The Arts of War: Songs to Remember (1)

The Canadian Wavy Navy Borrowed a Hit Song

The Effingham Division, RCNVR. Halifax circa December, 1941.

Most volunteered for Combined Operations in the same month.

Long before the new recruits (above) started their training aboard landing crafts on the southern shores of England and visited local pubs in Havant or Portsmouth or Southampton - and learned a number of popular British songs - they likely walked off the grounds of HMCS Stadacona in Halifax (while on leave) and learned a verse or two of a song about the Wavy Navy.

Wavy Navy - A slang term for reservists during WWII. Its derivation is from the rank insignia of officers in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) that were "wavy" rather than being straight. Source - Jackspeak as at readyayeready.com 

Roll Along Wavy Navy, Roll Along

(sung to the tune 'Roll Along Covered Wagons')

Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along
Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along
If they ask us who we are
We're the RCNVR --
Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along

Oh, we joined for the chance to go to sea

Yes, we joined for the chance to go to sea

But the first two years or more

We spent marching on the shore

Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along

Oh, we joined for the payment and the fun

Yes, we joined for the payment and the fun

But of payment there is none

And the fun is yet to come

Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along

Oh, we joined for the glory of it all

Yes, we joined for the glory of it all

But the good old RCN

Made us change our minds again

Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along

And when at last they sent us out to sea

Yes, when at last they sent us out to sea

There were several things we saw

That were not brought up before

Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along

Man you gun, Seaman Gunner, man your gun

Man you gun, Seaman Gunner, man your gun

Load it up with shot and shell

And we'll blow the Huns to hell

Roll along, Wavy Navy, roll along

Now before we pull up hook and sail away

Yes, before we pull up hook and sail away

If you want some good advice

Before you join, think once or twice

Roll along, Wavy Navy*, roll along

Source - http://www.spiritofcanada.com/veterans/songs/wwii/3/

*the song is likely adapted from the songbook of the Royal Navy.

Lili Marlene

A hugely popular song by Marlene Dietrich, who denounced Germany and did

everything she could to boost morale for the Allied troops especially

for those fighting in Italy and Africa.

Photo Credit - The Telegraph

Underneath the lantern, by the barrack gate,

Darling I remember the way you used to wait.

'Twas there that you whispered tenderly,

That you loved me, You'd always be,

My Lili of the lamplight, My own Lili Marlene.

Time would come for roll call,Time for us to part,

Darling I'd caress you and press you to my heart,

And there 'neath that far off lantern light, I'd hold you tight,

We'd kiss good-night,

My Lili of the lamplight, My own Lili Marlene.

Orders came for sailing somewhere over there,

All confined to barracks was more than I could bear;

I knew you were waiting in the street,

I heard your feet, But could not meet,

My Lili of the lamplight, My own Lili Marlene.

Resting in a billet, just behind the line,

Even tho' we're parted, your lips are close to mine.

You wait where that lantern softly gleams.

Your sweet face seems to haunt my dreams.

My Lili of the lamplight, My own Lili Marlene.

Source - http://www.spiritofcanada.com/veterans/songs/wwii/4/

Please link to Lili Marlene, sung by Vera Lynn

Please link to The Arts of War: Editorial Cartoons, Maps (1) (Montreal Star)

Unnattributed photos GH