British Forces

Whizz-bang sign (WWI period)

http://www.iwm.org.uk/history/whizz-bangs-and-wind-ups-10-tommy-slang-terms

A light shell fired from one of the smaller calibre field guns, referring to the sound as the shell came to explode. A range of slang terms were used for different types of artillery shell, including 'woolly bear' for the burst and smoke of any big German high explosive shell.