Part 403

RAW, in a military sense, unseasoned, unripe in skill, wanting knowlege in military tactics, &c.

RAW troops, unexperienced soldiers; men who have been little accustomed to the use of arms. This term is generally used in opposition to veteran troops. A cool and wise general will always know how to make the most of that part of his army which is composed of raw troops; and a rash intemperate one will equally miss the proper application of the spirit and manhood, which ignorance of danger, and confidence of success, almost always give. Some of the most brilliant actions, and some of the greatest victories have been achieved and won by means of that daring impetuosity, which hurries raw troops into the thickest of an enemy. A thousand instances might be adduced from ancient and modern history, to prove the correctness of this remark. It may, perhaps, be sufficient for our purpose, to refer the curious reader to the bold and unexampled charge which was made against the French troops in Germany, by Elliot’s new raised light horse in the seven years war. The laurels of Emsdorff, are still the glory of the 15th regiment of dragoons. The battle of Jemappe and Fleurus, were won by raw troops; but they had officers who knew how to lead them. Bunker’s hill battle was fought by raw troops, as was that of Germantown; bad generalship alone lost the advantage to the American troops at Germantown.

RAZED, any works or fortifications when demolished, are said to be razed.

READY, a word of command in platoon firing, being a contraction of make ready. See MANUAL.

REALE, Galére REALE, Fr. The largest or principal galley used in Catholic countries, is so called. The first galley belonging to the pope is called Réale, because it takes precedence of all vessels, in the service of the different Roman Catholic powers.

REAR, in a general acceptation, any thing situated or placed behind another. The term is variously used in military matters, viz.

REAR of an army, signifies in general the hindermost part of an army, battalion, regiment, squadron, or company, &c. Generally the third component part of a large body of forces, which consists of an advanced guard, a main body, and a rear guard.

REAR guard. A certain proportion of an army or regiment, which acts, in various capacities, according to circumstances, and the extent of military operations. The rear guard of an army is often the reserve, &c. The rear guard of a regiment is usually appointed for the purpose of picking up stragglers, &c. The old grand guards of the camp, always form the rear guard of the army, and are to see that every thing comes safe to the new camp. See GUARD.

Forming to the REAR. An alignment may be formed to the rear of any given battalion or platoon; either by posting guides, or moving a battalion to the required position; each battalion or platoon to be then marched to its relative place in the original line. So columns may be formed upon a given section or platoon marched or pivoted in a required position.

REAR line, of an army encamped, is usually 1200 feet at least from the centre line; both of which run parallel to the front line, as also the reserve.

REAR rank. When a regiment, troop, or company is drawn up two or three deep, the last line of men is called the rear rank.

REAR ranks, all the ranks of a line, regiment, troop, or company, which are ranged in order behind the front rank.

REAR rank, take open order. A word of command which is given in the manual and other parade exercises. It is likewise used in marching by the general at a review, or on guard mounting, &c. See OPEN ORDER.

REAR half files, are the three hindermost ranks of the battalion, when it is drawn up six deep.

REAR front. When a battalion, troop, or company is faced about, and stands in that position, it is then said to be rear front. It sometimes happens, that through oversight, forgetfulness, or ignorance, and confusion, troops are so clubbed, that, on the deployment of a column, the different troops and companies not only lose their stations in the line of original formation, but the rear rank men stand where the front rank men ought to be; in the latter case, they appear rear front. This error might be easily remedied, by counter-marching the several troops or companies.

REAR rank lengthening out a line. Although a single battalion may, by opening its companies and files, from 3 deep form 2 deep, by introducing its rear rank into the other two, yet a considerable line posted, which is to be lengthened out to one or both flanks by its rear rank, must, to greater advantage, perform such operation, by each company quarter wheeling the sub-divisions of its rear rank and facing to the hand they are to march to; the last rank of each company closes up to its first; the sub-divisions, of each battalion, move up to open distances from their respective head ones, and from each other; officers from the rear are appointed to command them; those of each or of every two battalions, being considered as a battalion, they march on in column, and prolong the line. By this mode of lengthening out the line, the two front ranks remain undisturbed, and they protect the movement which is made unseen behind them.

REARWARD, the last troop or company.

RUBEEWAR, Ind. Sunday.

REBEL, any one guilty of rebellion.

REBELLION, a traitorous taking up of arms against the liberties of a people, or the established constitution of government and laws.

REBOUND, the act of flying back in consequence of motion impressed and resisted by a greater power.

To RECEIVE, in a military sense, to wait the approach of a friend or foe.

To RECEIVE an enemy. To make the best disposition possible of your troops, for the purpose of meeting the attack of an enemy that is advancing against you.

To RECEIVE a general or reviewing officer. To be drawn up according to specific regulations which are laid down, for the purpose of paying the compliments that are due to the rank of a superior, or commanding officer.

RECEPTION d’un officier dans un corps, Fr. A ceremony which was performed in the old French service, when an officer first joined. This was done by beat of drum in front of the company. The officer, being dressed, accoutred, and armed according to regulation, faced towards his men, and as soon as the drums had ceased, took off his hat to his commanding officer, who did the same to him, and then addressed the company in the following terms:

De par le roi, soldats, vous reconnoîtrez M. .... pour votre capitaine, ou pour lieutenant, de la campagnie, et vous lui obéirez en tout ce qu’il vous ordonnera pour le service du roi en cette qualité.

From the king! or pursuant to the king’s will. Soldiers, you will acknowlege M. ...... to be captain, or lieutenant, of the company, and you will obey whatever orders or commands he may issue, in that capacity, for the good of the king’s service.

When a colonel or major was received at the head of a corps, the word soldats, soldiers, was altered into messieurs, gentlemen; the latter term including both officers and men. On this occasion, the corps of captains and subalterns formed a circle; round them stood the serjeants drawn up in the same manner, and beyond the serjeants, the drummers, &c. The different circles being concentrical to each other. The field officer, who was to be admitted or to take command, stood in the centre of the whole, surrounded by the principal officers of the regiment.