I heard from an RK enthusiast (no longer with us) that Kipling was up-to-date with contemporary popular sings, and would often have a well-known tune in his head when writing. his scansion was usually good enough to allow his stuff to be sung; if you don't think squaddies enjoy eda good sing-song, I think you're mistaken! They still do, to my knowledge, and not exclusively songs you couldn't sing at a christening, as my ex-army uncle puts it.