The traditional wake up call used by armed forces was first used on board ships in port. The idea was to distinguish which hammocks were occupied by crew members and which were being used by lady guests or both. Basically everyone was told to show or ‘shake’ a leg. Those that were hairy were obviously sailors the smoother variety belonged to females, who were promptly rounded up and sent back ashore. Makes you wonder how many sailors might have taken to shaving their legs to get some extra shore leave.
SHAKE A LEG
