This song (words and tunes) are very much in the style of the English Music Hall. Many music hall songs went into the army, and often the words were changed.

Many songs and parodies of songs were sung in the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War, and it may be that the 'airman' connection comes in there.

It may be worth checking up on WO1 (warrent officer first class). I'm not sure when this was first used as an army rank - I believe that it would include Regimental Sergeant Major etc.

'This side of the ocean' only really makes sense with the troopship home from Bombay version, and is common to most (later?) versions. It certainly wasn't so easy to be promoted in India, you were easily overlooked by your parent organisation for promotion.

So my best guess is 'English Music Hall, 1880s or 90s. But that's still a guess.

Les