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What is Cannon Fodder?

Introduction Cannon fodder is an informal, derogatory term for combatants who are regarded or treated by government or military command as expendable in the face of enemy fire. The term is generally used in situations where combatants are forced to fight against hopeless odds (with the foreknowledge that they will suffer extremely high casualties) in… Read More

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What was Vertidue?

Introduction Vertidue was an Anglo-French phrase, used during World War I, originally defined as ‘a vile mix of wet faeces and soil.’ It became a regular expression amongst those bunker sharing British and French troops. Refer to Trench Warfare. This page is based on the copyrighted Wikipedia article < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertidue >; it is used under… Read More

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What are Infiltration Tactics?

Introduction In warfare, infiltration tactics involve small independent light infantry forces advancing into enemy rear areas, bypassing enemy frontline strongpoints, possibly isolating them for attack by follow-up troops with heavier weapons. Soldiers take the initiative to identify enemy weak points and choose their own routes, targets, moments and methods of attack; this requires a high… Read More

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What is a Jam Tin Grenade?

Introduction The double cylinder, Nos.8 and No.9 hand grenades, also known as the “jam tins”, are a type of improvised explosive device (IED) used by the British and Commonwealth forces, notably the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in World War I. Background The jam tin, or bully beef tin, was one of many… Read More

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What is Trench Warfare?

Introduction Trench warfare is a type of land warfare using occupied fighting lines largely comprising military trenches, in which troops are well-protected from the enemy’s small arms fire and are substantially sheltered from artillery. Trench warfare became archetypically associated with World War I (1914 to 1918), when the Race to the Sea rapidly expanded trench… Read More