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Hi all

I wondered if anyone has come across anything original / written as to the details surrounding the event that was reputed to lead to Essex Regiment soldiers calling 'Thou shalt not kill' to any Bedfordshire Regiment soldiers.

I am familiar with Percy Croney's book, Richard Holmes referring to Percy Croney's book as a source for the taunt, but never seem to see anything closer to the event, let alone where and when it happened?

Has anyone come across anything firm?

The Peacemakers - Bedfordshire Regiment The regiment had no battle honours until 1882, when it was belatedly given those for the War of the Spanish Succession 170 years earlier; the regimental motto was misquoted as 'Thou Shalt not Kill' Wikipaedia

Thanks David - I was involved in the debate that resulted in that being added to Wiki, but was hoping for something a little closer to the source. All I have seen so far is verbal recollections / anecdotal 'evidence' passed down and therefore pretty subjective!

I believe that I have a pretty good take on how the story / nicknames developed over time (along with the various versions that spring up over the years!) but am trying not to 'lead' the answers as I was hoping something more tangible would come up!

Steve

The only other source I'm aware of is Graves in Goodbye to all that who states his regiment (Royal Welch Fusiliers) used to misquote the Bedfords motto as Thou shalt not kill but you're probably aware of that one.

Mark

Thanks Mark - yes, Graves' reference is familiar to me. Am hoping that Ian Hook of the museum will know ...