Ash can: A US Navy term for a Depth Charge, used for attacking enemy submarines. Suggested by its shape. A Depth Charge was a steel cylinder, filled with high explosive and fitted with a simple firing appliance, set off by the pressure of the water and adjustable to explode at any desired depth. Every anti-submarine vessel, destroyers etc., carried a number of depth-charges, dropped over the side at the place where the submarine was believed to be.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.10.
Glossary of words and phrases
The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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