Flanker: A shirker. "The Flankers," as a title of distinction, was the Old Army name for the "grenadier" and "light" companies of a battalion – except in Fusilier battalions – down to 1859, when the designation was abolished. They were all picked men, selected from the other, or battalion companies. The grenadiers, who paraded on the right of the line, comprised the tallest men in the regiment, and the "light company," the smartest and most athletic.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.95.
Compendium of the Great War.
The above term is listed in our
This compendium forms the central hub of words, phrases, people, and places relative to the Great War period of 1914–1918. These also include battles, political events, ships, trench slang, British and American service terms and expressions in everyday use, nicknames, sobriquets, the titles of British and Commonwealth Regiments and their origins, and also warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary with the war, which is reflected in the language used, some of which may seem derogatory by today's standards. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.