apocryphal

questionable, untrue, fictitious

billets

 lodging for soldiers

blase

 seemingly bored, indifferent, couldn’t care less

Boer War

 War between Britain and the Boer states of Transvaal and Orange Free State (South Africa) who were trying to gain independence that took place between 1899 and 1902. The War ended in a British victory.

communication trench

trench linking the front and rear lines

compliance

 conforming, agreeing to an order or law

conscription

compulsory enrollment in the armed services

frostbite

 injury to any part of the body resulting from exposure or extreme coldness

futile

 useless, ineffective

great coat

 overcoat

Heavy Battery

artillery unit using big guns such as seige guns etc

incessant

never stopping

L F O

N C O

Non Commissioned Officer. A lower ranking officer who had not received a commission. Ranks could include sergeant, corporal etc.

OTC

Officer Training Corps

parapet

embankment protecting soldiers from enemy fire

puttees

strips of cloth wound round lower leg

R F

Royal Fusiliers

R G A

Royal Garrison Artillery. The RGA was responsible for the large, heavy or big guns.

Territorials

Volunteers serving in a reserve army who were called up for service after the war began.

valise

small piece of luggage