Tommy Atkins
/ˌtɒmi ˈatkɪnz/(also Tommie Atkins)
noun
(A generic name for) a British private soldier; British private soldiers collectively. Also occasionally in extended use: a private in any army; a member of the rank and file in any organization.
- In later use largely replaced by Tommy. Now chiefly with reference to the First World War (1914–18)..
Origin
Mid 19th century. Apparently from Tommy, pet form of the male forename Thomas + the surname Atkins, after Thomas Atkins.