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Dug-out or Dugout: A protected place of shelter in the trenches. Also, familiarly, a term not always kindly meant, for elderly officers returning to temporary service. It first came in during the Boer War of 1899-1902, for pensioned or retired officers who came back to service in consequence of the depleting of the active establishment through casualties in the field. In the war hundreds came forward as volunteers and served in every capacity both naval and military, in most cases filling subordinate posts, regardless of former rank. [1]
Not to be confused with Dig out.
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.84.
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.