Re Malcolm Douglas's comment above.
Did I say I thought it was related to a nursery rhyme?

It was obvious even at my young age at the time that it was anything but. It was back in the 1940's when I heard my aunt singing it.

Thank you to the Suffolk Miracle for those words. Petticoat Lane was a regular Sunday mrning hangout for us at the time but being pedantic I would point out that birds were not sold in Petticoat Lane but just a short distance away in Sclater Street just off Brick Lane an equally famous Sunday morning market

Wally Pardon?? I visited Walter on several occasions and never at any time did I hear anyone cak him anything other Walter.

H.