9 replies to this topic

[kevin]

Pals
What does Interior economy mean, when used in a War Diary, Quote" Companies where at the disposal of Company Commanders for interior economy."

It must be something simple? cleaning?

Regards Kevin

[delta]

Got it in one - also known as "in nights"

[Tom Morgan]

As a further illustration - from a memoir of life in an Army School in New Zealand, 1938:

Saturday mornings appeared on the programme as 'Interior Economy'. All beds and bedding had to be carted outside, weather permitting, and blankets etc shaken to air them. The wooden floors of the huts were then scrubbed with soap and water.

Every square yard of the Wing area was carefully searched for the odd match-stick, cigarette butt or other miniscule item of rubbish which had to be picked up and deposited in the container provided.

As Trentham Camp was not tar-sealed in those days - all roads and spaces between huts were metalled - weeds frequently made their appearance, so 'interior economy' also meant they had to be removed. Chipping weeds was a job often given to men on CB as well.

Hoe this helps, Kevin.

Tom

[Nick82]

Cleaning is indeed the translation.  The term is still used in some places today but it's more commonly known as "bull nights" or "wombling" after the furry litter pickers.

[daggers]

Still happened early 1950s, eg trimming grass with jackknives round barrack huts, picking litter etc.
Daggers

[centurion]

Perhaps the name comes from Home economy - an old term for housekeeping.
Home economy was still on the timetable in many girls schools well after WW2 - or so my wife tells me.

[kevin]

Gents/Pals
       Thanks for clearing it up, like i say i thought it was cleaning, but its nice just to get things clarified, once's again thanks.

Regards Kevin

[johnreed]

Also known as Make and Mend.

John

[Wendy Mac...]

I've got it as 'Bathing parade & Interior economy' in the war dairy that I'm looking into.

Thanks for the translation chaps.

Wendy

[Ron Clifton]

It could also mean "housekeeping" in a rather wider sense than just cleaning, as in the management of the soldiers' feeding arrangements, kit inspections, possibly pay parades, and similar admin tasks.

Ron