Camp follower

Camp Followers: in the days before army logistics being a special group within the armed forces- they were catered to, on a more individual basis – soldiers took family members [class variances; wife/ gf & women of officers, were different to the women of the rank & file; they might also pay others], or hired servants (could be women, or youths [not of military age?? Thomas went to war with his lover; basically, like a batman]- possibly also a higher rate than in civilian life, & bonus tips- for doing extra work for others)

Clothes/ uniform-care; laundry & mending – guarding & maintenance of smaller campsites, within the larger camp (soldiers guarded the greater camp)

Food; they scrounged, bargained, bartered for & bought extra food- to supplement the issued rations, which were often meagre – as well as obviously preparing & cooking them – there were additional jobs, closer to the fighting; ‘all hands on deck’-type situations, like munitions-work; ‘Molly Pitcher’- watering/ loading- actually making small bore weapons’ munitions was pretty easy- gather scrap lead, melt the lead (lead melts at a pretty low point)- pour into bullet-mould [Patriot-scene]

Nursing; that could include pulling the injured from the field/ collecting supplies from the dead

Spying & scouting, on occasion

Camp follower is a term used to identify civilians and their children who follow armies. There are two common types of camp followers; first, the wives and children of soldiers, who follow their spouse or parent's army from place to place; the second type of camp followers have historically been informal army service providers, servicing the needs of encamped soldiers, in particular selling goods or services that the military does not supply - these have included cooking, laundering, liquor, nursing, sexual services and sutlery.[1]

These services included delivery and preparation of provisions and transportation of supplies, which augmented the official military support structure.[2] Camp followers usually accompanied the baggage train and they often outnumbered the army itself, adding to its logistical problems.[3] Camp followers were both a support and drain on an army as they provided valuable services but also increased difficulties in logistics and security. Soldiers' wives washed, sewed, nursed and even acted as servants. However, camp followers needed to be fed, clothed, transported and guarded. They also had to be policed; camp followers could be among the most determined scavengers and looters after battles and whilst on the march.