Tête-de-pont

( Fr. ). A field fortification in front of a bridge, to cover the retreat of an army acro a river. They are generally formed in the shape of a redan, a system of crémaillères, horn or crown-works, or portions of star-and-bastioned forts. In order to add to the defense of tétes-de-pont , reduits have been constructed within them, and the dimensions of their parapets are in general made larger than those of any other field-work, on account of their great importance. Sometimes the area inclosed by a tête-de-pont is temporarily made use of as a depot for the stores nece ary for the troops, in which case its tracing should present a strong point of defense, well provided with artillery, and affording in several points egre . The tracing which has been found the best for the pa age of extensive trains of wagons and artillery, as well as columns of troops, is formed of crémaillères, extending in such a manner as to inclose a large area, and leaving behind each a pa age well guarded and secured by second crémaillères, fronting the pa age, and forming a second line. Additional strength will be given to têtes of every kind by constructing small redans or batteries on the opposite side of the river, the fire from which may defend the ground in front of the salient, and flank the faces of the tête-de-pont .