Accoutrements.—The belts which support the arms, pouch, or pouches of a soldier. These belts are usually made of “buff” leather in the English Army, and are marked inside, as are also the pouches, &c., with the number of the regiment to which they belong.
Adjutant.—An officer not above the rank of Major, appointed to assist the commanding officer in all the details of duty and discipline; receives and issues that officer’s orders to the regiment in general, and is bound to bring to his notice all infraction of rules and orders. He is responsible for the correctness of the regimental books; he prosecutes on all court-martials; supervises the sergeants’ mess; has charge of the orderly-room (Colonel’s office); inspects all escorts and guards; has charge of the official correspondence; and has to spend much of his time in drilling recruits, and in all duties tending to discipline and the smartness and efficiency of the regiment.
Adjutant-General.—One of the chief staff officers of the army, through whom all orders are promulgated, and to whom all reports are sent for the information of the Commander-in-Chief. In time of peace all official correspondence passes through his office, and he is responsible for the general efficiency of the army. On a campaign, in subordination to the Chief of the Staff, he regulates the daily duties of the force. He keeps an exact account of each division and brigade, with a roll of the general and field officers. He issues the orders of the day, and communications on the field are made to him in the absence of a Chief of the Staff. To his department are attached Deputy-Adjutant-Generals, Assistant-Adjutant-Generals, and Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant-Generals.
Advanced Posts.—A term applied to picquets, and any fortified position in country or village in advance of the main line of battle. Their object is to prevent the enemy surprising the main body of the army, and to give it time to form up; this being done, the advanced posts fall back upon their supports and join the main force.
Africander.—A white man born of European parents in South Africa.
Africander Bond.—An association to protect the interests of the Africanders in Africa; now known as the “Dutch party” in Cape Colony, who were certainly not wholly loyal.
Aide-de-camp.—An officer attached to the personal staff of a general officer in garrison or in the field. He carries all orders given him by the general. These he must deliver most distinctly, so as to avoid all chance of mistake, and it is understood his orders must be implicitly obeyed. Thus only officers of intelligence and smartness are appointed. In times of peace, the aide-de-camp assists his chief in official correspondence, in introducing officers, and in dispensing the courtesies of the general’s house. An officer cannot be appointed until he has served two years with his regiment, and passed the prescribed examination. The number of aide-de-camps allotted to general officers in the field are: Commander-in-Chief, four; Generals of Division, two; General of Brigade, one. In time of peace a general has three only. Aide-de-camps receive extra pay in addition to the pay of their regimental rank, which rank is seldom above that of captain. Aide-de-camps are attached to the sovereign, the appointment carrying with it the rank of Colonel in the army. Governors of provinces also have them.
Aliwal North.—A town on the Orange River, on the border between the Free State and Cape Colony, where the Frere Bridge (860 ft. in length) crosses the river. It had a population a little over 2000; and with its park, racecourse, golf links, and sulphur springs, acted as the Leamington of Cape Colony.
Ambulance.—A four-wheeled, covered waggon for the conveyance of sick and wounded soldiers. Two stretchers, the legs of which have small iron wheels, can be run into it, three men can sit on the tailboard, which lets down to serve as a foot-rest, and three others on a like seat in front. Buckets hang below the waggon; a barrel of water is fastened to the splinter-bar, and from the high canvas roof depends a basket for the men’s arms and valises. This roof is marked with the Geneva Cross.
Amnesty.—An act of forgiveness for offences committed against the State, these offences being usually of a political nature.