“Lettre à Hitler” – Letter to Hitler, a satirical poem mocking Adolf Hitler, typewritten, an internal publication of LES GARS du 6ème, 6th Battalion – “The Boys of the Sixth” E.M. – G.R.D.I. – État-Major – Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division Headquarters, France, dated 17 January 1940. Extremely rare.
GRDI units were semi-mobile, mounted or motorized units that functioned as forward reconnaissance and observation forces. The mention of Visa de la Censure indicates that this text was reviewed and approved for publication or internal distribution within the military.
The poem throughout ridicules Hitler and throws the truth in his face directly:
“So, Adolf… what do you think of this?
Seriously, did you really think we’d do it again like in Munich?…
Your diplomats are pathetic, your deputy Führers are nobodies…
And France? We’re no longer ignorant…
We weren’t armed enough to face your swastika.
A wooden cross, where you were hanging on your fingertips, your backside turned to the sun.
Clearly, you wanted to play the tough guy. We told you: Hitler doesn’t play the egg.
And certainly not the bull, because you’re just an old ox.
Damn, you were quick to get to work.
Czechoslovakia, Austria, Poland — five against one… now that’s tough.
But facing the Maginot Line? That’s a different job entirely.
Seems like every time you think about it, you run to the toilet…
If the war drags on a bit, then my poor Hitler,
What kind of duties are you going to be fulfilling?…
We still suspect you’re trying to be tough, that little Charlie Chaplin mustache of yours…
Don’t kid yourself — we’re going to win this war…
Already you’re squeezed between the French… and the British.
Where are your fifteen hundred planes that were supposed to arrive under the Paris sun?
Not really worth it, was it — threatening us with bombings…
Always funny, when he acts like a lunatic… we laugh…
What have you got now? Your submarines? Your famous machines.
The ones above… because the ones below, alas, who knows when they’ll return?
But here I stop my pen, I don’t want to write too much for you,
It’s time for the press release, ut of the picture. We’d serve drinks for free in the bars, And your people would say:
‘Hey, it’s not too soon’ At least that’s what we think, in England, as in France…
Come on now, Hitler, enough is enough.
I must tell you in good French:
You must lose this war,
You’ve been annoying us for far too long…”.
During World War II, soldiers in various armies—particularly in the French and British forces—composed satirical and mocking songs against Adolf Hitler, which were circulated within their own units. These songs, often written in everyday language or military slang, served as a vehicle for expressing rage, but also for boosting morale and fostering camaraderie.
They were published in postcards, printed leaflets, trench newspapers, and were sometimes even read aloud. Written in colloquial and blunt language, they mocked Hitler’s appearance, his small mustache, his facial expressions, his lust for war, and his fear of the Maginot Line or British soldiers. These songs addressed Hitler directly—treating him as if he were a fellow soldier, a personal enemy, or simply a lightning rod for frustration. Dark humor was frequently present—combining jokes about destruction, death, and air raids.
Extremely rare. Not listed in any known bibliography.
3 leaves. Fold marks. Very good condition.
