Camp follower
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A camp follower is a term used to identify civilians who follow in the wake of armies or service their needs whilst encamped, in order to sell goods or services that the military does not supply. These can include cooking, laundering, liquor, nursing, sexual services and sutlery.[1] The term is also sometimes used to describe the families of military personnel who accompanied soldiers on campaign, or on posting from base to base; it may also be applied to someone who scavenges after a battle. From the beginning of organised warfare until the end of 19th century camp followers were a vital part of an army's system of support and before sutler services were militarised even military goods were often provided. Camp followers usually accompanied the baggage train and they often outnumbered the army itself, adding to its logistic problems.[2]
In United States history, Molly Pitcher was considered a camp follower during the Revolutionary War, while there were also a number of camp followers on both the Union and Confederate sides of the American Civil War. The term "military brat" refers to the mobile children of career soldiers, who traditionally have been camp or base followers. This practice of base-following has continued up to the present and today at least 12 million Americans aged between 18 to 80 grew up moving from base to base all over the United States, and around the world.[citation needed]
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- Holmes, Richard; ed (2001). The Oxford Companion to Military History. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0198662092.
[edit] External links
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