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| Page revised: Wed 16-Apr-2008 |
Origins of the 'Sapper' |
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From medieval times to the 19th century one of the prime functions of the Engineers attached to field armies was to assist in siege warfare, either as builders of defences (fortifications) or their destroyers (siegecraft). The term 'Sapper' originates from the French 'sapeur' and was used to describe "a soldier employed in working at saps" (OED) whilst in the act of besieging; for to get close enough to the walls of a fortress to lay mines to breach them, zigzag trenches had to be dug. These trenches or 'saps' were dug progressively deeper as they drew closer to the walls (see diagram 1), the whole process was known as 'sapping' (see diagram 2) and the persons digging them, were directed by Engineers and, were called 'Sappers' . |
Diagram 1- showing how a Sap is dugNote the different digging levels and the stuffed gabions and fascines so positioned to provide protection to the sappers. (Drawing: Charles Beague 1815) |
Each Sapper (i.e. the maker of a 'sap') carried a
pick and shovel and two empty gabions. These were wicker baskets which
could be placed on the exposed flank and when filled with excavated
soil gave cover from enemy fire.
The leading Sapper could therefore work in a relatively shallow trench yet still have sufficient cover from the flank. |
| To give him cover at the exposed end of the trench he used a 'stuffed gabion' or 'sap roller' which he pushed forward as the work advanced. The 'stuffed gabion' was larger than a normal gabion and was filled with faggots or brushwood. | |
| In rear of the first Sapper a second Sapper dug the trench deeper and in rear of him, third, fourth and fifth men each worked at a slightly different level so to deepen the trench. To provide further protection on the flank fascines (bundles of sticks) were placed on top of the gabions (see diagram 1). Until towards the end of the 19th century Engineer officers were responsible for siting and construction of batteries in siege operations from which the artillery fired their guns. The Sapper, under the officer's directions, prepared emplacements for the attacking guns as the trench digging advanced. (Positions of the prepared batteries and the line of fire can also be seen in the Decagon illustration - see diagram 2). |
 Diagram 2 - The attack of the Decagon showing the layout of zigzag trenches or 'saps'. |
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| The term 'Sapper' came into common usage in 1626 and the rank of 'Sapper' was conferred onto the private soldiers of the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners on its amalgamation with the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1856.
Additional material: SC Fenwick FoREM Source:
Links to further reading:
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Royal Engineers Museum main site
