The term Zero hour was used to establish the time officially appointed for the opening of an attack, usually kept secret at headquarters and meanwhile referred to as "Zero," the actual time being finally made known to the troops to be employed only at the latest possible moment before the attack. Minutes before "zero" were designated "Zero minus......" and minutes after were "Zero plus......".[1]
- If zero hour was 6:30am:
- zero minus 15 would be 6:15am.
- zero plus 20 would be 6:50am.
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.313.
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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