I have to say that I'm still not thoroughly convinced that French is the author. Ninety percent sure, perhaps - but there still is a tiny, nagging whisper of incredulity in my mind. The proof of authorship is quite a bit weaker than what we have to prove authorship of other songs. Healy's explanation (above) sounds credible, but I'm still not thoroughly convinced. I learned the song from the Boy Scout Songbook where it was unattributed.
-Joe Offer-