Arms and Armour

Ditch (fortification)

In military engineering, a ditch is a defensive obstacle designed to slow down or break up the charge from an attacking force (especially cavalry and combat vehicles), in contrast to a trench, which is intended to provide cover (defilade) for infantry defenders against direct fire and artillery barrages. In military fortifications, the side of a ditch furthest from the enemy and closest to the next line of defence is known as the scarp while the side of a ditch closest to the enemy is known as the counterscarp.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Battle of Polygon Wood
• ▸Didelta spinosa
• ▸Battle of Maldon

Uncatalogued shelf

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