"The First and the Last" (English)

Originally Posted by Ruy Horta

As for translations, there is a nice one in the Hans-Ekkehard Bob book.

page 88, line 9

Me 109 Staffeln were equipped with bomb discharge appliances.

As you'll agree that is too litteral a translation of Bombenabwurfgerät

- Certainly! The right thing to do is to use the normal phrase used in the corresponding country(ies). Worse : "bomb discharge" doesn't make any sense.

Actually I rather like "Sitting War", its litteral, but it catches the German Sitzkrieg better than the more correct "Drole de Guerre" or "Phoney War". Correct translation doesn't always catch the right vibe.

- I agree. Nevertheless this is one of many instances in which there is a worldwide known phrase (phoney war) and using another one will disturb the readers. The translator could use his own new version but explain in a foot note : "Also known as "Phoney War".