Communications.—The lines by which an army communicates with its base from any point to which it has advanced, and by which it must retreat in the event of disaster. They are the arteries that vitalise the mechanism and allow it to work.
Company.—A body of men commanded by a captain, and forming the first unit of an infantry battalion. The number of a company may be reckoned as about 100. About eight companies make a battalion.
DURBAN, NATAL
Photo by Wilson, Aberdeen
Contraband of War.—Arms, ammunition, coal, food, &c., which a neutral power is prohibited by the Law of Nations from carrying to countries in a state of war.
Cordite.—Smokeless powder resembling cords, which defies the best efforts to locate the enemy. Invented by Sir F. Abel and Professor Dewar.
Corporal.—Next grade below that of sergeant.
Creusot Gun.—The famous “Long Toms” of the Boers are Creusot guns. They were originally named after the place of Le Creuzot, where the firm of Schneider & Co. manufacture these weapons. But the term is now applied to other guns made by the same firm.
De Aar.—Important junction of the Cape Town and Port Elizabeth Railways.
Division.—First unit of a corps d’armée, and commanded by a general officer. Consists of two or more brigades, and is composed of three arms of the service, infantry, cavalry, and artillery.