A little background on McAlpine. Originated in Scotland (Glasgow area) and expanded. Robert & Alfred were brothers and there was a bit of a falling out. Alfred took the north of England & Wales, and Robert the south.

The song is based on Sir Robert McAlpine, and the reference to the Isle of Grain would put it about 1950-52 - the Grain contract was the firm's largest at the time. I worked for them from 1960 to 64, and about 1962 the words were printed in the firm's magazine.

My copy is long gone, and I can't remember whether tthere was any author credit.

Phil