In WWI, a sailor’s sleeping gear, consisting of a hammock and a canvas-covered mattress, was called a “fart sack.” The food wasn’t much better than the sleeping accommodations (see 09/28/17 blog post about “iron rations”). On base, they supplemented their rations at the “gedunk” stand, a bar or canteen where they bought soda, sandwiches, candy, and other snacks. There are many ideas about where the term “gedunk” originated. The one I like best is that it derived from a Chinese word meaning “place of idleness.” Read more WWI history in On the Shore (see NOVELS) and learn more historical trivia in BEHIND THE STORY.
