Take no prisoners

Posted by ESC on December 21, 2004

In Reply to: Take no prisoners posted by David FG on December 21, 2004

: : Hi,

: : Does anyone know the origin of 'take no prisoners'? Tahnks.

: I have always assumed it to be a military phrase. The order being given before a battle that all of the enemy were to be killed, as opposed to taking any (even the wounded or those that surrendered) as prisoners.

: It is, I believe, now contrary to international law.

: DFG

Prisoners were killed to avoid:

COMBAT SUCK - "...units like the 709th Military Police Battalion are planning meticulously to avoid what is called 'combat suck' - drawing troops away from the fighting to care for war prisoners, thus slowing down the charge toward Baghdad."