british Army old Contemptables...still called that today?

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Linkagain
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british Army old Contemptables...still called that today?

#1

Post by Linkagain » 16 Dec 2021, 14:06

The british army Formations that were allegely called Old Contemptables in 1914....are they still known by that Nickname Today?

Alanmccoubrey
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Re: british Army old Contemptables...still called that today?

#2

Post by Alanmccoubrey » 16 Dec 2021, 14:24

You appear to have misunderstood the term. The Kaiser called the BEF a "contemptible little army" and the troops took to it as a kind of "F*** Off" to him. There is no reason for any of the units involved to have retained the nickname after 1914 and nor did they. You will have to do a lot of research to trace the units to those serving now after a century of amalgamations and cuts.
Alan


Linkagain
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Re: british Army old Contemptables...still called that today?

#3

Post by Linkagain » 16 Dec 2021, 14:49

Thanks for replying

Similar query at https://www.greatwarforum.org/topic/284 ... sed-today/

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Sheldrake
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Re: british Army old Contemptables...still called that today?

#4

Post by Sheldrake » 19 Dec 2021, 04:22

Alanmccoubrey wrote:
16 Dec 2021, 14:24
You appear to have misunderstood the term. The Kaiser called the BEF a "contemptible little army" and the troops took to it as a kind of "F*** Off" to him. There is no reason for any of the units involved to have retained the nickname after 1914 and nor did they. You will have to do a lot of research to trace the units to those serving now after a century of amalgamations and cuts.
Up to a point Lord Copper....

The BEF was the regular Army. Although the British Army has shrunk, many of its Regments and Corps are very proud of the part their predecessors played in 1914. No one would dare to call themselves the Old contemptables, but the deeds live on in battle honours, the names of barracks and companies and honour titles. The 3rd Division which fought at Mons is still in existance.

At Sanbdhurst I was part of Ypres Company, and I served in L (Nery) Battery. I made this video for the US National WW2 Museum to explain the story of Nery.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/JPQ-IvU0Ahc[/youtube]
Nery is special for L battery and for the cavalry who also fought in this battle. We return on round anniversaries as guests of the village.

The British attachments to long standing regiments and batteries means that traditions and history are a living heritage. Back in the 1980s a couple of VC winners (Luke and Drain) from Le Cateau were hosted by the battery in which they served. There was a continuous chain of service from 1914 to the 1980s.

Alanmccoubrey
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Re: british Army old Contemptables...still called that today?

#5

Post by Alanmccoubrey » 19 Dec 2021, 14:49

Who is Lord Copper ?
Alan

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