Entrenchments

Entrenchments are the earthen parapets thrown up to give cover against the enemy's fire, and the ditches or trenches from which the earth is obtained for them. They may be either of the most hasty or of the most deliberate kind. Of the former class are the various patterns of shelter-trench, in which the men stand, kneel, or lie in the trench 1 foot 6 inches to 3 feet deep, and fire over a parapet 1 foot 6 inches to 2 feet 9 inches above the ground-level, and also the different saps used for siege purposes, in which the trench forms the roadway towards the fortress attacked, and the parapet gives cover to the troops using it. The deliberate kind include all field and permanent works, having a thick parapet of considerable height, over which the men fire, and by which they are protected, while the ditch from which the earth for the parapet has been dug forms an obstacle in its front (see FORTIFICATION). The term is also used for any fence, building, wood, or other natural cover that has been scientifically prepared for defence.