Artillery Foxholes?

[alexjack]

Again from Fremantle's book a tactic I haven't read of before.

'I observed that the artillerymen in charge of the horses dig themselves little holes like graves, throwing up the earth at the upper end. They ensconce themselves in these holes when under fire.'

 

[Jim Klag]

That's a new one on me, AJ. I don't remember reading much about individual foxholes. Even in the artillery. Interesting.

 

[jgoodguy]

That's a new one on me, AJ. I don't remember reading much about individual foxholes. Even in the artillery. Interesting.

IMHO especially in the artillery.  Counter-battery fire and snipers would target the arty.

 

[5fish]

Fox hole = Rifle Pit...

During the American Civil War the term "rifle pit" was recognized by both U.S. Army and Confederate Army forces.

A foxhole is one type of defensive strategic position. It is a "small pit used for cover, usually for one or two personnel, and so constructed that the occupants can effectively fire from it".[

Within the historical context of the American Civil War rifle pits were any light field work that combined an interior ditch with a low parapet that was intended exclusively as cover for infantry. Rifle pits were distinguished from major works by their low profile which included a shallow interior trench and a low parapet, neither of which was intended to serve as an obstacle to attacking body of troops. Unlike major field works the soil composing the parapet was usually untamped and the interior slope generally (but not necessarily) unrevetted.

Link: much more detail at the link about rifle pits... https://sites.google.com/site/confe...ons-website---basic-information-on-rifle-pits

Here...

Link:http://www.brettschulte.net/CWBlog/2008/04/03/rifle-pits/

When reading about battles we frequently come across references to rifle pits, usually strung out in a line across the battlefield, often in front of a defensive position. The immediate tactical purpose was to screen the front and provide warning of and harassment to an approaching enemy force.