Long Tom was a familiar term name for the British 60-pr. "position" gun of the earlier days of the First World War. It is also a colloquial term used for any big gun. The name became familiarized to the public in the Boer War, originating apparently with the name given to the notorious Boer big gun firing from Pepworth Hill at the Siege of Ladysmith.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.147.
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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