mess-tin the compactly arranged metal plates and eating utensils carried by a soldier for use in the field; sometimes also referred to as mess kit or mess gear.
Prussians people of a historical region of northern Germany, on the Baltic. The Prussian ruling class was regarded as harsh in discipline, militaristic, arrogant, etc.
bog-myrtle a scented evergreen that produces black berries useful as a flavoring for stew.
bathing drawers loose swimming trunks.
98 rifle an upgraded Mauser rifle, which was safer and easier to use than earlier models. Adopted by the German military command in 1898, it had a 29-inch barrel and a five-round magazine.
Löhne a city in the western part of Germany.
piss-a-bed [Slang] a person who is unable to control urination, particularly during sleep.
regiments military units consisting of two or more battalions and forming a basic element of a division.
garrison a fortified place with troops, guns, etc.; military post or station.
reinforcement-depot a central receiving headquarters where supplies are delivered for distribution to the field.
black-pudding a hearty sausage made of blood, suet, and spicy, pungent flavorings.
old buffer [Slang] old fellow.
