Oh, Hamish is very clear in his writings that he did not originate the song or set it to "Lili Marlene." He certainly collected it, wrote some of the verses, edited and organized it to its most usual form.

Lest the generally vital & authoritative TBI be the last word on this thread, please see masato's post of 01 May 02, supra, re the slander on Lady Astor as well as my own post on the same day on Hamish's comments.