Calm-Laylas
Calm-Laylas: A nickname for the men of the native Egyptian Labour Corps, derived from the refrain of the droning chant of the men leading camels on the march – "Kam Layla, Kam Yom!" "How many nights, how many days?" (i.e. "before this weary task is over!") [1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.43.
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.