A Handy Dictionary Of Military Terms PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1873 edition. Excerpt: ... detach, to, is to separate a fragment from the main body of a battalion, brigade, division, or army, for the performance of a special duty. detached works are works so far in advance of the fortress that they receive no support from its fire. detachment. A body of troops described as above. The term is seldom applied to any body of troops less than a sergeant's party. detail, to, is to appoint men for certain temporary duties. Details are the men appointed. discharge, to, is to compel or authorize a soldier to quit the army. A discharge is the parchment certificate notifying the circumstance that a soldier has quitted the service by compulsion or with leave. If the soldier bears a good character the fact is mentioned at the foot of his certificate. If there is no certificate it is a proof that the man's character is bad. discipline. The system by which good order and prompt obedience is secured in a body of soldiers. disembarkation. The act of landing troops from a boat or ship. The term has lately been applied to the act of quitting a railway train. dismount. To get off a horse; to take a cannon off its carriage. dispart. Half the difference between the largest circumference of a cannon at the breech, and that of the muzzle. distance. The space between bodies of troops from front to rear. For instance, a company which stands at a distance from a company in front equal to half its breadth is said to have half distance. A column 100 yards in rear of another column is said to be at 100 yards distance. ditch. The excavation which supplies the earth for the construction of the rampart o