Here, at Oldnautibits HQ, we get to see all sorts of items and this little booklet entitled "The RAF Gen Book of Service Slang", has caused us much amusement!

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.

What makes this copy rather special is someone, perhaps D.Billingham himself, has hand coloured all the illustrations. In addition, in the "gen" listings he has added in pencil some more of his own like "Twilight.... See Passion Killers", which are also featured in one of the cartoons! Another addition is Penguin - a rank without wings, or in other words non aircrew personnel. Other examples are a "Fizzer", who was 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?

This paperback booklet shows some wear commensurate with age, but generally very good and, as we have said, has caused a lot of amusement here in the Oldnautibits HQ! With the festive season on us before very long, this would be an excellent unique stocking filler at a modest price. Click the cycling images above, to see the Slideshow