The Dukies: The familiar name for the boys (soldiers' orphans) of the Duke of York's Royal Military School established in 1801 in Chelsea, and removed in 1909 to Dover. During the War 2,427 "Dukies" were killed, 215 obtained commissions and 185 won decorations, including the Victoria Cross. "Sons of the Brave" over the White Rose of York is the badge of the school, and the chorus of the school song runs:
- Be it peace or be it war;
As your fathers did before,
For the honour of your name
Take the torch and fan the flame,
Play the game, play the game,
Play up DUKIES.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.84.
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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