A Battle surplus is when officers and men of a unit or Brigade are left out of action and retained to replace casualties incurred. Before an attack Operation Orders provided that a certain proportion of officers and other ranks in every unit to be engaged was not to accompany the unit into action. It was styled "first reinforcements" and was retained to form the nucleus for reconstructing the unit should the worst happen. They were also employed on special work of various kinds close behind the fire zone.[1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.20.
Compendium of the Great War.
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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.