was like playing badminton with a plate of scrambled eggs. The soldiers picked a great way of throwing her slur back in her face.
My great-grandfather and great uncle was in Africa, Italian and France and Belgium and Holland and Germany camping in the Canadian Army and fist special service force mix of American and Canadians thank you to all allies for saving the world from Hitler's army thank you for your service ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@p1ckerings a late response to this but i have to say it- if you know the history of the song, its actually just the opposite of what you think it is. it isn't sarcasm belittling the soldiers, its sarcasm BY the soldiers towards someone who belittled them. Lady Nancy Astor is said to have made some very controversial comments regarding the Normandy campaign. Specifically calling the soldiers D day dodgers, suggesting that they went to Italy to avoid the "real" fight in Europe
Slightly different version to what I have, but as a collector of "Squaddie Songs" that is not unusual... Every theatre, nay, unit had its own version of songs. Very good version, and remember those who served. They gave their today, for our tomorrow.
I believe that Radio Belgrade (a German controlled station) used to sign on/off with Lille Marlene a popular song of the time. This broadcast could be picked up all over the Adriatic & Mediterranean theatres and was listened to by all sides. Lille Marlene became very popular with the Allied Eighth Army (who fought in the Western Desert, Italy, and funnily enough at D-Day too) and over time the tune was put to other words.
Grandfather in the Royal Canadian Dragoons...a dispatch rider. Front line brutal conditions with no reserves facing some of the best of the German Army for 16 months. Any doubt to the difficult offensive conditions go on a Italy WW2 History tour and educate yourself. Thanks Jimmy for your service!!
I don't get why there are no pics of the Agira cemetary. The only cemetary in Italy with only CDN soldiers in it. It's worth going in sicily just to see it. It also makes you realized how this battle was really a david and goliath. When you see the mountains were the German were hidding and the open view they had of the coming ennemie you wounder how they did it.
anyone know where i can find the song "African star" im wanting to learn it on my uke because i do wartime re-enacting thanks and my the chaps that fell rest in peace we shall never forget we should always remember
@p1ckerings If you thinks this song is so bad take a look at the Tralagar school for girls choir doingit for some old boyies how where D-Day Dodgers they seam make up to hear it. ( the girls did cut out some of the song for some reson)
"you're thinking of Hamish Henderson" Yeagh you are right. Hamish Imlach sang the song and there is a version of his on youtube. I suspect the other poster got him confused with Henderson
Actually it was only baseless rumour which reported that Viscountess Astor had described the troops in Italy as "D-Day Dodgers". It was certainly widely believed but there is nothing in it.
We focus on D-Day in the West and forget the horrible fighting in Italy. Monte Cassino was easliy one of the toughest battles the Allies fought in WWII
" It is down-underlying not a Canadian accent" It is not specifically a Canadian song. Written originally by a British soldier and various subsequent verses collected by Hamish Henderson the Scottish folklorist and songwriter
We're the D-Day Dodgers out in Italy! Always on the vino always on the spree! Eighth Army skivers and their tanks! We go to war in ties like swanks. For we're the D-Day Dodgers! Out in Italy!
@rugbyguy59 If PPCLI's reply doesn't appear under my comment (I'm not seeing it) then I'm letting people know he has told me about the limits of the photos available. I take back any reservations I had.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
It's not a mockery. It was actually written by the guys fighting in Italy. It was their sarcastic reply to the Viscountess Astor who was heard to call the troops fighting in Italy as having it easy when in fact the fighting was extremely hard.
PPCLIcanuck especially monte Cassino that was no picnic who did she think she was????
That's exactly being clueless about what was currently happening on the field of their soldiers and, for the current thinkers of it, history.
Considering the fight in Italy was hellish due to its territory (the toughest ever, akin to asiatic theatres) and its secondary nature as a front.
1;18 second soldier in line, my dad, behind him my uncle, dont know where the pic is from but my mom had one, and she used to show these to me.. great to see it and love the song..
I've just watched this video with great interest an nearly fell off my seat when I see my late father who was in the Canadian Seaforth Highlanders in Silicy in 1944. Thank you so much for sharing!
wow, amazing to have seen that for you!!!
Thank you Canadians,on behalf of the Dutch.
Your welcome
one of my favourite videos is a small dutch lad in uniform saluting marching Canadians (well post war) who gave him "eyes right". hard to find this video now, but always touched me deeply. Canadian here.
