Nautical antiques, marine antiques and aviation collectables have been part of our life long interest in collecting. We are a family business with Naval and Air Force connections....... more
Having a problem
navigating our site?
Try the Site Map
Nautical Antiques and Aviation Collectables
We sell and buy nautical antiques, aeronautical and aviation collectables, naval and aviation memorabilia, maritime antiques and items of militaria from World War II and before.
Please look at our Nautical and Aeronautical pages to view representative examples from our frequently changing stock. We regularly update our News and Press Release pages to keep you informed of our recent activities.
Buying and Selling - If you would like to purchase an item, ask us to source a specific piece, or you have something relevant to sell, please Contact Us.
We have a range of flying jackets, flying suits and other items of aircrew clothing
The RAF Gen Book of Service Slang
2nd December 2011
Here, at Oldnautibits HQ. we get to see all sorts of items. Some, although interesting, have no great value. This little booklet, entitled "The RAF Gen Book of Service Slang", falls into that category. It tickled our fancy, so we thought we'd share it with our site visitors over this festive season.
We understand that the book was compiled by Ernest L. Howard-Williams, who used the pseudonym "HW" - HW was a serving WWII RAF Officer when he compiled the book. The inside cover is named to D.Billingham - Xmas 1945. The book contains an alphabetical guide to WWII RAF slang, together with a range of cartoons that illustrate the meaning of many of the expressions.
Each cartoon has been hand coloured (we assume by Mr Billingham), which really brings them to life. Many of the meanings are no longer valid in modern times; a "Fizzer" could be a good looking girl, or a perfect landing, a "Target for Tonight" is a girlfriend, a "Devil Dodger" is the RAF Chaplin. Confusingly, both "Blackouts" and "Passion Killers" are WAAF's knickers! A "Jeep" is apparently a local girl, or a small runabout (or possibly both?).
We hope you enjoy the cartoons and, on behalf of the team here at the Oldnautibits HQ, we wish all visitors a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year.
