Old Contemptibles meaning

Old Contemptibles refers to the veteran British soldiers who fought in World War I, known for their bravery and steadfastness in the face of adversity.


Old Contemptibles definitions

Word backwards dlO selbitpmetnoC
Part of speech The phrase "Old Contemptibles" can be considered a noun as it is a title or designation for a specific group of individuals (British soldiers who fought in World War I).
Syllabic division Old Con-tempt-i-bles
Plural The plural of the word "Old Contemptibles" is also "Old Contemptibles."
Total letters 16
Vogais (4) o,o,e,i
Consonants (10) o,l,d,c,n,t,m,p,b,s

Old Contemptibles is a term used to refer to the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) that was sent to France at the start of World War I in 1914. The nickname was a result of a comment made by German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who reportedly referred to the British soldiers as "contemptible little army" after they fought bravely in the Battle of Mons.

The Origin of the Name

The nickname stuck, and the soldiers of the BEF proudly adopted the title of "Old Contemptibles" as a badge of honor. The name reflected the defiance and resilience of the soldiers who faced overwhelming odds on the battlefield.

The Battle of Mons

The Battle of Mons was the first major engagement of the BEF in World War I. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the advancing German forces, the BEF managed to hold off the enemy for two days before making a strategic retreat. The soldiers' valor and determination in the face of danger earned them the respect of their allies and the nickname "Old Contemptibles."

Legacy of the Old Contemptibles

The legacy of the Old Contemptibles lives on in the annals of military history. Their actions in the early days of World War I set a standard of bravery and resilience for future generations of soldiers to follow. The term "Old Contemptibles" is now synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and honor on the battlefield.

Even though the soldiers of the BEF faced overwhelming odds and suffered heavy casualties, they never wavered in their commitment to their duty. The spirit of the Old Contemptibles continues to inspire present-day military personnel to uphold the values of courage, loyalty, and selflessness in the face of adversity.


Old Contemptibles Examples

  1. The Old Contemptibles were a group of British soldiers who fought bravely in World War I.
  2. My grandfather proudly served as one of the Old Contemptibles during the Battle of Ypres.
  3. The Old Contemptibles Association was established to honor the memory of these courageous soldiers.
  4. The term "Old Contemptibles" was originally used by the German Kaiser Wilhelm II to describe the British Expeditionary Force.
  5. Historians often refer to the soldiers of the BEF as the Old Contemptibles due to their gallant actions in battle.
  6. The Old Contemptibles are remembered for their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
  7. Many of the Old Contemptibles received medals for their bravery and sacrifice during the war.
  8. The Old Contemptibles played a crucial role in the early stages of World War I, holding the line against overwhelming odds.
  9. The stories of the Old Contemptibles continue to inspire generations of soldiers and civilians alike.
  10. Visiting the graves of the Old Contemptibles at war cemeteries in France and Belgium is a somber and poignant experience.


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  • Updated 31/03/2024 - 20:38:39