Pickets 1 to 2 inches in diameter, 2 1/2 to 3 feet
long, and sharped at both ends used in large numbers to form obstacles that
could either be positioned in a temporary fortification's ditch or beyond
the crest of the counterscarp. This type of obstacle was designed to distract
attacking troops by compelling them to step or attempt to jump over a low
obstacle that threatened to both trip and impale them. Small pickets were
driven into the ground in a very closely spaced quincunx order or in multiple
rows. When positioned beyond the crest of the counterscarp small pickets
were driven at a slight angle toward the expected direction of an attack
to increase the depth and threatening attitude of the obstacle; when placed
at the bottom of a ditch they were driven vertically into the ground to injure
attacking troops attempting to jump
into the ditch in hopes of escaping the defenders' fire delivered from the
parapet. Belts of small pickets could also be concealed behind low embankments
in front of a temporary work to throw an attacking body of troops into confusion
when suddenly confronted by a previously undetected obstacle.
Pickets 1 to 2 inches in diameter, 2 1/2 to 3 feet
long, and sharped at both ends used in large numbers to form obstacles that
could either be positioned in a temporary fortification's ditch or beyond
the crest of the counterscarp. This type of obstacle was designed to distract
attacking troops by compelling them to step or attempt to jump over a low
obstacle that threatened to both trip and impale them. Small pickets were
driven into the ground in a very closely spaced quincunx order or in multiple
rows. When positioned beyond the crest of the counterscarp small pickets
were driven at a slight angle toward the expected direction of an attack
to increase the depth and threatening attitude of the obstacle; when placed
at the bottom of a ditch they were driven vertically into the ground to injure
attacking troops attempting to jump
into the ditch in hopes of escaping the defenders' fire delivered from the
parapet. Belts of small pickets could also be concealed behind low embankments
in front of a temporary work to throw an attacking body of troops into confusion
when suddenly confronted by a previously undetected obstacle.
