ARTILLERY BATTERY Meaning and
Definition
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An artillery battery refers to a unit or formation of artillery pieces operated by a military force. It consists of a group of guns, cannons, or howitzers that are designed to fire explosive projectiles over long distances with high accuracy. Battery, in this context, is derived from the French word "batterie" meaning a group of weapons.
Typically commanded by a senior officer, an artillery battery serves as a key component of an army's firepower, providing direct support to infantry units or engaging enemy forces or fortified positions. Depending on the platform used, such as towed artillery or self-propelled guns, an artillery battery can be highly mobile or remain stationary, delivering sustained and devastating firepower.
The size and composition of an artillery battery can vary, ranging from a small section with a few guns to a larger battery with multiple sections and numerous artillery pieces. Each individual artillery piece within the battery is manned by a crew of trained artillery personnel responsible for its operation, maintenance, and ammunition supply.
Artillery batteries play a vital role in modern warfare, providing the ability to suppress enemy forces, breach defenses, disrupt enemy movements, or provide covering fires for friendly troops. They are equipped with advanced targeting systems and can utilize various types of projectiles, including high-explosive shells, armor-piercing rounds, smoke or gas shells, and even guided artillery rounds.
In summary, an artillery battery is a tactical military unit consisting of multiple artillery pieces and crew members, specialized in delivering firepower, that plays a crucial role in modern warfare.
Etymology of ARTILLERY BATTERY
The word "artillery" is derived from the Old French term "artillerie", which originally referred to any type of war equipment or machinery. It was derived from the Middle French word "artiller", meaning "to equip or arm". The term "battery" in this context is derived from the Latin word "battuere", meaning "to beat", which was used to describe a group of weapons or artillery pieces arranged closely together. Therefore, the term "artillery battery" refers to a group of guns or artillery pieces organized and operated as a unit.
