Flanker: A shirker. "The Flankers," as a title of distinction, was the Old Army name for the "grenadier" and "light" companies of a battalion – except in Fusilier battalions – down to 1859, when the designation was abolished. They were all picked men, selected from the other, or battalion companies. The grenadiers, who paraded on the right of the line, comprised the tallest men in the regiment, and the "light company," the smartest and most athletic.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.95.
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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