Bill Harris

Bill Harris: The Army name for Bilharzia, a scourge of Egypt, the name of a parasite found in water, against which special precautions have to be taken. The pipe-line from the Sweet Water Canal to the Palestine front had to be fitted with gauze strainers which trapped the snails on which the parasite existed.

References / notes

The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War on this day.

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 with the war, which is reflected in the language used. Sources include: Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases, The War Book-of-Facts and Odhams' A.B.C. of the Great War. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.

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