Have just been privileged to see a many folded, somewhat torn D-Day Dodgers - on cheap, wartime paper, NOT a carbon copy, typed with a jumpy manual machine. It was under the back flap of a WWII soldier's paybook. This man was from South Midlands, and had the Africa Star among other medals, so presumably was a Desert Rat. He is dead some years now. These are the words, untouched by any Hamish's; McColls, Seegers or others of that ilk. I am a 'over-100titles' published songwriter, and I can see where commercially, this would have been altered, esp re the metre. The last verse, if there was one, would have been below the last existing fold. I believe this to be absolutely genuine - who knows??? The MS??

THE 'D' DAY DODGERS

We are the D-Day Dodgers, out in Italy,
Always drinking Vino, always on the spree,
8th Army Skivvers and the Yanks,
78th Division and The Tanks,
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

We landed at Salerno, a holiday with pay,
Jerry brought the band out to cheer us on the way,
We all sang songs the beer was free,
We did have fun, Oh Lordy me,
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

Naples and Cassino were taken in our stride,
We didn't go to fight there, only for the ride,
Anzio and Sangro were all forlorn,
We didn't do a thing from dusk till dawn,
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

On the way to Florence we had a lovely time,
We ran a 'bus to Rimini, through the Gothic Line.
Soon to Bologna we will go,
When Jerry's gone beyond the River Po,
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

We hope the boys in France will soon get leave,
After six months overseas they should be relieved,
But we'd carry on for several years,
Because our wives don't shed too many tears,
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

Once we had the blue light that we were going home,
Back to dear old Blighty, never more to roam,
Then some said in France you'll fight,
We said not likely we will just sit tight,
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

Oh' Lady Astor, Listen please to us,
Don't stand on the platform and make a lot of fuss,
You are the Forces Sweetheart, the nation's pride,
But your lovely mouth is f(ar too?) wide.
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, the lads that D-Day Dodged.

NOTE   The last verse above is somewhat blurred and the paper torn off, there could have been more. I will supply a digital camera copy, readable, by email to anyone. I do not have the original.