Kipling question

[Doc 2/47]

Explanation:As a young man and soldier I was very fond of Kipling.Unfortuneately I lost my copy of his works early on but had memorised much.During the Cambodia Incursion it was very hot and we had a great deal of trouble getting resupplied with fresh water therefore we were forced to ration it.During this time period one of Kipling's verses was much on my mind (working from memory so it probably won't be correct):

You may talk of gin an beer
When you're quartered safe out 'ere
And you're sent to penny fights and Aldershotit.
But when comes to slaughter
You'll do your work on water
An' lick the bloomin' boots of 'im that's got it!

I think that's from "Gunga Din"
My question(that I've wondered about off and on for 34 yrs.)is:WHAT THE HECK IS ALDERSHOTIT?????

[Zofo]

Aldershot is the trad. home of the British Army (esp. the Para Regt) and with Kipling is playing with the "Common Man's" speech, pronunciation and play on words with Aldershot and shooting (shot-it).
I guess that would be what we are looking for here! :?

[Bombardier]

Penny fights are skirmishes, training campaigns possibly even boxing matches where the fighter would be paid a penny or perhaps the entrance fee was a penny. :mrgreen:

I believe Gung Din refers to a Hindu water carrier for a British Indian Regiment.

Some more explanation of terms within the poem Gung Din

panee lao - Bring water swiftly
Harry By - Mr. Atkins's equivalent for "O brother."
juldee - Be quick
marrow - Hit you
mussick - Water-skin

[Doc 2/47]

Thanks Guys!!That's one question I can lay to rest.Feel better now. :D

[Bombardier]

Glad to help buddy as im sure zofo is. :mrgreen:

[Zofo]

True enough!