Black Maria

Black Maria: An enemy shell of large calibre, from its dense black smoke on bursting. Possibly the name was suggested by the big black London Police Van. The Germans, curiously, had a similar term, "Schwarze Maria," for British heavy shells.

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.

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