Charlie?

GSDane · Mar 15, 2013

Not that Charlie so just keep reading

Being on this great ride at the moment (Chix) - and no one can explain to me why the tail man rider is called Charlie?
Can anyone here explain?

Cheers, GSDane.

GelandeRoadie · Mar 15, 2013

I can't wait to hear what the "chic" version will be!! Just don't upset the boys

dobbo · Mar 15, 2013

It is a term that was regularly used in the army, that has been adapted to bikes.

In a rifle section when on a patrol, the last man is called either; tail-end charlie or arse-end charlie.

I believe it stems from the RAF, regarding either the last plane in formation or the rear end gunner.

Here is a link:
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Tail_End_Charlie

Dr AT · Mar 15, 2013

That's all very well, but " the MAN guarding "....

On a chix ride it's clearly a reference the charles angels.

Dave Ward · Mar 15, 2013

G'day Dorthe,

"Charlie" was an old slang name used in (mainly) UK to refer to someone whose name was not known, much like the yanks used "Joe". There seems to be no real reason recorded as to why the name Charlie, instead of any others, was used

So in the term "Tail End Charlie" it referred to the last man or plane in a group when the identity of said tail ender wasn't known to all in group. It became well known during & after WW2 due to it's use to designate the last aircraft in the bombing groups over Europe during that war.

grumpyoldbstrd · Mar 15, 2013

Its from the etymology nomenclature from the avarian school of thought. Because so many birds were called Yellow Bellied Sap Suckers, it was decided by the Birdos that an appropriate Latin name should be given to the last bird in a flock (or gaggle, or parliament or murder). The name originally given was Charlieus Incredibilius Extremeius named by Lady Dorthe (always lagging behind) Kroghinberger a noted Danish Birdo in the 18<sup>th</sup> century who was infamous for always being the last person to arrive. This was ultimately shortened to Charlie. Hence the last person (or thing) to arrive is now called Charlie.

Russ · Mar 15, 2013

Sleepy John · Mar 15, 2013

Because the forward scout is Bruce... Tail end Bruce didn't have the same 'ring' to it.

D_A · Mar 15, 2013

Shouldn't that be "New-Bruce" then?

Ockrocket · Mar 17, 2013

So the Aussie version should be "butt end Bazza" then.

Ock.

D_A · Mar 17, 2013

It just occurred to me to ask if there might be any connection to the Carl Gustov or "Charley Guts-Ache" recoilless rifle.

Sleepy John · Mar 17, 2013

D_A said: ↑

It just occurred to me to ask if there might be any connection to the Carl Gustov or "Charley Guts-Ache" recoilless rifle.
Click to expand...

No. The biggest bloke carries the CG, if its taken out of it's bag. We never took it on patrol.

gsd4me · Mar 17, 2013

Sleepy John said: ↑

Because the forward scout is Bruce... Tail end Bruce didn't have the same 'ring' to it.
Click to expand...

Depends........:ymca

itsgunnahurt · Mar 17, 2013

Ockrocket said: ↑

So the Aussie version should be "butt end Bazza" then.

Ock.
Click to expand...

Back-door Bazza?:eek1

GSDane · Mar 17, 2013

Dave Ward said: ↑

G'day Dorthe,

"Charlie" was an old slang name used in (mainly) UK to refer to someone whose name was not known, much like the yanks used "Joe". There seems to be no real reason recorded as to why the name Charlie, instead of any others, was used

So in the term "Tail End Charlie" it referred to the last man or plane in a group when the identity of said tail ender wasn't known to all in group. It became well known during & after WW2 due to it's use to designate the last aircraft in the bombing groups over Europe during that war.
Click to expand...

Hi Dave
Thanks for the explanations... much appreciated. We did have the WW2-thought on the table - close but not close enough.

Dr AT said: ↑

That's all very well, but " the MAN guarding "....
On a chix ride it's clearly a reference the charles angels.
Click to expand...

The WW2-reference clearly makes sense... but like this one better

GSDane

GSDane · Mar 17, 2013

grumpyoldbstrd said: ↑

 Its from the etymology nomenclature from the avarian school of thought. Because so many birds were called Yellow Bellied Sap Suckers, it was decided by the Birdos that an appropriate Latin name should be given to the last bird in a flock (or gaggle, or parliament or murder). The name originally given was Charlieus Incredibilius Extremeius named by Lady Dorthe (always lagging behind) Kroghinberger a noted Danish Birdo in the 18<sup>th</sup> century who was infamous for always being the last person to arrive. This was ultimately shortened to Charlie. Hence the last person (or thing) to arrive is now called Charlie.

Click to expand...

GSDane said: ↑

Thanks for the explanations... much appreciated.
GSDane
Click to expand...

Well, well, well... GOP, thank you again for a very detailed explanation on a very interesting subject.
Isn't it just amazing how much stuff old people know...

D.

grumpyoldbstrd · Mar 17, 2013

Hey Grandkid,
Hope you have (or have had) a good flight back to DK & catch up on some sleep on the way home.
Next time you're having coffee with that Tassie chick, say "G'day" for me.
See you next year???
Yours in oldness & grumpiness,
GOB

gsd4me · Mar 18, 2013

Of course, there was also "Victor Charlie", but that's another story.

Sleepy John · Mar 18, 2013

itsgunnahurt said: ↑

Back-door Bazza?:eek1
Click to expand...

Hmmm.

No. Don't do it Sleepy. You'll get yourself in trouble.

KIZ · Mar 19, 2013

gsd4me said: ↑

Of course, there was also "Victor Charlie", but that's another story.
Click to expand...

sounds like radio talk to me. And what is Grumys story for a six, ie rear.

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