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Peter
Joined: 10 Apr 2007
Posts: 105
Location: Gosport, Hampshire
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 Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 10:45 am Post subject: Lt Andrew Miller R.N. |
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Many of the old salts who served in the Royal Navy refer to the service as the 'Andrew'. It is said that it is named after Lt. 'Andrew' Miller, who was an exceptional press gang officer, who always exceeded his quota.
I have looked at the usual sources but I have been unable to confirm this myth or fact? |
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PMarione
Site Admin
Joined: 26 Mar 2007
Posts: 883
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| Posted: Wed Nov 21, 2007 7:01 pm Post subject: |
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From "With a pinch of salt" by Nick Bates:
| Quote: | The slang name given to the Royal Navy, of which the origins are not very clear. Some say it comes from a chap by the name of Andrew Miller, who was reputed to be such a prolific supplier of pressed hands that the Navy was considered by some as the Andrew Miller Club.
Others would suggest that a certain Andrew Miller had such a virtual monopoly on provisioning His Majesty's ships that the Navy was said to belong to him.
What is certain is there is no conclusive answer to this puzzle. |
Another theory, is that the nickname comes from St Andrew, the patron saint of the sailors.
And for the RAF, "Crab" apprently comes from the cream Blue Unction used in the treatment of crabs, matching perfectly the blue uniform of the RAF.
@+P |
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