What is the origin of the name dog robber?

Answer 1

Origin of the name dog robberThe answer may be found on other Google sites. The tern apparently goes back to the Civil War. It refers to an enlisted man who serves as a lackey for an officer.

During WWII, the term was modified somewhat to include a Junior Officer who was an attendant and personal assistant, (Lackey), to the Commander of a unit. This position was Unofficial, because it was the Dog Robber's job to solve problems and remedy situations that the Commander didn't want to be bothered with, or he felt, were below the dignity of his rank and position. Generally some unorthodox, if not illegal actions and/or remedies were necessary to solve these problems and the Commander didn't want to be personally involved.

As a result, a Battalion, Brigade or even Regimental Dog robber, carrying, unofficially, the Commanders authority, became a very powerful and feared man for a first Lieutenant or Captain. The general order and motto that was associated with a Colonel or Generals Dog Robber was, "Just make it go away," or, "Just fix it."