2007-09-14 23:58:20 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
A long established nickname for a British soldier has been 'Tommy Atkins' or 'Tommy' for short. The origins are obscure but most probably derive from a specimen army form circulated by the Adjutant-General Sir Harry Calvert to all units in 1815 where the blanks had been filled in with the particulars of a Private Thomas Atkins, No 6 Company, 23rd Regiment of Foot. Present day English soldiers are often referred to as 'Toms' or just 'Tom' (The Scots equivalent being 'Jock'). Outside the services soldiers are generally known as 'Squaddies' by the British popular press. The British Army magazine Soldier has a regular cartoon strip, 'Tom', featuring the everyday life of a British soldier.
Junior officers in the army are generally known as 'Ruperts' by the Other ranks. This nickname is believed to be derived from the children's comic book character Rupert Bear who epitomises traditional public school values (see "Inside the British Army" by Antony Beevor ISBN 071134658)
The term 'Pongo' or 'Perce' is often used by Sailors and Royal Marines to refer to soldiers. It is not considered complimentary.
2007-09-15 04:03:51 · answer #1 · answered by oscarsix5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tommies
2007-09-15 07:43:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They were called "Tommies". I have no idea why.
2007-09-15 07:06:45 · answer #3 · answered by Beau R 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
T O M M I E S
2007-09-15 12:56:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
..."tommys"
2007-09-15 07:07:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