Just a few words to the men themselves who may go. Don't take
elaborate shaving tackle, just brush, razor, soap, and a small
mirror. Most of the time you won't need the mirror. You'll use the
periscope mirror in the trenches. Don't load up on books and
unnecessary clothing. Impress it upon your relatives that your
stuff, tobacco and sweets, is to come along in small parcels and
often and regularly. Let all your friends and relatives know your
address and ask them to write often. Don't hesitate to tell them
all that a parcel now and again will be acceptable. Have more than
one source of supply if possible.
When you get out there, hunt up the Y.M.C.A. huts. You will find
good cheer, warmth, music, and above all a place to do your
writing. Write home often. Your people are concerned about you all
the time. Write at least once a week to the one nearest and dearest
to you. I used to average ten letters a week to friends in Blighty
and back here, and that was a lot more than I was allowed. I found
a way. Most of you won't be able to go over your allowance. But do
go the limit.
Over there you will find a lot of attractive girls and women. Most
any girl is attractive when you are just out of the misery of the
trenches. Be careful of them. Remember the country has been full of
soldiers for three years. Don't make love too easily. One of the
singers in the Divisional Follies recently revived the once popular
music-hall song, "If You Can't Be Good Be Careful." It should
appeal to the soldier as much as "Smile, smile, smile", and is
equally good advice. For the sake of those at home and for the sake
of your own peace of mind come back from overseas clean.
After all it is possible to no more than give hints to the boys who
are going. All of you will have to learn by experience. My parting
word to you all is just, "The best of luck."
GLOSSARY OF ARMY SLANG
All around traverse - A machine gun placed on a swivel to turn
in any direction.
Ammo - Ammunition. Usually for rifles, though occasionally used
to indicate that for artillery.
Argue the toss - Argue the point.
Back of the line - Anywhere to the rear and out of the danger
zone.
Barbed wire - Ordinary barbed wire used for entanglements. A
thicker and heavier military wire is sometimes used.
Barrage - Shells dropped simultaneously and in a row so as to
form a curtain of fire. Literal translation "a barrier."
Bashed - Smashed.
Big boys - Big guns or the shells they send over.
Big push - The battles of the Somme.
Billets - The quarters of the soldier when back of the line.
Any place from a pigpen to a palace.
Bleeder or Blighter - Cockney slang for fellow. Roughly
corresponding to American "guy."
Blighty - England. East Indian derivation. The paradise looked
forward to by all good soldiers,--and all bad ones too.
Blighty one - A wound that will take the soldier to Blighty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account