A flying wedge (flying V or wedge also boar's snout or svinfylking ) is a configuration created from a body moving forward in a triangular formation. This V-shaped arrangement began as a successful military strategy in ancient times when infantry units would move forward in wedge formations to smash through an enemy's lines. This principle was later used by Medieval European armies, as well as modern armed forces, which have adapted the V-shaped wedge for armored assault.
In modern times the effectiveness of flying wedge means it is still employed by civilian police services for riot control. It has also been used in some sports, although the use of wedges is banned due to the danger it poses to defenders.
Famous quotes containing the words flying and/or wedge:
“Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more, know what I mean ...”
—Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Monty Python’s Flying Circus (TV series)
“When we understand that man is the only animal who must create meaning, who must open a wedge into neutral nature, we already understand the essence of love. Love is the problem of an animal who must find life, create a dialogue with nature in order to experience his own being.”
—Ernest Becker (1924–1974)