The "Colonel Bogey March" is one of the most successful marches ever published. It was written in 1914 by Kenneth Alford.
Supposedly, the tune was inspired by a military man and golfer who whistled a characteristic two-note phrase (a descending minor third interval) instead of shouting "Fore!". It is this phrase that begins each line of the melody.
The sheet music was a million seller and the march had been recorded many times before it was used in the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Many humorous or satirical verses have been sung to this tune, most of them vulgar. The most famous date from World War II and are variants on "Hitler has only got one ball".
The tune was used to great effect in an episode of the UK cult TV series The Avengers.
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