Escouade

Fr. in the old French service generally meant the third part of a company of foot or a detachment. Companies were divided in this manner for the purpose of more conveniently keeping the tour of duty among the men. The word escouade is, however, more specifically applicable to the old distribution of a French artillery company, which was divided into three parts called escouades. The first, containing double the complement of the rest, was composed of 24 artillerists or bombardiers, including two serjeants, two corporals, two anspe ades or lance corporals of the same profe ion, and twenty-four soldiers called soldats app rent is . The second escouade was composed of twelve miners or sappers, including one serjeant, one corporal, and one anspe ade or lance corporal of the same profe ion, and twelve soldats app rent is . The third escouade was composed of twelve workmen or artificers in wood or iron attached to the artillery, amongst whom were included one serjeant, one corporal and one anspe ade or lance corporal of the same trade, together with twelve soldats app rent is . We have corrupted the terra and called it squad. See Squad .