Complement of the Line of Defense. The remainder of the line of defense after the angle of the flank is taken away.
Compliment. The military mark of respect shown by a body of troops to official personages, to an officer, or to another body of troops.
Compositions, Pyrotechnic. See [Pyrotechny].
Compound Armor. See [Armor Plates].
Compression Strain. See [Ordnance, Strains upon].
Compulsion, or Inevitable Necessity. Is a constraint upon the will whereby an officer is urged to that which his judgment disapproves, and which, it is to be presumed, his will (if left to itself) would reject. As punishments are, therefore, only inflicted for the abuse of that free will which God has given to man, it is highly just and equitable that an officer should be excused for those acts which are done through unavoidable force and compulsion.
Comrade. A soldier who acts as the friend of another soldier, rendering him friendly services, etc. Each soldier generally has one special friend who is recognized as his comrade. The term comrade is also extended so as to include all the members of a particular corps, branch of the service, or the army generally.
Concarneau. A maritime town of France, department of Finistère; it was taken by Du Guesclin in 1373, and by the Leaguers in 1576. The town is defended by a fort and surrounded by ancient walls.
Concave Order of Battle. See [Order of Battle, Concave].
Concepcion. A port of Chili, capital of a province of the same name. In 1554, 1555, and 1603, it was taken and burnt by the Araucanians. A portion of it was again devastated by the Araucanians in 1823.