HELP!! Naval Surnames

[cloakndagger]

Hi guys, I need some help here...

Who knows the origin of the following naval nicknames...

 

"Wiggy' Bennett

'Spike' Jones

 

I can remember most but can't track the origin of these two...

 

Can any ex pussers out there help please??

 

Thanks

 

Kaz

[arxcards]

Hi guys, I need some help here...

Who knows the origin of the following naval nicknames...

 

"Wiggy' Bennett

'Spike' Jones

 

I can remember most but can't track the origin of these two...

 

Can any ex pussers out there help please??

 

Thanks

 

Kaz

 

Kaz,

I guess if your last name matches these historical characters, you end up with the nickname to match.

This page is a good read - http://www.gunplot.net/traditions/Navalterminology.html

 

Lindley Armstrong "Spike" Jones - Was a satirical musician during WW2. His nickname was applied because he was as thin as a railway spike. A couple of his songs were -

Sailor with the Navy blue eyes

Der Fuehrers face (a ripoff of Adolf)

 

Wiggie Bennett is more obscure. I had read that there was a Bennett who was a wigmaker to the Admiralty.

 

You will love the bit about Pursers Slops & Uniforms at this link.

http://londonarea.ms-sc.org/UserData/London/Files/Part1/Cadet/OC7.2.doc

I see Chris in a whole new light! :D