Killed in action

Killed in action, usually abbreviated to k.i.a., is the term used widely by the military to denote a casualty classification that describes a combatants death as a direct result of engagement with an enemy or hostile force. It was a term used widely throughout the First World War that established a soldiers death on the battlefield in actions against the enemy. Those that were injured on the battlefield but died as a result their injuries at a later date were classed as d.o.w. (died of wounds). This distinction separated the casualties into two specific casualty types. The term also relates to air and naval forces and is still in use today.

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.

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