GUARD, in the military art, is a duty performed by a body of men, to secure an army or place from being surprised by an enemy. In garrison the guards are relieved every day: hence it comes that every soldier mounts guard once every three or four days in time of peace, and much oftener in time of war. See HONOURS.
Advanced Guard, is a party of either horse or foot, that marches before a more considerable body, to give notice of any approaching danger. These guards are either made stronger or weaker, according to situation, the danger to be apprehended from the enemy, or the nature of the country.
Van Guard. See Advanced Guard.
Artillery Guard, is a detachment from the army to secure the artillery when in the field. Their corps de garde is in the front of the artillery park, and their centres dispersed round the same. This is generally a 48-hours guard; and upon a march, this guard marches in the front and rear of the artillery, and must be sure to leave nothing behind: if a gun or waggon breaks down, the officer that commands the guard is to leave a sufficient number of men to assist the gunners and matrosses in getting it up again.
Artillery Quarter-Guard, is frequently a non-commissioned officer's guard from the royal regiment of artillery, whose corps de garde is always in the front of their incampment.
Artillery Rear-Guard, consists in a corporal and six men, posted in the rear of the park.
Corps de Garde, are soldiers entrusted with the guard of a post, under the command of one or more officers. This word also signifies the place where the guard mounts.
Grand Guard; three or four squadrons of horse, commanded by a field-officer, posted at about a mile or a mile and a half from the camp, on the right and left wings, towards the enemy, for the better security of the camp.
Forage Guard, a detachment sent out to secure the foragers, and who are posted at all places, where either the enemy's party may come to disturb the foragers, or where they may be spread too near the enemy, so as to be in danger of being taken. This guard consists both of horse and foot, and must remain on their posts till the foragers are all come off the ground.
Main Guard, is that from which all other guards are detached. Those who are for mounting guard assemble at their respective captain's quarters, and march from thence to the parade in good order; where, after the whole guard is drawn up, the small guards are detached to their respective posts: then the subalterns throw lots for their guards, who are all under
Guard. under the command of the captain of the main guard. This guard mounts in garrison at different hours, according as the governor pleases.
Piquet Guard, a good number of horse and foot, always in readiness in case of an alarm: the horses are generally saddled all the time, and the riders booted.
The foot draw up at the head of the battalion, frequently at the beating of the tat-too; but afterwards return to their tents, where they hold themselves in readiness to march upon any sudden alarm. This guard is to make resistance in case of an attack, until the army can get ready.
Baggage Guard, is always an officer's guard, who has the care of the baggage on a march. The wagons should be numbered by companies, and follow one another regularly: vigilance and attention in the passage of hollow ways, woods, and thickets, must be strictly observed by this guard.
Quarter Guard, is a small guard commanded by a subaltern officer, posted in the front of each battalion, at 222 feet before the front of the regiment.
Rear Guard, that part of the army which brings up the rear on a march, generally composed of all the old grand guards of the camp. The rear-guard of a party is frequently eight or ten horse, about 500 paces behind the party. Hence the advance-guard going out upon a party, form the rear-guard in their retreat.
Rear Guard, is also a corporal's guard placed in the rear of a regiment, to keep good order in that part of the camp.
Standard Guard, a small guard under a corporal, out of each regiment of horse, who mount on foot in the front of each regiment, at the distance of 20 feet from the streets, opposite the main street.
Trench Guard, only mounts in the time of a siege, and sometimes consists of three, four, or six battalions, according to the importance of the siege. This guard must oppose the besieged when they fall out, protect the workmen, &c.
Provost Guard, is always an officer's guard that attends the provost in his rounds, either to prevent desertion, marauding, rioting, &c. See PROVOST.