Tommy - Rudyard Kipling

 

Tommy Atkins (often just Tommy) is slang for a common soldier in the British Army. It was already well established in the 19th century, but is particularly associated with World War I. It can be used as a term of reference, or as a form of address. German soldiers would call out to "Tommy" across no man's land if they wished to speak to a British soldier. French and Commonwealth troops would also call British soldiers "Tommies". In more recent times, the term Tommy Atkins has been used less frequently, although the name "Tom" is occasionally still heard, especially with regard to paratroopers.

Published on Sep 17, 2012

TOMMY. by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudyard_...
Tommy Atkins
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_At...