Redan

A redan was a simple field work consisting of two faces joined to form a salient angle. This basic trace could be modified in several ways to produce elements that could project columns of fire across ground in front of the salient: auxiliary flanks could be added to the extremities of the faces or the faces could be broken at their mid-points with auxilary flanks 10 to 20 yards long laid out perpendicular to the general line of the faces. Two or more redans could be joined together to form double or triple redans.

Redans were employed in situations where a simple trace and open gorge were required. They could be used to cover small posts guarding roads or bridges when the avenues of approach were restricted and the direction of an enemy's approach could be adequately predicted. Redans were also used in conjunction with larger works as advanced posts to protect ground that could not be seen from the larger works; they could also be used to fortify the advanced line in a line of works with intervals. In many cases redans were employed as strong points positioned on commanding ground in continuous lines of works where their faces could project columns of fire across the fronts of less substantial lines of rifle trenches.

January, 2003