My mothers father, who passed in 2014, my Opa, was from Holland. Was taken from the Krauts during the occupation of Holland. He was quite young, but kept him alive as he was a farmer. He grew food for the German troops. He wasn't treated the best, but treated him well enough to live. While on a train, a man had taken his window seat. He tried to get his seat back, but he just ended up sitting next to the man. Then a gunshot was heard. My Opa told the man next to him, "Wake up, they are shooting at us!" Only to find a bullet in the man's head. If he had been in that seat. I wouldn't be here today. He lived a long, happy life, even though he was blind. Came to my home, Nova Scotia, Canada, on the SS Watermanns. Came into Pier 21. I forget the date he came though.
np
My father was a D-Day Dodger. He was very bitter about this title and kept a letter from my mother in Windsor in his wallet on which he had written the words of this song all his life. I found it when he died.
Thanks for sharing. We should be proud of them and your Dad. God Bless you
A man I was proud to call my friend, used to sing this at parties, Lady Astor was hated, the fighting in Italy was exceptionally hard, because beyond every hill was another hill, and across every river was another river, they were fighting a D-Day every couple of days. Total respect to them all.
Thanks so much. My respect to all.
My grandfather was a D-Day Dodger, IV PLDG, a Canadian armoured reconnaissance battalion. I never got to discuss the war with him so all I have are photos and the few things he said to my parents. Apparently he drove a motorcycle and drank a lot.
That sounds like every dispatch rider ever and a good friend! Thinking this is a story that needs to be told. Interested in a phone interview?
my uncle bill was a D-Day Dodger, a proud fighting man and dispatch rider for the PPCLI,or The Princess Pats ( Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry). He was and is one of my heroes,doing what all men of age did in my family,fight for their country. RIP uncle Bill,till we meet again !!
My uncle landed on D day. He fought in France. After one his units officers was shot, a british officer was rotated in. This Brit wanted the Canadians to parade in the middle of an active battle zone. The guy's in my uncles unit told the Brit to f**k off. The Brit officer pulls his pistol and threatens to shoot anyone who does not follow his orders. My uncle then said a couple of these guys from Saskatchewan pointed thier weapons at the Brit and the Brit backed down. I suspect the Brits and Canadians never saw eye to eye.
went to Sicily this summer and made a stop in the Agira cemetary. The only one with only candian in it. 490 soldier. Stop at every tomb to read the name and regiment. To see the hilly inlands of the Island is impressive. To imagine that our men won against the German is amazing. The German were situated in the villages on mountain tops. Had a clear view of the coming army and the better guns. Really it was a David against Goliath kind of situation. Thank you to all CDN soldiers, less we forget
We Britons are eternally grateful to all our Commonwealth colleagues of all colours and creeds who sacrificed their lives to save the world from eteranl darkness.
LOL! Without Canada you folks would have been screwed! I jest: war is horror as well as a team effort. Without others, we do not succeed. Alone we sometimes might go faster, but together we always go further. This is the lesson we all, combned wrote for humanity. We destroyed great evil by working as one.
The D-Day landings were legend but few campaigns in the war were more vicious than those engaged by the allies as the battled their way up Italy.
As hinted by the last verse in this song, the "D-Day Dodgers in Sunny Italy" were mostly those reposing in the unidentified graves along the way.
As a brief and former Hasty-Pee who had the honour to stand in the shadow of giants and meet some Dodgers (as they drank me under the mess table)...there are no words for what they did. None.
My cousin, Lt Frederick Culliton Perth Regt, remains in sunny Italy. He was 28 and sacrificed an excellent life, a wonderful family, and sacrificed it all. For us all. My sons and I (we ALL look the same) - honour his memory every Nov 11. I have had the privlidge of standing sentry at the cenotaph as have my sons. The discomfort is an honour.
In the morning, and at the going down of the sun, we do our best to remember him and all of them. We are enjoying what we have because of their sacrifices. This is a lesson that needs to be instilled in all.
Lest we forget.
When you look 'round the mountains, through the mud and rain
You'll find the scattered crosses, some which bear no name.
Heartbreak, and toil and suffering gone
The boys beneath them slumber on
They were the D-Day Dodgers, who'll stay in Italy
this makes me cry ;(
As does Fred Culliton. Lest we forget!
God bless em all who made it home, and for those who didn't.
Thanks Today is 65 years and I'm thinking of my Grandfather who was in Italy...
Thank you Sir's for dodging D-day and taking Italy in winter gear and on foot. Keeping pace with the Americans in their fancy tanks. The bottom line is that Canadians are stronger on foot than people in Tanks. You continue to make us proud with that sort of reputation.
