Counterguard
The counterguard (French. Contre-garde, "counter-resistance") is a naturally occurring in the bastionären fastening system outwork , which usually only a low wall is that before the actual moats to bastions or ravelins around leads. The rampart of a counterguard is set up in such a way and at least as wide that it enables the erection of guns. An additional trench in front of it protects the plant against an immediate enemy attack. The task of counter-guards was to cover the higher ravelins or bastions behind them from direct fire and to delay an attack on them as long as possible. So that the counter-guards and the works they were supposed to protect cannot be under fire at the same time along the ramparts, they must not run parallel.
If such a rampart was only set up for infantry defense , it is called a couvreface .
References and comments
- ^ Riistow: Military concise dictionary. 1859, sv Contregarden