Canadian Military History Gateway
www.cmhg-phmc.gc.ca
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Glossary
Select a letter to browse an alphabetical listing of terms and definitions.
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Division
Organizational part of headquarters that handles military matters of a particular nature, such as personnel, intelligence, training or supply. Army tactical unit/formation that combines within itself the necessary arms and services required for sustained combat, usually consisting of two or three brigades. In the navy, a number of similar vessels grouped together for operational and administrative command. In the air force, an air combat organization consisting of two or more wings with service units.
Dragoons
Mounted infantryman armed with a carbine or short musket used by the French army in the 17th century, meant to move rapidly on horse and fight on foot or mounted. Evolved into a cavalry role as the demand for mounted fighting increased in the 18th century. The first unit of cavalry in Canada in 1959 and 1960, was the "Corps de cavalerie", and was a mixture of dragoons and light cavalry. During the War of 1812, units of provincial cavalry served with distinction with the British 19th Light Dragoons, and dragoon or light cavalry units were part of the Canadian forces roster thereafter.
Drummer
Soldier armed with drum rather than weapon, and so often considered a non-combatant. A part of every infantry company until the 20th century, the drummer conveyed orders from the officers to the troops by beating various drum calls. They were often dressed in colourful and distinctive uniforms decorated with lace.
Dud
Munitions that fail to explode after having been fired. They remain dangerous until defused and emptied of explosive by an expert.
Dugout
An underground shelter, often reinforced with concrete, most commonly built in or near the front line trenches. Term generally used since the First World War. Soldiers sheltered in dugouts during artillery bombardments and barrages.
