Hi
My dad was a "D Day Dodger" This is the version of the song sung at reunions to the tune of Lily Marlene.
We're the D Day Dodgers out in Italy
Always drinking vino, always on the spree
8th army skivers and the Yanks
We live in Rome We laugh at tanks
For we're the D Day Dodgers out in Italy
We landed at Salerno a holiday with pay
Jerry brought his bands down to cheer us on our way
They showed us the sights and brewed up tea
We all sang songs and the beer was free
For all the D Day Dodgers out in Italy'
Naples and Cassino were taken in our stride
We didn't go to fight we just went for the ride
Anzio and Sangro were all a farce
We did now't at all. We had a day pass
For we're the D Day Dodgers out in Italy
Once we had a blue light,we were going home
Back to dear old blighty never more to roam
Then someone whispered in France you'll fight
We said "blow that" we'll just sit tight
For we're the D Day dodgers out in Italy
Then on the way to Florence we had a lovely time
They ran a bus to Rimini right through the Gothic line
Soon to Milano we will go
When Jerry's buzzed off beyond the Po
For we're the D Day Dodgers out in Italy
If you're in the mountains amidst the snow and rain
You'll see the rugged crosses some which bear no name
Heartbreaks and toil and soldiering done
The lads beneath they slumber on
For they were the D Day Dogers out in Italy
Oh Lady Astor we know what you've got
Don't stand on the platform and talk a lot of rot
You're the forces sweetheart and the nation's pride
But we think your mouth is too wide
And thats from the D Day Dodgers out in Italy
The years have quickly passed today we're old and grey
But still we remember our very special day
When all the lads and lasses are gathered here
To sing the songs and drink the beer
For we are the D Day Dodgers back from Italy
Dad will be 88 in March and there are very few of his "lot" left. He was a member of the TA so was called up at the beginning aged 18, went through Africa to Italy and back through Austria . By the time he returned home in 1946 his Mother had died and he had no home to go to so had to lodge with relatives. It puts some of our problems today into perspective.
Linda
