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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.
The above term is listed in our Compendium of the Great War on this day.
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 with the war, which is reflected in the language used. Sources include: Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases, The War Book-of-Facts and Odhams' A.B.C. of the Great War. Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.