Rifle Pits

In siege operations a rifle pit was a small trench for one or two men with a slight parapet or other cover in front. Rifle pits were generally established well in advance of a fortification's outworks or main line of field works in front or on the flanks of a besieging army's approaches. Fire from rifle pits was used to harass the heads of saps and working parties and to bring the embrasures of siege batteries under small arms fire. This type of work could also be used to cover ground that could not otherwise be seen from a main line of field works and as protection for advanced pickets.

The appellation "rifle pit" was also often applied to any trench of any length or capasity that was covered by a low parapet made from any combination of soil from the trench, logs, rails, rubbish, barrels, or any other handy objects including regular revetment materials.

Also See: Rifle Trenches, Head-logs and Other Protection Above the Interior Crest

January, 2003

Modified January 2004