A Bobby's job: A safe job, a "soft" duty. Meant usually by way of a reflection on the comparatively "safe" duties of a military policeman in war-time. The following, however, was Earl Haig's opinion of the Military Police and their work in the war, as recorded in his "Final Despatch" on 21 March, 1919. It goes thus:
- “In the battle-zone, where frequently they had to do duty in exposed positions under heavy fire, and suffered severe casualties, the Military Police solved an important part of the problem of traffic control by preventing the unavoidable congestion of troops and transport on roads in the vicinity of active operations from degenerating into confusion. In back-areas their vigilance and zeal have largely contributed to the good relations maintained between our troops and the civilian population.”.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.30.
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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