WAR CRIES.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 88, 14 April 1894, Page 1 (Supplement)

WAR CRIES.

«. ; It was formerly the custom of almost every nation when ]oining in battle to begin the attack with loud shouts, called cries of war, or of arms. These shoutß were intended to terrify the enemy, to occupy soldiers, and prevent them from hearing the shouts of their opponents. Froiseart says that at the battle of Orecy 15,000 Genoese archers began to yell in a most frightful manner to terrify the English. Iv these cries every nation, and almost every leader, had their peculiar word or sentence, which also served as a kind of watchword to distinguish friend from foe. Cries of arms were likewise used to rally broken squadrons, especially when their banner was in danger. The ancient English cry was, "St. George." This was in such estimation that a military writer, Davis, in the beginning of the 17th century, inserts the observance of it among the military laws, to the obedience of which he would have all soldiere sworn! "Item," says he, "that all soldiers entering the battle, assault. skirmish, or other actions of arms, shall have for their common cry and word, ' St. George ! St. George ! forward or upon them ! St. George !' whereupon the soldier is much comforted, and the enemy dismayed by calling to mind the ancient valour of England, which with that name had been 90 often victorious; therefore, he that shall maliciously omit it shall be punished for his obstinacy." Although the cry "St. George!" has been long disueed, war-cries are still kept up. English sailors constantly accompanied their first broadside with three huzzas, Btyled by them three cheers. And some modern military officers, particularly General Wolfe, recommended, on charging the enemy with fixed bayonets, to give a loud, warlike shout. Sir James Ware says the ancient Jrish war-cry was " Fanah ! Fanah!" In latter ages each clan made use of a different cry, most of them terminating in the word "Ahoe," derived from an obsolete Irish expression, signifying "cause," or " business." The war-cry of the Spaniards was "Amah!" that of the French, " Mont Joye, St. Deuisi" but at present the latter, in attack, cry "Tuel.tue!"