Chinese attack: Not strictly speaking an attack as the word is usually understood. Artillery would put down a bombardment on an enemy trench exactly as though the prelude to an infantry assault, while the troops in front shouted, showing dummies and an array of bayonets over the parapets. The bombardment would then be "lifted" over the enemy's trench further to the rear, and after that suddenly come back heavily on the enemy's front line, in that way catching his infantry, who would, on the bombardment moving on, have issued from their shelters and be again manning their front trenches in expectation of infantry attack. Heavy casualties to the enemy were usually the result. [1]
References / notes
- ↑ Edward Fraser and John Gibbons (1925). Soldier and Sailor Words and Phrases. Routledge, London p.54.
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.
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