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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Tommy Atkins
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Popular term from the early 19C for a private soldier in the British army, subsequently abbreviated to 'tommy'. The name Thomas Atkins was printed on all specimen forms in the army (from 1815 onwards), showing how they should be filled up by a private in the infantry.
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