Barrage: (from French of the same spelling) is the barrier formed by artillery fire. In land warfare to "put down" a barrage meant to concentrate artillery fire to clear ground on a line parallel to the front of an infantry attack and paralyze the defence. The main Naval barrage in the First World War was across the Straights of Dover, and was designed to keep enemy submarines from interfering with the passage of transport across, and merchant traffic in general. [1]
See also: Bombardment.
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.
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.18.