In 1939, at the outset of the Second World War, the French territory was protected on the east by the Maginot line, an imposing range of fortifications erected on the left bank of the Rhine. On their own side of the river, the Germans in turn put up their own fortifications, known as the “Siegfried line" in honour of the Nibelungen heroes.
The Siegfried line was comparable to the Maginot line only in Nazi propaganda, not with much conviction though. Given that Hitler’s strategy was purely offensive, the Siegfried line only served as a protection in the west during the invasion of Poland , which upon accomplishment made the line available to Hitler for the launching of German armoured divisions in yet another Blitzkrieg in the west, passing through Belgium .
A concrete antitank block
along the Siegfried line, the “Dragon’s Teeth”
It was during that period that Jimmy Kennedy and Michael Carr came up with the melody and song "The Washing on the Siegfried Line", a scornful imitation of the highly accentuated rhythm of the German military music which used to accompany Nazi troops during their goose-stride marching. The French lyrics were written by Paul Misraki, and thanks to Ray Ventura and his school band (les Collégiens) the song became so popular. Success was immediate; British and French soldiers went to the front singing the song with joy.
Quite interesting was the washing job announced in the song, but which, unfortunately, was far from the reality. Total disillusion! In a matter of weeks, ill-equipped French and British troops, outclassed by German armoured vehicles, were beating a retreat, allowing the Germans to come and “hang their washing on our Maginot line”, and making Führer Adolf Hitler, accompanied by his senior Nazi authorities, to strut about on the Paris Trocadéro esplanade.
It wasn’t until five long years afterwards that allied troops finally succeeded to hang their own washing too on the vestiges of the Siegfried line.
Mother dear I'm writing you from somewhere in France
Hoping this find you well
Sergeant says I'm doing fine "A soldier and a half"
Here's the song that we'll all sing
It w'll make you laugh
Refrain We're gonna hang the washing
on the Siegfried Line
Have you any dirty washing mother dear ?
We're gonna hang the washing
on the Siegfried Line
Cos' the washing day is here
Wether the weather may be wet or fine
We'll just rub along without care
We're gonna hang the washing
on the Siegfried Line
If the Siegfried Line 's still there.
Every body's mucking in and doing their job
Wearing a great big smile
Every body's got to keep their spirits up to day
If you want to keep in swing
Here's the song to sing