Johnny Upright

[curious4]

Anyone have an explanation for this name for sergeant Thick? I canīt help wondering whether Jack London was a bit naive in his interpretation (that Thick was a fine upstanding man) and whether this is an example of the rather robust cockney humour.

After all, his name was William - although I suppose William Upright is open to misinterpretation. Perhaps Honest Will would have worked.

All the best
C4

[Phil Carter]

Jack London's book

Hello C4,

Incase anyone doesn't know of this, a little pointer to them one can find the Jack London book "The People Of The Abyss " online here:-

http://www.jacklondons.net/writings/PeopleOfTheAbyss/toc.html

best wishes

Phil

[curious4]

Johnny Upright

Hello Phil,

Yes, have read Jack Londonīs "People of the Abyss" - just not sure he was correct in his interpretation. There has to be a joke in there somewhere!

Best wishes,
C4

[Steven Russell]

I seem to remember from another thread that Sgt. Thick was implicated in some dodgy dealings with our old friend McCarthy in later years. This makes me wonder how "upright" he actually was and whether his nickname was ironic as you seem to suggest.

Best wishes,
Steve.

[Monty]

If I recall, Upright had to meanings.

One was in reference to Thick being an fine standing Copper, the other is a underworld reference to being bought.

Anyhoos, here is the April 1893 Lloyds Weekly where the name is explained.

Monty

[Monty]

Erm, thats not right. Sorry.

Let me work on it.

Monty

[frogg moody]

Please do Monty,

I'm keen to read this as I've done extensive work on Thick's life.....

Cheers,
Frogg

[Robert]

Let me try and help, Monty.

Not sure how this will come out.

[Robert]

There's also a Pall Mall Gazette item on him from 1891 in which he is called Sgt Quick, but I've a feeling it's been posted before.

[Monty]

Many thanks Robert.

Monty

[curious4]

Thanks everyone.Very interesting - any more will be very welcome and also throw some light on his true standing with the people of the East End!

Why "John" ?