Counterscarp
Encyclopedia
A scarp and a counterscarp are the inner and outer sides of a ditch
used in fortifications. In permanent fortifications the scarp and counterscarp may be encased in stone. In less permanent fortifications, the counterscarp may be lined with paling fence set at an angle so as to give no cover to the attackers but to make advancing and retreating more difficult.
If an attacker succeeds in breaching a wall a coupure
can be built on the inside of the wall to hinder the forlorn hope
in which case the counterscarp is also the side of the ditch farthest from the breached wall and closest to the centre of the fortification.
Ditch (fortification)
A ditch in military engineering is an obstacle, designed to slow down or break up an attacking force, while a trench is intended to provide cover to the defenders...
used in fortifications. In permanent fortifications the scarp and counterscarp may be encased in stone. In less permanent fortifications, the counterscarp may be lined with paling fence set at an angle so as to give no cover to the attackers but to make advancing and retreating more difficult.
If an attacker succeeds in breaching a wall a coupure
Coupure
A coupure is a means of closing an opening in a wall, floodwall or levee . The word comes from the french verb couper which means to cut....
can be built on the inside of the wall to hinder the forlorn hope
Forlorn hope
A forlorn hope is a band of soldiers or other combatants chosen to take the leading part in a military operation, such as an assault on a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high....
in which case the counterscarp is also the side of the ditch farthest from the breached wall and closest to the centre of the fortification.