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A Stumer is an expression used commonly to denote a shell that had failed to explode. Also used as a question, "Is that a stumer?" of German gas-shells, it being a common enemy practice to include gas shells in a salvo. The others burst on impact and whether those apparently "dud" were really so, or gas shells about to open and let out the deadly gas, was the question. Used also to describe a "rotter" - someone that is no good or incompetent; any kind of failure.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.273.
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.