It was sung by British and ANZAC soldiers during World War I,[2][3][4] but may be an older song of the prewar British regular army,[3] or even have origins dating back to the English Civil War in the 17th century.
[4] In those World War I armies, the quartermaster's department was responsible for stores and supplies.
[5] During World War II, the song was popular in the RAF as well as the Army.
[4][9][10][11] The Barmy Army, supporters of the England cricket team, have been known to sing about England international cricketers Stuart Broad and his father Chris to the tune of "The Quartermaster's Store".
[12] As is common in oral tradition, the words vary widely; and it being a list song, there have been many verses.