Colonel Bogey March

The "Colonel Bogey March" is one of the most successful marches ever published. It was written in 1914 by Kenneth Alford.

Related Topics:
Marches - 1914 - Kenneth Alford

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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.

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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. To this day, it is still strongly identified with the movie, symbolizing indomitability in the face of oppression and hardship. There was a minor diplomatic flap in the early 1970s when the march was played - perhaps to cause embarrassment, perhaps not - during a visit by the Japanese prime minister to Australia.

Related Topics:
The Bridge on the River Kwai - Australia

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"Colonel Boget" is the authorized march of The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) of the Canadian Forces.

Related Topics:
The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC) - Canadian Forces

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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".

Related Topics:
World War II - Hitler has only got one ball

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:Göring has only got one ball

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:Hitler's so very small

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:Himmler's so very similar

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:And Goebbels has no balls at all!

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The tune was used to great effect in an episode of the UK cult TV series The Avengers and in the U.S. movie "The Breakfast Club."

Related Topics:
UK - Cult TV series - The Avengers - The Breakfast Club

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