Hitchcocks Forum

Ok, I give in! What does the Scalyback reffer to? If memory serves (not as likeley these days!), someone once mentioned that he thought you were ex Royal Signals? If so, or if not, where does the name come from?

To put you out of your misery it is to do with battery acid but I am sure he will give a full explination

The term is an army nickname for the signalers and refers to the early days of radio transmiters and the effects of batteries leaking acid onto the skin of the signaler carrying the pack. Most regiments have nicknames, some more or less flattering than others. Engineers consider themselves "the gentlemen of the royal engineers", but on the other hand, "I'm a reccy mech and I can't read, but I can drive a tractor". Which was bullshit, I could read perfectly well.