Entrenchment (fortification)

In fortification, the term entrenchment (Italian: trincieramento, Maltese: trunċiera) can refer to either a secondary line of defence within a larger fortification (better known as a retrenchment), or an enceinte designed to provide cover for infantry, having a layout similar to a city wall but on a smaller scale. The latter usually consisted of curtain walls and bastions or redans, and was sometimes also protected by a ditch.[1]

Not to be confused with trench warfare.
A redan within the Naxxar Entrenchment, an inland entrenchment in Naxxar, Malta
Map of the Louvier Entrenchment, a coastal entrenchment in Mellieħa, Malta

In the 18th century, the Knights Hospitaller built a number of coastal and inland entrenchments as part of the fortifications of Malta.[2] Further entrenchments were built in Malta by insurgents during the blockade of 1798–1800, in order to prevent the French from launching a counterattack.[3]

References
  1. Spiteri, Stephen C. (2010). "Illustrated Glossary of Terms used in Military Architecture". ARX Supplement. MilitaryArchitecture.com: 641. Archived from the original on 3 June 2017. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  2. Debono, Charles. "Coastal Entrenchments". Mellieha.com. Archived from the original on 18 December 2012.
  3. Spiteri, Stephen C. (May 2008). "Maltese 'siege' batteries of the blockade 1798-1800" (PDF). Arx - Online Journal of Military Architecture and Fortification (6): 4–47. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 November 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
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