Fritz

Fritz: The usual service name in the early part of the war for the Germans. Later "Jerry" largely replaced Fritz.

"A Fritz" was also a naval ame for a German submarine.

The name Fritz originated as a German nickname for Friedrich (Frederick) from which several other names are derived including: Fritzsche, Fritsch, Fritsche and Fritzsch. Kings Frederick II and Frederick III of Prussia were also known by the name. The British used a variety of epithets for the Germans during both world wars. While "Fritz" and may appear more genial in nature, especially being a shortened version of a common name, others were clearly more derogative: Hun, Boche and Kraut, none of which today are acceptable.

The German equivalent of Fritz for the British was Tommy. See also Tommy Atkins