Ten German Bombers

Ten German Bombers was originally a song sung by British school children during World War II. It uses the same tune as 'She'll Be Coming 'Round The Mountain' though its verse and chorus follow the format of the song 'Ten Green Bottles' :

There were ten German bombers in the air,

There were ten German bombers in the air,

There were ten German bombers, Ten German bombers,

There were ten German bombers in the air,

But the RAF from England shot one down,

But the RAF from England shot one down,

But the RAF from England, The RAF from England,

Oh the RAF from England shot one down,

There were nine German bombers in the air, (etc.)

Controversy

In recent years the song has been sung by English football fans at matches against Germany. It is typically accompanied by horizontally outstreched arms and a gentle swaying motion, as if to mimic an aircraft in flight.

Such behaviour has been deemed to be offensive by the Football Association and the English coach Sven-Goran Eriksson asked fans to refrain from it at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The Home Secretary Charles Clarke has also asked fans not to sing this song at the World Cup as it could be construed as glorifying Germany's Nazi past. Such behaviour is a criminal offence in Germany.

German reaction

A number of articles about this song have appeared in the German press. These are generally met with indifference by the German public.

External link

• Home Secretary reads riot act to fans