actually RT, Aussie troops abroad did say "mucking" and a good deal else, besides. Hence skylarking or blowing off steam is still known as "mucking about". As it happens, it comes from a rhyming discontinuity quite similar to cockney slang, but also quite different... in its application. I think it also becomes apparent in the love Australians have for not only vernacular but also an opposing phrase.
a redhead was almost invariably known as 'Blue'
a tall man almost invariably christened 'Tiny'
My father, who never ever touched liquor (after a near fatal experience in Canada, I believe) was forever known to his Air Force crew as "Whiskey";
and the idea is also to be found in their opponents, most of whom they had the greatest respect for (except the Japanese for historical reasons involving war crimes and atrocities). When the ANZACs and the Turks were busy killing each other on the Dardanelles the most common nickname for the enemy was a vaguely affectionate 'Johnny Turk'. Hatred was uncommon, probably as some kind of response to try and make light of the horrors.
Sorry, I could write an essay on this, and probably have.
Anyway, back to point: read all of Shute's novels many years ago, and reread many over the years. They're great simple ideas, big themes, and a real economy with words. Obviously they date a bit, but still a great read.