I dont actually think america was in the war at this time. We only joined in the last year. As far as we were concerned it was a European war. That was back when we were more conservative about foreign conflicts, but the cold war and war on terror ended that conservative mentality.
As president Roosevelt would say "Speak softly and carry a stick."
(tho at the time we didnt rly have that impressive of a military, only a decent navy)
The only way we would have joined was if Nazi troops actually set foot in Britain, and even then we'd prolly be reluctant. Hell, even after the numerous bomb raids on Britain, all we did was send financial aid.
Thats why they mention the "yanks" at the beginning of the song, they thought it was absurd that they were being called "D-Day Dodgers" when the US wasn't even joining the war at all. (which it was. it was incredibly absurd)
Even during the time we were at war, most of our focus was in the pacific.
My grandfather wrote a book called D-Day Dodger, Memoirs of a Foot Soilder. He has eye witness accounts. And many historical battle reports confirm that a Canadian on foot is more lethal than an American in a tank. So just deal with it that a few plucky Canadians are better at war than Amercians.
@@mak9595 thats not what i was arguing against? im just pointing out that americans weren't in the war yet. which is just a simple fact.
kinda weird that u guys always mention us when we literally have nothing to do w half the things y'all mention us in. makes u kinda come off as obsessive
@@WGGplant, are you talking to yourself? My grandfather wrote a book about his experience, and there are too many facts to list that show they took Itally alongside the Yankees. I don't know what you're jabbering on about or who you're replying to.
and she complained about how dirty and unkempt they were as well! :) My dad was a D-Day Dodger and I am darn proud of him! :) Bless his soul!
great songs for such sad times,Much respect to all the lads,and what a tool mrs astor was!
Your efforts will never be forgotten, Thank you
You did a excellent job with this vid. I keep coming back to it as one of my favorites...especially as a Loyal Eddie!
Thank you posting this.
thanks very much, my uncle is still alive, my dad has passed 10 yrs now...cheers
Many, many thanks to all of the vets who fought to keep us all free.
This is the hasty p theme my dad was a hasty p God rest his soul. Dad you are getting a soldiers head stone thanks to the last post. You be proud of what we fought to get you. LOve ya dad
My Grandfather was a dodger, but you wouldn't dare call him that. Joseph Daniel Dunphy - 1st Division, 3rd Brigade RCEME.
Thanks for this my Dad was the layer on a 25pdr with the Battleaxe Division he often used to sing this after a few drops of the black stuff
My grandfather faught with the 48th Highlanders of Canada and fought hard in Italy. Also a member of my orange lodge is the only member of his regiement, Black Watch of Canada, to survive Montecassino, Mac Roulston is his name.
Thank you for comments and for viewing my video ! When I made the video almost 5 years ago I didn't have a photo of the cemetery. I have never been to Sicily or Italy. I'm hoping to do it one day but life keeps interfering with that plan. The important thing for me was to get the message out there that Canada played a very important part in a campaign, that is for most of the world, unknown. We're not the greatest at standing up and saying "Hey, look what we did!"
Regards
John
Thank you. It was very moving.
A colourful version that's for sure
This is a very moving song/combination...
Well done
Great Video...from a retired Loyal Eddie...Thanks!!
THANK YOU JOHN MY DAD WAS d day dodgerwounded dec7 1944.lamone river crossing
we watched this in my history class
Bloody marvelous! Great tribute boyos! Now when is someone in this country going to make a feature film about Ortona and the like, eh? You can't tell me we don't have the wealth or talent to do it proud.
I would love to get a downloadable version of this. My grandfather was a 'd-day dodger' with the Middlesex Regiment and was killed coming home in October 1945, aged 33.
Thanks, Garth Ennis.
It's from a CD by Sod's Opera. The album title is "Come on Lads..." You can download the song from Itunes for $.99
My regiment, the British Columbia Dragoons, fought through Italy as part of 5th Armoured Division. Every year we celebrate Gothic Line Day, and are proud of our status as "D-Day Dodgers".
It's called "D-Day Dodgers". The original tune is called "Lily Marlene". The D-Day Dodgers song was done by Sods Opera.
My grand-dad was RCHA, at Monte Cassino and Sicily.
My late father was a D Day Dodger. He fought in Tunisia, Pantelleria, Sicilly (I think), Anzio and Bologna. He was in the British Army (Royal Engineers) and i think that its worth pointing out that, in what has become a very much neglected campaign, there were troops from many countries fighting. The great tragedy was that Mark Clark threw away the opportunity to cut off the German Army's retreat following the Anzio break out so he could be photographed "liberating" Rome.
