Battle surplus

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.

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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