Army: The term “Army” had this specific Western Front meaning in the Great War. The original British Expeditionary Force of seven divisions was, early in the War, formed into three Army Corps. As additional troops arrived these were formed into additional Army Corps. On 25 December, 1914, the term “Army” was specially introduced and two Armies were formed by grouping the existing Army Corps. The “First Army” comprising the 1st, 4th and Indian Corps, was placed under Sir Douglas (now Earl) Haig; the “Second Army” comprising the 2nd and 3rd Army Corps and the 27th Division, was placed under Sir Horace Smith Dorrien. To prevent confusion thenceforward what had been known as Army Corps, dropped the “Army” and were termed “Corps” simply.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.9.
The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War.
This compendium forms the central hub of words, phrases, people, and places relative to the Great War period of 1914–1918. These also include battles, political events, ships, trench slang, British and American service terms and expressions in everyday use, nicknames, sobriquets, the titles of British and Commonwealth Regiments and their origins, and also warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary with the war, which is reflected in the language used, some of which may seem derogatory by today's standards. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.