A1 a person who is fit for military service. Lesser degrees of fitness rate C3 or B3, for example.
"An der Weser" "On the Weser [River]."
anti-aircraft shells explosive projectiles fired at enemy aircraft.
Aunt Sally name of a figure of a woman's head at which balls are thrown, as in a sideshow; a person or idea seen or set up as an easy target for criticism.
bathing drawers loose swimming trunks.
beer garden an establishment that serves beer, often at an outdoor patio.
Between Langemark and Bixschoote towns north and northwest of Ypres in northwest Belgium, one of the most war-ravaged communities of World War I.
billets the quarters or lodging provided for military personnel.
black-pudding a hearty sausage made of blood, suet, and spicy, pungent flavorings.
blighty a wound that assures the victim a permanent departure from action.
bobby [Informal] a British policeman.
bog-myrtle a scented evergreen that produces black berries useful as a flavoring for stew.
bon ami [French] a good friend.
bread fatigue kitchen duty.
C.B. confinement to barracks.
C.O. commanding officer.
calibre the size of a bullet or shell as measured by its diameter.
canteen a place outside a military camp where refreshments and entertainment are provided for members of the armed forces.
carbolic a solution used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, etc.
Charles the Bald Charles I A.D. 823–877; king of France (843–877) and, as Charles II, Holy Roman Emperor (875–877).
chemist [British] a pharmacist.
chloroform a toxic liquid, with a sweet taste, used as a solvent, fumigant, etc. and here as a general anesthetic.
clink [Informal] a jail; prison.
coal-boxes low velocity German shells; nicknamed "the black Maria," because they emitted dark smoke.
commissariat food supplies.
compositor a typesetter.
confectioner's the store of a confectioner, a person whose work or business is making or selling confections or candy.
court-martialled convicted by a court-marial, a trial by armed-forces personnel of a person accused of breaking military law.
