Paddy Wester is a traditional Royal Navy term for a young or inexperienced seaman.[1] It might also refer to a "new-boy" in a mess; in times of stability, the "Junior Hand" might remain as such for some years until someone newer is posted.
It was also used in Manchester City Fire Brigade and possibly other fire brigades with naval traditions to designate a man (as it was until recently a male only profession)[2] drafted or seconded onto a shift to cover a temporary shortage. At the Roll Call beginning the shift, as names were called, the stranger would be addressed as "Paddy Wester".
Following the children's cartoon from Trumpton,[3] Cap'n Flack might call the roll "Pugh, Pugh, (they were twins) Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Paddy Wester and Grub."
References[]
- ↑ An inefficient or novice seaman. (1892 — 1938). "W. E. Dexter They had a pack of fake seamen sailing on dead men's discharges—a crew of 'Paddy Westers' (1938)".
- ↑ "London Fire Brigade - Women in the Brigade". London-fire.gov.uk. 2010-02-28. http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/WomenInTheBrigade.asp. Retrieved 2012-10-05.
- ↑ "Trumpton Firemen. Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew". YouTube. 2010-09-07. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6YE4PCRNwc. Retrieved 2012-10-05.
The original article can be found at Paddy wester and the edit history here.