6th June 1944 - Operation Overlord.

[BrianW]

My Dad went over 2 days later.

He never said much about the war, but I always remember him saying that after landing he saw gliders on the ground full of dead men. They had crashed, with no survivors. He also said our tanks, at first, had shells that bounced off most German tanks. For a time, they had to use self-propelled artillery as tanks.

I find it amazing that ordinary chaps, not professionals, just guys taken out of factories and offices, fought so bravely on both sides. But they did.

 

[KS55]

I don't think that 10% figure is accurate

It is the number UK historians use.

 

[tregyblue61]

The D-Day Dodgers

Allied servicemen thought their sacrifices were being ignored in the bloody campaign in Italy. People actually believed that those troops "had it easy."

A sarcastic song was written to highlight this: (to the tune of "Lilli Marleen")

We're the D-Day Dodgers out in Italy
Always on the vino, always on the spree.
Eighth Army scroungers and their tanks
We live in Rome – among the Yanks.
We are the D-Day Dodgers, over here in Italy.

We landed at Salerno, a holiday with pay,
Jerry brought the band down 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, way out in Italy.

The Volturno and Cassino were taken in our stride.
We didn't have to fight there. We just went for the ride.
Anzio and Sangro were all forlorn.
We did not do a thing from dusk to dawn.
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, over here in Italy.

On our way to Florence we had a lovely time.
We ran a bus to Rimini right through the Gothic Line.
On to Bologna we did go.
Then we went bathing in the Po.
For we are the D-Day Dodgers, over here in Italy.

Once we had a blue light that we were going home
Back to dear old Blighty, never more to roam.
Then somebody said in France you'll fight.
We said fuck that, we'll just sit tight,
The windy D-Day Dodgers, out in Sunny Italy.

Now Lady Astor, get a load of this.
Don't stand up on a platform and talk a load of piss.
You're the nation's sweetheart, the nation's pride
We think your mouth's too bloody wide.
We are the D-Day Dodgers, in Sunny Italy.

When you look 'round the mountains, through the mud and rain
You'll find the crosses, some which bear no name.
Heartbreak, and toil and suffering gone
The boys beneath them slumber on
They were the D-Day Dodgers, who'll stay in Italy.

So listen all you people, over land and foam
Even though we've parted, our hearts are close to home.
When we return we hope you'll say
"You did your little bit, though far away
All of the D-Day Dodgers, way out there in Italy."

 

[Pablo123]

I’m here now with a bunch of mates staying in Arromanches , been a few times but first time seeing the new British memorial at Ver sur Mer , extremely impressive . Taking to a guy from Wales whose father landed on D Day and fought all the way to Hamburg , many years later he got a call from a guy in Germany who turns out to be his half brother , there they were walking together on the beach . What a story and there’s so many of them . Came here about 10 years ago and met many vets seen 3 this year , not many of these heroes left . Hearing these personal stories it’s unbelievable to think what these guys went through . Urge anybody to come over and take time to visit Normandy . RIP lads .

 

[Churchlawtonblue]

From memory watching the Longest Movie - sorry the Longest Day - weren't they called Rupert or Rupert's?

Officers are referred to as Ruperts.

 

[Nethermoor]

Heroes the lot of them.

The stories are incredible.

My Grandad like someone who mentioned their father in law above, served in the RAF in the desert. Tripoli, Tobruk etc then on to Italy. His stories were amazing and wish I heard more.

 

[Scottyboi]

My great uncle lost his life on d day, have his cap badge that my nanna gave me. Incredibly brave men.