.

Well if you lot are going to learn some appropriate drinking songs, (and by all the gods you should!), then those songs best be of the RFC and RNAS variety. Here are two standards in the upbeat tempo that you can begin with.


What Do You Want?

(here is a link to a 1917 recording of: "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?" so that you can sort out the tune to which this ditty is sung)


What did you want to go and
crash like that for?
It’s the second time today.
You make me mad,
you make me sad.
First it was a Rumpety,
then a brand new Spad.
What do you want to fool
around like that for?
First you banked and then
you slipped away.

But never mind, you’ll go
up again tonight,
with umpteen bombs
all loaded with dynamite.
Then if you make another crash like last time,
then you won’t draw next week’s pay.




The Only Way

(here is a link to a 1915 recording of: "The Only Way" so that you can sort out the tune to which this ditty is sung)


If by some delightful chance,
when you’re flying out in France,
some Bosche machine you meet,
very slow and obsolete.
Don’t turn round to watch your tail,
tricks like that are getting stale;
just put down your beastly nose,
and murmur, “Chaps, here goes!”

It’s the only only way,
it’s the only trick to play;
he’s the only Hun, you’re the only Pup,
and he’s only getting the wind right up.
So go on and do not stop
‘til his tail’s damn near your prop;
if he only crashes this side in flames,
well, only then they’ll believe your claims.
So keep him tight in your Aldis sight,
it’s the o-o-only way!

If on escort you should go
when the Fees are very slow,
while the Archies grumph and roar,
and Huns gather by the score;
if a nasty Hun should strive,
it’s away that you must dive.
There’s no choice at all, and so
down your nose must go!

It’s the only only way,
it’s the only trick to play;
he’s the only Hun, you’re the only Pup,
and he’s only getting the wind right up.
So go on and do not stop
‘til his tail’s damn near your prop;
if he only crashes this side in flames,
well, only then they’ll believe your claims.
So keep him tight in your Aldis sight,
it’s the o-o-only way!