In a discussion at Best Writing Forum, a fellow named Gyppo discusses the origins of the Sods’ Opera which is an old navy tradition. He writes: “The Royal Navy had – and I believe still has – a tradition of the matelots staging impromptu concerts below decks. These were called Sod’s Operas. Described by some snooty officers as ‘A kind of low entertainment, such as will appeal to the rougher elements of the lower decks’.
“Anyone with any theatrical or musical talent would be expected to perform and often rewarded with an extra tot of rum, or a packet of ‘Blue Line’ cigarettes. Songs with a chorus so the other drunken sods could join in were always popular, as were satirical songs about naval life, or the supposed privileges of the officer class.”Â
This page is about a group thrown together by Beautiful Jo Records to record a one-off record called Come On Lads… , a compilation of such songs.Â
- Sods’ Opera at Jack Horntip Collection
- Sods’ Opera at Imperial War Museums
- Sods’ Opera at Mes musiques régénérées
| Song Title | Topic | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The D-Day Dodgers | D-Day |