Granny

Granny: A nickname to one of the first big 15-inch Howitzers sent out to the Western Front; later it was a nickname for other large guns. The original "Granny" or "Grandmother," arrived in April 1915, manned by the Royal Marine Artillery. Its first huge projectiles so surprised the Germans that an aeroplane was at once sent over to locate the monster. A screen of apple tree branches covered with blossoms was so quickly spread over "Grandmother," whose post was by an orchard, that the Germans could not discover the howitzer. The camouflage was so efficient that our own airmen, coming up to meet the enemy lane, also failed to locate "Granny." It was currently reported that "Granny’s" first shell (1,413 lbs weight) fell on a German battalion in column and caused 200 casualties, the rest of the battalion bolting and not being stopped for miles. (See Mother).

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. 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 to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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