Mark Hone Posted 29 May , 2007 Share Posted 29 May , 2007 There is a discussion about 'Poilu' in the notes to one of the'Flashman' books by G.M. Fraser. I don't have it to hand, but I seem to recall that he concludes that its use is anachronistic for the nineteenth century, and was a Great War coinage. Of course, it's all part of the conceit whereby Fraser sometimes points out the odd mistake in 'Flashman's' manuscript. No doubt, Dave,you'll be able to give chapter and verse on this. It probably conforms to the 'Mr.Hone's First Rule of Popular Usage and Inventions and Inventors: 'You can always find an earlier example' . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CROONAERT Posted 29 May , 2007 Share Posted 29 May , 2007 No doubt, Dave,you'll be able to give chapter and verse on this. It probably conforms to the 'Mr.Hone's First Rule of Popular Usage and Inventions and Inventors: 'You can always find an earlier example' . I could - but I won't. I'll just mention that the term "Poilu" was first used as a nick-name in the French parts of Napoleon B's Grande Armee and was regarded as a pretty macho term. Interestingly, it seems that the US Army adopted the early French "grognard" some time after WW2 to describe it's own footsloggers - "Grunt". Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glyn Llanwarne Posted 3 June , 2007 Share Posted 3 June , 2007 Hi, Mine is my unit colour patch as worn on our slouch hat. Glyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walrus Posted 3 June , 2007 Share Posted 3 June , 2007 A section of a Bruce Bairnesfather cartoon - I've been described as looking like 'Ole Bill' Dave, Interestingly, it seems that the US Army adopted the early French "grognard" some time after WW2 to describe it's own footsloggers - "Grunt". I'd always seen 'grognard' translated as "grumbler" I've heard 'Grunt' described by a Vietnam veteran as being descriptive because, with a full pack you grunt when you move, grunt when you stop and grunt when you put on or take off the pack. Tom the Walrus Tom the Walrus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59165 Posted 3 June , 2007 Share Posted 3 June , 2007 I could - but I won't. I'll just mention that the term "Poilu" was first used as a nick-name in the French parts of Napoleon B's Grande Armee and was regarded as a pretty macho term. Interestingly, it seems that the US Army adopted the early French "grognard" some time after WW2 to describe it's own footsloggers - "Grunt". Dave. Dave, you got me thinking as I hadn't heard 'Grognard' before & asked 'elle' indoors. For me,a poilu was a soldier in the 1st world war.I cant find any mention of it being used before that period for a soldier but that doesn't mean you're wrong.They must have had a term for troops during the 1870's battles. For me,the earliest use of poilu was as a mickey take on the old guard(for old read Imperial,the 'moustaches'.Their taches were worn long & were fashionably tressed into their sideburns or hair.A lot of them cut this off after 1814.The true Garde Imperiale kept them & just hid ((or stayed on Ste Helene))until the long march to their demise at Waterloo)as poilu just means hairy! A Grognard was a term used just for the old guard;Larrouse have it as"Grognard:Soldat de la Vieille Garde de Napoléon 1er". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59165 Posted 3 June , 2007 Share Posted 3 June , 2007 ps, changed mine again to the 1979 Strat photo but I'll be changing it again later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KatrinaL Posted 7 June , 2007 Share Posted 7 June , 2007 Mine is of Second Lieutenant Eric deWolf Rounsefell, who was with the 12th Bn., Royal Irish Rifles. He was killed on the 3rd of September 1918, while his brigade was re-taking Neuve Eglise. He is interred at Nieuwkerke Churchyard. He was from Vancouver, BC, Canada and was both my first and second cousin. (His parents were first cousins.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LANCER Posted 11 June , 2007 Share Posted 11 June , 2007 Mine is my old cap from my old regiment 9/12th Royal Lancers. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardeb Posted 11 June , 2007 Share Posted 11 June , 2007 Mine is as it says "Welcome Home to Chepstow" a fob sized medallion given by the town to returning WW1 servicemen. It would have been accompanied by a small postcard sized certificate expressing the thanks of the people of Chepstow for their service. They were made of gold and enamel. The crest being that of the town. They were named with initial and surname on the back. Gareth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PoW1988 Posted 26 June , 2007 Share Posted 26 June , 2007 My avatar is of the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres. I think that this is one of the most beautiful memorials I have ever seen (picture wise). Lynz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasuss Posted 27 June , 2007 Share Posted 27 June , 2007 My Avatar is a modern artistic representation of My old friend Pegasus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
59165 Posted 27 June , 2007 Share Posted 27 June , 2007 & heres the latest. 1ww publicity taken from a letter my G uncle sent to the Zambuk company in Leeds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave1914 Posted 28 June , 2007 Share Posted 28 June , 2007 Mines a picture of the headstone of my Great Granddad Patrick Tierney who is buried in the local cemetary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keithfazzani Posted 28 June , 2007 Share Posted 28 June , 2007 Mine is the Revd Tubby Clayton, founder of Talbot House and of course Toc H, in his later years. It is also very non PC as he is pictured clutching his beloved pipe - presumably this will be banned after July 1st. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanCurragh Posted 28 June , 2007 Share Posted 28 June , 2007 Mine is the monument to the 63rd, 69th and 88th New York Infantry (the Irish Brigade), near the Wheatfield, at Gettysburg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt_Hazell_Great_Grandson Posted 29 June , 2007 Share Posted 29 June , 2007 Mine is Douglas Jardine. Officer in The Royal Berkshire Regiment WW2. Roland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBI Posted 29 June , 2007 Share Posted 29 June , 2007 Mine is My Mums Youngest Brother,Private Charlie Ford,5th Dorsets,KIA Tarmstedt,Germany 26.04.1945.Age 19. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanhemmings Posted 30 June , 2007 Share Posted 30 June , 2007 Just changed again. This time: me and (my best friend) my dog. Susan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyhound Posted 1 July , 2007 Share Posted 1 July , 2007 (my best friend) my dog. Ditto. Although we now share a new best friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanhemmings Posted 2 July , 2007 Share Posted 2 July , 2007 Oh, how sweet. They are so humble. Susan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dominion Posted 2 July , 2007 Share Posted 2 July , 2007 My avatar is the Guinness Mudskipper for all you stout fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staffsreg Posted 3 July , 2007 Share Posted 3 July , 2007 Mine's my favourite tipple! Might imbibe tonight...... Will have to see what the Duchess's reaction is tho first!! Wish me luck....... Ivan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steven Broomfield Posted 5 July , 2007 Share Posted 5 July , 2007 Ivan - bit late, mate, but good luck. And I'm sticking with Richard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staffsreg Posted 5 July , 2007 Share Posted 5 July , 2007 Ivan - bit late, mate, but good luck. And I'm sticking with Richard. Never got out either Steve lad..... at the first mention of getting my coat........she gave me a look that chilled me to the quick.... I fetched me slippers instead...I know when I need the 'tactical retreat!' BUT...the weekend beckons ps. Richard is fine by me... see ya, Iv. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truthergw Posted 6 July , 2007 Share Posted 6 July , 2007 I thought I had outgrown the old one so have chosen a role model of mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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