My Uncle Sgt. Fred Ward, my mother's brother was a D-Day Dodger. He served with Lord Strathcona Horse as a Tank Commander.
He lost three tanks in Italy and saved another Canadian Tank Crew whose tank was on fire. The Germans were firing a machine gun at the crew trying to escape. Fred pulled his tank in front of theirs so they could make their escape. He then fired on the German Machine Gun Position and took them out.
He would never speak of the War unless he had too much to drink and then he'd start to cry. I never asked him to tell me any more. He always felt guilty, that after seeing so many of his friends die, he never got a scratch. He talked of reconnaissance in a Bren Carrier and of seeing a large German Convoy of Tanks and Artillery being led by a Motorcycle and his Canadian gunner opening up with a Bren Gun on the Motorcycle and the Motorcycle and driver flying apart in pieces. He said they had to go like hell as the German's called in an Artillery Barrage.
Another time they went into the basement of a Winery and there was a huge cask of wine with a sprgot, after a couple of glasses of wine the sprigot would not work, so they climbed a ladder to have a look, and only then noticed a dead German was lodged against the sprigot. They drank no more wine.
My father was there from day 1 GOD BLESS THEM ALL
Thank you so much for this.
You are correct sir! It all started when back in England by British Member of Parliament Nancy Astor. used the term in public. She implied that the Allied troops fighting in Italy were having a good old time. Like being on vacation so too speak. As we know it was the exact opposite. The Allies experienced some of the hardest fighting ever seen. When they heard about her comments they took exception to it. This song is evidence of that.
Enjoy!
Just wondering... now history can't contribute this to Lady Astor. I'm wondering how true it is?
“If I were married to you, I’d put poison in your coffee,” Lady Astor once famously remarked to Winston Churchill. “If I were married to you,” he replied, “I’d drink it.”
This may be wrongly attributed to Churchill (some say his friend Fredrick Erwin Smith may have said it.. or related it as a story about Churchill.)
... that tells you Churchill's opinion of the Lady Astor.
God bless all those who fought on the eve of DDAY June 6 1944! Thanks for all those who fought for our freedom!!!!!
Canada all the way!!!!!
The point was, "they weren't acknowledged for fighting before 'D-Day"...
@PPCLIcanuck Amen! My children's uncle was a D-Day Dodger. He lost his arm in Sicily.
Remember my dad had a record of this song. He didn't go to Italy but was in the D Day landings in Normandy. He had friends who were "d day dodgers" and it used to piss him off that they were branded this way by the idiot lady Astor.
Nice collection of photos!! Most canadians were not used to the mountainous regions in Italy. Italy was actually known as the "Forgotten Front".
But I did not forget it!!
another forgotten front was the burma campaign against the japanese. the father of a friend of mine fought in that. a lot of his comrades became prisoners of war. he didn’t, thanks to luck or divine providence or something. but he never forgot the horror if that campaign.
My grandfather was in the 5th mechanized division of the 1st infantry in Italy and then in Holland. They were torpedoed on their way to Sicily and spent much of one night in the water, men drowning all around him. I don't think the Husky campaign gets recognized for how hard they fought and how many Germans surrendered to Canadian troops
Great song..
cant listen to last post-heard it too many times fr too many great men
@p1ckerings 'Twas composed after a comment from some Lady Astor about how sloppy war was in Italy, as she referred to infantrymen deployed there as 'd-day dodgers'. It's actually bitterly sarcastic.
Thank you
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
My Great Grandad wasnt a Canadian Soldier but was a D-Day Dodger with the British 1st (Guards) Infantry Brigade. North Africa - Italy
My Nan's dad was a d day doger he won the 200 run god bless all the Canadians and USA and UK be rip
Lady Astor was called the Honourable Member for Berlin and it was said that debating her in parliament was like playing badminton with a plate of scrambled eggs. The soldiers picked a great way of throwing her slur back in her face.
Very Nice Tribute Mate
Son of a Dodger here!
My great-grandfather and great uncle was in Africa, Italian and France and Belgium and Holland and Germany camping in the Canadian Army and fist special service force mix of American and Canadians thank you to all allies for saving the world from Hitler's army thank you for your service ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I like the song, and also a good video.
@p1ckerings a late response to this but i have to say it- if you know the history of the song, its actually just the opposite of what you think it is. it isn't sarcasm belittling the soldiers, its sarcasm BY the soldiers towards someone who belittled them.
