Origin of the phrase "old ... never die; they just ..."

Posted by James Briggs on January 11, 2002

In Reply to: Origin of the phrase "old ... never die; they just ..." posted by Becker on January 11, 2002

: I have long been wondering about the origin of the often-used phrase "old ... never die; they just".

: In my school, there used to be an inscription saying "old teachers never die; they just lose their class".

: Would anyone know the origin of this phrase ? Did anyone famous utter it for the first time ?

: Thanks in advance for any help,

: D. Becker

Back in the early 1900s in Britain there was a phrase - still heard from time to time - 'old soldiers never die, they just fade away'. This may have come from a music hall song, but I'm far from sure. Just a suggestion as to a possible origin.

• "Old soldiers never die ..." R Berg 01/11/02
  • "Old soldiers never die ..." Bob 01/11/02
    • "Old soldiers never die ..." James Briggs 01/11/02
      • "Old soldiers never die ..." James Briggs 01/11/02
        • Many thanks for "Old soldiers never die ..." Becker 01/14/02