Forlorn Hope

A Forlorn Hope was a company of men who were expected to die, but in doing so they would clear a path for their comrades, and usually such suicidal bands were deployed against the heavily defended breaches of enemy fortresses, but today's band must cross the narrow remnant of a bridge and die under the flail of musket fire, and as they died they were to clear away the thorn abatis.

Sharpe's Havoc Cornwell, Bernard 2003

The Forlorn Hope was the small band of volunteers who went first into a breach to trigger the enemy's surprises.

Sharpe's Tiger Cornwell, Bernard 1997

Forlorn Hope was too much of a novice to stand this sort of thing, and I decided that if I were not to rin his nerve for good, I would have to keep him out of Sandy's way for the rest of the race.

Dead Cert Francis, Dick 1962

It was not a very satisfactory session, with Forlorn Hope slipping on the wet grass as we approached the first hurdle and not taking on the others with any spirit after that.

Dead Cert Francis, Dick 1962

He, Forlorn Hope, my newest acquisition, was a strongly built brown gelding only five years old.

Dead Cert Francis, Dick 1962

When the Forlorn Hope was ready to move on, the chief led the way, and an

The Expedition of the Donner Party and its Tragic Fate Eliza Poor Donner Houghton

_en route_ with the Forlorn Hope; one at the Lake Camp; and one at Bear

The Expedition of the Donner Party and its Tragic Fate Eliza Poor Donner Houghton