British Official: A familiar war-time phrase often used at the Front as implying untrustworthiness. In the early stages of the war "British Official" was considered as synonymous with reliability, in connection particularly with published army intelligence. Later, however, certain official reports, notably, after the Battle of Loos, were published in so misleading a form that among those at the Front who knew the facts the phrase became a by-word. Matters improved in this respect later, during 1918, and the term regained its original character. [1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.36.
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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