A sapper is a term for a Combat Engineer. The term is derived from the verb “sap” which means to tunnel or trench under fortifications. A private soldier in the Engineers is called a sapper, but all ranks within the Engineers refer to themselves as sappers.

Combat engineers are integral to all combat formations to ensure that troops can live, move and fight on the battlefield while denying the same ability to the enemy. Their tasks include bridge and road construction, demolitions, mine warfare and water supply.
The line “First in, Last out” describes their presence on the battlefield.

Learn more about the Canadian Military Engineers in my family.