More actions
A creeping barrage was the “name given to an artillery method of covering infantry in an attack by a moving wall of fire, shelling each successive enemy position immediately ahead, sweeping the ground over which the troops had to advance, according to the infantry rate of progress. The barrage moved forward by "lifts" usually fifty yards at a time, the shelling between "lift" usually lasting a minute and a half. Watched from a distance, in rear, the barrage seemed to "creep" forward, hence the name. It was first used in the Battle of the Somme, 1916.” [1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.66.
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.