Camp-follower is a term used to identify civilians who follow in the wake of armies or service their needs whilst encamped, in order to sell goods or services that the military does not supply. These can include cooking, laundering, liquor, nursing, sexual services and sutlery.
La vivandière
Vivandière
Camp-follower is a term used to identify civilians who follow in the wake of armies or service their needs whilst encamped, in order to sell goods or services that the military does not supply. These can include cooking, laundering, liquor, nursing, sexual services and sutlery.
From the beginning of organised warfare until the end of 19th century camp-followers were a vital part of an army's system of support and before sutler services were militarised even military goods were often provided.
Camp-followers usually accompanied the baggage train and they often outnumbered the army itself, adding to its logistic problems.
