A soldier cleans and polishes a gun

[strange_raptors]

For lunch today I had two boiled eggs and soldiers with a cup of tea. As glorious as this meal was, it set me to thinking. Why is it that strips of buttered bread/toast are called soldiers?
If anyone knows the answer or has intriguing theories, please comment.

Comments

[wellinghall.livejournal.com]

Because you can line them up on your plate, just like soldires used to line up in rank and file?

/guessing

[shanith.livejournal.com]

Don't know, but like Wellinghall's suggestion!
*Changing subject*
Have you ever read Tales of the Otori?