World War I - Terms and Abbreviations

FP no.1

Field Punishment no. 1 - the soldier was tied with ropes and tied, standing, to a static object such as a post or the wheel of a gun-carriage for up to 2 hours a day and for up to 21 days. There was some discussion in the House of Commons during the war, where it was alleged that this punishment was deeply humiliating and was commonly referred to as 'crucifixion'. It was also alleged that this punishment was given for minor offences and that injury or death had followed.

The only soldier sentenced to FP No.1 in the Desborough Study military records was Rufus Marlow who was awarded the maximum 21 days for "Neglect of duty when on Sentry".

FP no.2

Field Punishment no. 2 - the same as FP no.1 except that the solder was not attached to a static object.

 

Pip, Squeak and Wilfred

The name jokingly given to the three medals awarded to most British Servicemen after the 1914-18 war: the Mons Star (or, 1914 Star), the British War Medal, and the British Victory Medal.

1914 Star British War Medal Victory Medal

Pip Squeak and Wilfred Annual
The term came from a long-running British newspaper strip cartoon published in the Daily Mirror from 1919-1956, as well as the Sunday Pictorial Weekly in the early years. It concerned the adventures of an orphaned family of animals. Pip, who assumed the father role, was a dog, while the Mother, Squeak, was a penguin. Wilfred was the young child and was a rabbit with very long ears.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pip,_Squeak_and_Wilfred&oldid=305918567

PUO

Abbreviation standing for 'pyrexia of unknown origin' - in other words, the person is ill with some sort of fever, but the doctors don't know what caused it.

Silver War Badge

A badge, to be worn on the right lapel, awarded to men who had been invalided out of the services because of a wound, illness or disability. The badge was numbered on the back and was issued together with a certificate. Its purpose was to prevent such men (who would be of military age, yet dressed as civilians) being abused as cowards.

 

 

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