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The Great War

The Tommy's Tongue

Return to Vocabulary Index

J - Johnnie

Jack Johnson:
German shell bursting with black smoke. After the boxer Jack (John Arthur) Johnson (1878-1946), the first black American world heavyweight champion (1908-1915).
Jacks:
Military Police.
Jakes:
Latrines. Expression dating back to Elizabethan times.
Jam-Tins:
Originally, home-made or improvised bombs made from jam-tins, mainly used before widespread introduction of the Mills Bomb. Later on in the war, however, jam was issued in cardboard tubes. See Tickler's. The expression was also used as a nickname for the No.8 and No.9 Double Cylinder grenades of late 1914 and early 1915 due to their resemblance to jam tins.
Jankers:
A minor punishment, fatigues. Usually performed whilst confined to barracks (CB). Origin unknown, but may be related to jangle, which had an archaic sense of to grumble.
Japan:
Bread. From French pain.
Jericho:
Severe bombardment. ...this Hun Archie spotted us and opened fire and gave us Jericho for five minutes - the best shooting I have seen so far! - 2Lt Gerard Robin, 41 Squadron, RFC.
Jerry:
German. Expression became popular later in the war, eventually coming into it's own during World War Two. Supposedly in reference to the German helmet's similarity to a jeroboam, a chamber-pot.
Jerry Up!
Warning exclamation that a German aeroplane was overhead and may drop bombs. A warning to put out all lights.
Jigger:
Bicycle.
Jildi:
Quick, hurry up. From Hindustani.
Jippo:
Juice or gravy, especially of bacon. Very popular at mealtimes. Also the shout given by Army Service Corps cooks to announce mealtimes.
Jock:
Soldier in a Scottish regiment.
Johnny:
A Turk. From Johnny Turk.
Judeans:
Battalions (38th - 42nd) of the Royal Fusiliers, consisting of Jewish officers and men. The regiment was able to provide the necessary dietary and other religious conditions required by members of the faith.
Jump Off:
To begin an attack. The jumping off point was the start line of the attack in the front line trench.
Jumping the Bags:
Going over the top. Attacking over the sandbags of the trench parapet.