I am writing a book of my life's experiences and am currently writing about my early days at school in Berkshire. We used to sing this song The big ship sails..... in the plaground with the actions but our manner of the departure of the ship wasn't dated but rather 'The big ship sails through the alley alley oh on a cold and frosty morning.I wanted to check on the rest of the verses so googled the song and was quite taken aback by all the comments.
I suppose by the time the song got down to the south of England it's hardly surprising that the words might have changed slightly. I have been fascinated by everybody's comments. Thankyou so much. By the way I am now living in Australia!!