Lines

Lines: The term applies to various phases of military operations. "Regiments of the Line" are those which are kept in a high state of efficiency and usually ordered immediately to the front on proclamation of war.

The honour of being on the "right of the line" in the British Army belongs to the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

"Lines of communication" are guarded roads, usually railways, along with our reinforcements and supplies travel from the military bases to the fighting front. When an army cuts such a line of communication the belligerent army is seriously impeded. The lines of communications are often sea routes, as was often the case in the Peninsula War, when Wellington kept in touch with his base, i.e., England, by altering his disembarkating points as he proceeded on the campaign.

When an army is in camp the tents of the various regiments are arranged in "lines" across which the other regiments are not supposed to pass.

See also Exterior lines.

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.
Browse other terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z