The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #974 Message #981072
Posted By: alanabit
11-Jul-03 - 02:55 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Grand Old Duke of York
Subject: RE: Grand Old Duke of York lyrics
I wonder if someone will come up with the story behind the song. I would be surprised if it actually took place in Flanders or the Netherlands, because these places are not known especiallly for having steep hills. From a history lesson over thirty years ago, I know that it concerns a campaign at the beginning of the Revolutionary Wars of France (pre Napoleonic I believe). I also know that it was a good, old fashioned British military disaster. With a few notable exceptions, most of our military expeditions to the Continent have met with about as much success as our cuisine!