I dare say it was also used a great deal by some as a simple noun with no insult intended. Similar to the way “colored” and “negro” used to be acceptable.
Admittedly that was a long time ago.
However, the 1939 film “Gone with the Wind” doesn’t use it, so that may give us an indication of how the word was perceived in the WWII-era.
So Gibson (or whoever named it) isn’t entirely in the clear.

Ah but the book 1936 uses the word profusely and sold a million copies in the first month.
You rightly make the point that in 39 the word was hotly debated and not used in the film.

As you say still on hook.

Now Negro I wasn’t aware of but apparently this stems from the feeling that a none racist label was given by chalkies to a group of black people. This is not acceptable because of the colour of the skin of the scientist who gave this name. Is there a double standard here?

I still don’t really understand why coloured is unexceptable I don’t remember it ever being used in a derogatory sense on its own only in conjunction with other words like “no” and “here”. Many people use the word English when they mean British but we wouldn’t say that had any racist connection. It just annoys the Scots and Welsh.

Does it mention oil consumption? Are you sure you’re not confusing it with the fuel consumption figure given?

Just me confusing everybody again. It didn’t mention oil consumption but I have read that tanks are large and oil is got through fast and wondered why.

The WWI and VC galleries in the redone IWM are excellent and justify a visit in themselves. The rest of it, I’d agree, is poor. But don’t let that put you off, see it for yourself and make your own mind up.

Personally didn’t like the WW1 gallery. Now the VC is definitely worth a visit in itself but this gentleman has limited time

Mr Merry.
Totally agree. IWM London is very poor there are much better things to see if you only have a week. This has been much debated and I got the impression that in general it was considered poor, in fact spoilt from what it had been.

By swipe do you mean contact debit card? I thought that worked in same way as Oyster with same prices. How is it cheaper? It means you have to register your account. Credit never expires and refunds up to £10 can be obtained from tube ticket machines, a complete refund is available.

Paul – just a quick clarification. Not sure that TFC have an enclosure at the September show…..:)

Thanks for that Charlie. Have deleted incorrect info. Was of course thinking of Legends.

Yes, I have no doubt the word was used in a derogatory fashion 50 or 100 years ago in some cases…however its use as a name for both dogs and cats was commonplace when I was a kid in the 40/50s..as was its use as a descriptive for wool, thread, yarn, clothing , paint and so on.

We may have changed our views on the use of this and other words nowadays – but trying to rewrite them out of history (in any context) is misguided.That was then , this is now and you can’t (or shouldn’t)try to alter the past to suit the future.

We are quick enough to decry those who seek to deny the holocaust…..this ,whilst perhaps not in the same league, is just as wrong.

Moggy… I must be mistaken , I got the distinct impression you were quite happy to see the dog’s name either changed of forever written as N*****.

Yes but whilst it may have been commonplace it does not mean it wasn’t originally based in the derogatory sense, need evidence.

I totally agree that the name of dog and code word should remain correct.

Moggy is well known for sitting on fences.:D

Don’t go there …please or I will have to ask…If I called my dog “Whitey” would that make either him or me racist ? (his name is actually Trig)…

Pretty sure he won’t be but not enough evidence about you.:D

You named your dog after a horse?

Man 1 to 2 down field dogging: My dog doesn’t come back when I call anymore.

Man 2 to 1: Why’s that then?

Man 1 to 2: Well it’s ever since I changed his name to Chalky.

Do we know that Gibson’s dog wasn’t racist?

Well no but I am pretty sure he didn’t name himself.