Rearguard facts for kids
A rearguard is a special group of soldiers or a part of an army that protects the main group from attacks coming from behind. They are important whether the army is moving forward (advancing) or moving backward (retreating). Sometimes, a rearguard also protects the paths and roads that an army uses to get supplies.
In today's armies, a rearguard might try to slow down an enemy, keep supply routes open, or even gather information about an enemy approaching from the back.
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What Does a Rearguard Do?
A rearguard has several important jobs to help an army stay safe and organized.
Protecting the Main Force
A rearguard's main job is to keep the rest of the army safe. Imagine a long line of soldiers marching. If an enemy attacks from behind, the rearguard is there to fight them off. This gives the main army time to keep moving or get ready for a fight.
Slowing Down the Enemy
When an army is retreating, the rearguard often stays behind to fight the enemy. This is called a "rearguard action." Their goal is not always to win the battle, but to delay the enemy. By slowing the enemy down, the main army can get away safely. This buys valuable time for the rest of the soldiers.
Keeping Supply Routes Open
Armies need food, water, and equipment to keep fighting. These supplies travel along special paths called "lines of communication." A rearguard can protect these paths from enemy attacks. This makes sure that supplies can reach the soldiers who need them.
Gathering Information
Sometimes, a rearguard can also act like a scout. They can watch the enemy approaching from behind. They gather important information about the enemy's size, speed, and plans. This information helps the main army prepare for what's coming.
Famous Rearguard Actions
Rearguard actions have been very important throughout history. They often show great bravery and sacrifice.
The Song of Roland
One of the most famous stories about a rearguard is found in a very old poem called The Song of Roland. This poem was written in the 11th century. It tells a story based on real events that happened three hundred years earlier.
The story is about the rearguard of Charlemagne's army. Charlemagne was a powerful king who ruled a large empire in Europe. His army was returning from a campaign in Spain. As they were passing through the mountains called the Pyrenees, the rearguard was attacked.
Roland was the brave commander of Charlemagne's rearguard. He and his men fought fiercely against a much larger enemy force. Even though they were eventually defeated, their bravery allowed the main part of Charlemagne's army to escape. This story shows how important a rearguard can be for an army's survival.
