Carl the caretaker's in charge

Carl the caretaker's in charge!: A phrase on the Western Front among both British and American troops when finding themselves in a "quiet" sector with few indications of enemy activity. "The trenches opposite," writes an officer, "were said to be in charge of Carl the Caretaker, a methodical old man whom the Kaiser had left in charge while the troops were elsewhere. Many were the stories told about him in different parts of the line; sometimes he was credited with a family, a 'Missus' and 'three little nippers.' Sometimes he was 'Hans the Grenadier,' owing to an occasional fancy for a night bombing party. Sometimes he was called 'Minnie's husband!'" (See Minnie).

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.

Browse other terms: Top – A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z