The D-Day Dodgers, that’s the name by which the Allied troops in Italy became known. Supposedly, the originator was Lady Astor, a member of the British Parliament. The nickname implied that the troops in Italy were avoiding the "real" war in France. Now, naturally, some of the boys in Italy considered the name a bit of a slur, so they put out an extremely clever response. It tells much of the story of what the Canadians and the Allies did in the Sicilian and Italian campaigns. The D-Day Dodgers Song We are the D-Day Dodgers, way out in Italy, Always on the vino, and always on the spree. Eighth Army scroungers and their tanks, We live and rove among the Yanks, We are the D-Day Dodgers, in sunny Italy. We fought into Agira, a holiday with pay; Jerry brought his bands out, to cheer us on our way, Showed us the sights and gave us tea, We all sang songs, the beer was free, We are the D-Day Dodgers, in sunny Italy. The Moro and Ortona were taken in our stride, We didn’t really fight there, we went there for the ride. Sleeping till noon and playing games, We live in Rome with lots of dames. We are the D-Day Dodgers, in sunny Italy. On our way to Florence, we had a lovely time, We drove a bus from Rimini, right through the Gothic Line. Then to Bologna we did go, We all went swimming in the Po, We are the D-Day Dodgers, in sunny Italy. Look around the mountains in the mud and rain, See the scattered crosses, there's some that have no name. Heartbreak and toil, and suffering gone, The boys beneath and slumber on. They are the D-Day Dodgers, who stay in Italy. They are the D-Day Dodgers, who stay in Italy. Many thanks to: The War Amps: Canada's Military Heritage - Second World War: A War of Their Own This link is about Canadian actions in Sicily and Italy. The site has WW1 and WW2 items and a lot more about Canada's Military Heritage.
Thank you Bill for the interesting link. Pity the role of the Seaforth Highlanders and that of the Princess Pats is down-played as it was their efforts that substantially broke the Hitler Line. That we are both wearers of the Maple Leaf awarded to 25th Tank Brigade is due in no small measure to them. Cordially, Gerry
One of the best books I've ever read was "Once a Patricia". Once a Patricia: memoirs of a junior infantry officer in World War II, by C. Sydney Frost I recommend to anyone with an interest in Italy.
Browsing through this section again I noticed reference to the Canadians and their contribution to the winning of the Italian campaign. There are three very good books from the Canadian perspective about the fighting in Italy " And no Birds Sang" by Farlel Mowatt, "The long Road Home" by Fred Cederburg, and "Circles of Hell" by Eric Morris, all well worth reading to any one (as I was) who was there.
The D-Day Dodgers, that’s the name by which the Allied troops in Italy became known. Supposedly, the originator was Lady Astor, a member of the British Parliament. The nickname implied that the troops in Italy were avoiding the "real" war in France. Was that a "Tongue in Cheek" remark? (Apologies as I glossed over this last week on another thread) I lost a bit of my normally cool temperament when an acquaintance of a friend, (nationality unknown) remarked: "How can Australia claim to be part of the victory if they weren't on a beach on D-Day?" The remark ruffled my feathers somewhat and raised a bit of tension for the rest of the dinner party.
"How can Australia claim to be part of the victory if they weren't on a beach on D-Day?". Now surely that's fighting talk. Is this why you were intrigued by Aussie losses on Dday recently Spidge?
Now surely that's fighting talk. Is this why you were intrigued by Aussie losses on Dday recently Spidge? Part of it. I knew there were a great number of RAN on allied ships because ours were in the Pacific however the RANVR chap was just a coincidence. I think I said to him something along the lines that "the RAAF were fighting Germans over Europe long before your lot got off your fat *****" He seemed to take umbrage at that .......buggered if I know why!
"How can Australia claim to be part of the victory if they weren't on a beach on D-Day?" There sure were a butt-load of them on Bougainville and in North Africa.
Hi Jeff, No doubt there would have been Australian divisions there if the Japanese had not been beating a path to our neck of the woods.
Spidge, It will certainly make you think twice about sending your troops cracking about nearly 10,000 miles away when you have an enemy close enough to see your knickers. Did that sound British enough to be in this forum?
Just to add a bit from the Canadian side. My Uncle Lorne was killed in France (Igoville) as has been discussed here before. His brother Dave was one of those D-Day Dodgers. He fought with the Lord Strathcona Horse. Landed in Italy Dec 1 1943 and on the defensive line at Ortona by Jan 44 Melfa River May 24/44 Gothic Line Sept 1/44 Misano Ridge Sept 3/44 Lamone Crossing Dec 12/44 Fosso Munio Dec 19/44 Landed in Southern France Feb 18/45 and ended the war in Holland. Not much of a holiday! Dave is gone now. He could laugh at the D-Day Dodger label because he knew the truth. All the Allies in Itally got much less credit than they deserve, but then, they didn't do it for the laurels did they? George W
On the British side i'm in the process of researching my grandfathers time in Italy (1st Battalion Hertfordshire Regiment): Landed Naples 29th July 1944 Castle of Vincigliato August 1944 Monte Cerceri Fiesole Florence September 1944 Grezzano area attack on the Gothic line after 12th September 1944 which is where the weather took a turn for the worst. Paluzuolo Point 714 (which talks of the battalion struggling and fighting up to their knees in mud) Ranzuolo Ridge October 1944 Monte Cece Point 677 Hills south of Bologna November 1944 Monte Cerere Monte Calderaro December 1944 It mentions the shortage of rations and ammunition, the soaking rain, the mud, the difficulty of helping the wounded, and the stubborness of the enemy. I visited Italy last year (unfortunately before I had my grandfathers record), but in the places I visited, you can't imagine how difficult it must have been for them to fight their way throught the terrain, and towns in such conditions. I think they certainly did their part as much as those who fought on the beaches of Normandy (My Great Uncle survived Gold Beach through to the end of the war, and still going well at 89!). Regards Paul
I have to say that I have always dismissed this jibe.If it originated from Lady Astor,it would be typical of a woman who was out of touch with the happenings of real life at peace or at war. She was known for her irrational remarks and I do not suppose not many people in military leadership took too much notice of her.Unfortunately she had the platform to air her views on anything and expected the rest to take notice of her. Apart from being the first woman to sit in Paliament, could anybody outline anything positive that she would be remembered for.Fortunate for the conduct of operations and outcome of the war, she held no executive responsibility. Perhaps I am being too harsh on her.
i understood there were australian typhoon pilots strafing all along the overlord beaches.yours,4th wilts.
"i understood there were australian typhoon pilots strafing all along the overlord beaches.yours,4th wilts." You are correct. For every Australian in a RAAF squadron there were three in RAF squadrons. Of the 26 squadrons of Typhoons Australian pilots flew many of them.
Owen has just bumped a thread to do with the D-Day Dodgers Group. In his latest response he quite correctly reports: I was just about to reply to him when I noticed the thread was locked to any further comment so I thought I'd reply by bumping this thread. The group, as we knew it on the old system, is certainly no longer around but I would remind you all that, shades of Lady Astor, there are still some of us around who proudly took on the title of D-Day Dodgers to show our contempt for that nasty piece of goods. Ron
