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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Half Past Five


MelPack

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Makes you wonder what species the 'Private' was. Equine? Canine?

That being said, some people have the oddest names. I was at university with twins named Sky and True Blue. You've got to wonder what their parents were under the influence of when registering the babies.

Allie

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Guest KevinEndon

The question must be, how on earth did you find it, was it a lucky search or did you put in half past five because you have the medals to him/her/it.

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Its got to be a spoof, some clerk messing about in the records office somewhere. .................... I hope!

Jerry

It looks like a breakdown in communication between the native troop and the British soldier signing him up. The Nigerian would probably not speak or read English particularly well, if at all, and I am sure that the British soldiers local lingo skills would not have been up to much. It is not such a leap to think that the Brit just put down the first thing that came into his head....looks at his watch..."Welcome to the British Army, Mr Half Past Five".

In my experience record clerks do not mess around and do not have a sense of humour.......it is extracted as part of the initial training.

Andy

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Add:

Turnto

Try Best

Squire

Square

Sawyers

Oneday Gentleman

O B George

Ephraim Duke

English Boy

Duke

Mendi Friend

Mendi Boy

Maize

Magbele Boy (Yes, there is a Magbele)

Jellicoe

Josephus Peters

Jack, Everyday

Fineboy (five of them)

"Him fine boy, sah!" "Right, 908 Pte Fineboy. Next!"

European

Cold Make Morning

Glasgow

The complete list at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...Spec=score+desc

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It is not such a leap to think that the Brit just put down the first thing that came into his head....looks at his watch..."Welcome to the British Army, Mr Half Past Five".

If that's not having a sense of humour then I don't know what is!

Jerry

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