Hi,

My source* reveals that,
"...it was written in November 1944 by Lance-Sergeant Harry Pynn of the Tank Rescue Section, 19 Army Fire Brigade, who was with the 79th Division just south of Bologna Italy."

Lady Astor did not feature in Pynn's original text. Any documentation of her alleged remarks has not sufaced - she in fact denied making them.
She was better known as the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons in 1919.
I believe she also requested that a Confederate flag be buried with her remains.

Hope this helps,
Colwyn

*"What A Lovely War! - British Soldiers' Songs"
Author - Roy Palmer.

'Come on and join,
Come on and join,
Come on and join,
Lord Kitchener's Army.
Ten bob a Week,
Plenty grub to eat,
Bloody geat boots
Make blisters on yer feet.'