Lady Nancy Astor is said to have made some very controversial comments regarding the Normandy campaign. Specifically calling the soldiers D day dodgers, suggesting that they went to Italy to avoid the "real" fight in Europe
Slightly different version to what I have, but as a collector of "Squaddie Songs" that is not unusual... Every theatre, nay, unit had its own version of songs.
Very good version, and remember those who served.
They gave their today, for our tomorrow.
I believe that Radio Belgrade (a German controlled station) used to sign on/off with Lille Marlene a popular song of the time. This broadcast could be picked up all over the Adriatic & Mediterranean theatres and was listened to by all sides. Lille Marlene became very popular with the Allied Eighth Army (who fought in the Western Desert, Italy, and funnily enough at D-Day too) and over time the tune was put to other words.
Wasn't it 'soldatensender Sofia' in Bulgaria. A night-time HF skip signal.
Why? It was a protest song that was dripping with sarcasm. It doesn't belittle their efforts.
God bless those Men.
Grandfather in the Royal Canadian Dragoons...a dispatch rider. Front line brutal conditions with no reserves facing some of the best of the German Army for 16 months. Any doubt to the difficult offensive conditions go on a Italy WW2 History tour and educate yourself. Thanks Jimmy for your service!!
sing along and remember the fall from where ever. Thats what I do and think thanks boys.
wow!! i have never heard in audio the Canadian version of this song!
It's from the album, SODS OPERA "Come on Lads".
I don't get why there are no pics of the Agira cemetary. The only cemetary in Italy with only CDN soldiers in it. It's worth going in sicily just to see it. It also makes you realized how this battle was really a david and goliath. When you see the mountains were the German were hidding and the open view they had of the coming ennemie you wounder how they did it.
anyone know where i can find the song "African star" im wanting to learn it on my uke because i do wartime re-enacting thanks and my the chaps that fell rest in peace we shall never forget we should always remember
A characteristically cheery view as sung by men...
@BenBarfuss,
It's Sod's Opera.
@p1ckerings If you thinks this song is so bad take a look at the Tralagar school for girls choir doingit for some old boyies how where D-Day Dodgers they seam make up to hear it. ( the girls did cut out some of the song for some reson)
fantastic stuff
I hope your regiment knows that us Canucks really appreciate this!!!
thank you to all our veterans
I, for one, will not forget the ultimate sacrifice many gave in both WW1 and WW2
+seawolf157A lest we forget...
"you're thinking of Hamish Henderson" Yeagh you are right. Hamish Imlach sang the song and there is a version of his on youtube. I suspect the other poster got him confused with Henderson
Good one! I'm not exactly sure what that is. My guess would be a war artist or war correspondent's writing or drawing case.
@Ash1984 damn right, it is really good.
Well done mate!
Uncle Ron Dow,R.I.P. we will never forget. Frank
I'm currently researching the Three Rivers Regiment's battle at the Trasimene Line 20-20 June 1944. Do you have any leads for me? Diaries, pics, etc?
Thanks
Actually it was only baseless rumour which reported that Viscountess Astor had described the troops in Italy as "D-Day Dodgers". It was certainly widely believed but there is nothing in it.
@p1ckerings look into the history of this song it's not getting at the d-day campaign
We focus on D-Day in the West and forget the horrible fighting in Italy.
Monte Cassino was easliy one of the toughest battles the Allies fought in WWII
For my great uncle Private Jack walker, Cape Breton Highlanders, killed at Corriano Ridge, Sept. 14 , 1944. Fear Na Fairall
" It is down-underlying not a Canadian accent" It is not specifically a Canadian song. Written originally by a British soldier and various subsequent verses collected by Hamish Henderson the Scottish folklorist and songwriter
thanks to all who serve(d), and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. R E S P E C T
I have to say in the uk, canada's role is absolutely forgotten.... It's a crying shame.
Nice Video Man. Lest We Forget.
We're the D-Day Dodgers out in Italy!
Always on the vino always on the spree!
Eighth Army skivers and their tanks!
We go to war in ties like swanks.
For we're the D-Day Dodgers!
Out in Italy!
@rugbyguy59 If PPCLI's reply doesn't appear under my comment (I'm not seeing it) then I'm letting people know he has told me about the limits of the photos available. I take back any reservations I had.
@PPCLIcanuck Have some interesting photos that might interest you. Visited with the Gregg Centre in 2009. Let me know what you need.
@PPCLIcanuck i play it I rembmber and I am thankful for the likes of them. Ho and I have a good old sing along