Definition
An Abatis is a defensive obstacle made of felled trees placed in front of field fortifications, with branches facing outward to slow and break up enemy attacks, forcing infantry to cut through the barrier under fire, and used effectively by French forces at Fort Carillon during the French and Indian War to repel a British frontal assault.
Notes
Origin
- An abatis was an obstacle placed in front of a field fortification to slow or stop an enemy attack.
- The word “abatis” came from the French phrase arbres abattus, which meant “felled trees.”
Construction
- Soldiers built an abatis by placing cut trees in a row in front of a primary defensive position, such as a redoubt, earthworks, or a fort.
- The end of each tree was sharpened into a point.
- The sharpened points were then pointed toward the direction of an expected enemy attack.
- The tree trunks were secured in the ground and braced with chains or ropes.
- Branches were intertwined between them to form a thick screen in front of the defensive line.
- When the branches dried, the Abatis became a strong barrier against attacking soldiers.
Purpose
- Commanding officers used an Abatis to delay an assault and protect the position behind it.
- Attacking soldiers had to use axes to cut through the Abatis in order to assault the primary defensive position.
