The origins of what came to be known as the “short snorter” are obscured. The few facts that are available tell us that the legendary practice began with British troops who served in many different countries of the empire during the nineteenth-century. So the story goes, these troops collected examples of local currency to keep as souvenirs of their adventures in these far off, exotic lands. The notes were then connected together end-to-end, rolled up and carried with the collector at all times, perhaps as a talisman.
How the term “short snorter” became attached to this practice of collecting currency is also unclear. We do know that the term “short snort” refers to a stiff alcoholic drink that is not quite full.
As we now understand its use during World War II, the “short snorter” was a personal souvenir and good luck charm carried by allied combatants whose service took them to, through, or above foreign lands. Accordingly, aircrews in particular were possessors of the “snorter.”
The form of the “short snorter” and the informal rules regulating its use varied greatly depending upon the location, the branch of service, unit and the particular period of the war. However, two components were essential to every “short snorter” routine: paper currency and alcohol consumption.
In the usual case, anyone in a bar, tavern or service club could ask if a person was a “short snorter” or demand that all “snorters” be produced. It then fell to the person with the shortest (or, God forbid, no) “snorter” to buy a round of drinks for all other “snorter” possessors. Another variant of the tradition had the owner of the longest “snorter” receive free drinks from the others.
In World War II, the U.S. Army Air Forces added a couple of twists to the practice. Sometimes, to qualify for “snorter” status, the possessor must have crossed the equator. The first bill of the “snorter” chain was commonly a U.S. two-dollar note. Attendees of gatherings where “snorters” were produced routinely autographed those of others. U.S. AAF flyers carried with them some of the most interesting, colorful and today, collectible, souvenirs of any war … money that had been autographed by their comrades.
In many cases commanding officers and celebrities signed these notes. Marlene Dietrich, who toured the ETO as an entertainer was said to have carried her own “short snorter.” On other “snorters” of the ETO, one might find the autographs of Glenn Miller, Jimmy Doolittle and other now-legendary fliers and personalities.
Today the individual bills themselves are objects of history. In one case known to the author, a C-46 pilot of the 54th Troop Carrier Squadron who served in the Pacific Theater carefully Scotch-taped together notes from Australia, Japan, China, the Philippines (including examples of the money of dozens of islands whose guerillas had produced their own currency), New Zealand and paper money from many other sovereignties of the era. Many of these nations no longer exist. When unrolled, his “short snorter” stretches more than twenty feet.
Paratroopers commonly autographed a single U.S. bill. Another slightly modified version of the “snorter” practice was a single autographed note, torn in two, each piece carried into battle by one of two comrades. Later, when the each individually worthless halves were joined, the two reunited pals would spend the now-complete note and enjoy a “short snort” together. But sometimes it didn’t work that way. The author still carries in his wallet one half of a dollar bill, circa 1969. The location of the other half is unknown. Its possessor, the author’s best friend, did not return for the ceremonial reuniting of the two halves.
In one form or another, the tradition of the “short snorter” has continued to this day. It remains as tangible evidence of the camaraderie that men of arms enjoy with one another.
I am curious though...I originally looked the term up after I bought a model P-47N Thunderbolt. The markings that I chose to use are very colorful, with not one, but TWO barely dressed girls on the nose (one on each side). On the right cowling is printed "2 BIG And Too HEAVY", and on the other side in block letters "SHORT SHORTER". I wonder whether it is accurate...it looks like "SNORTER" at first, but if you look close it is an "H". Either that is correct and has some significance, or whoever designed the decals got it wrong. Anyone know about this? The plane is from the 333rd FS/318th FG, Ie Shima, 1945, serial no. 488043, and has the side number "21". If you can tell me anything, please write me at . Thanks.
