vanward

Hawke is here; eight of his vanward ships are sweeping on for action.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 19 by Thomas Carlyle

Forth then went the banners of the Wolf, and the men of the vanward fell to threading the rock-maze toward the north, and in two hours’ time were clear of the Dale under Shield-broad. 

From The Roots of the Mountains; Wherein Is Told Somewhat of the Lives of the Men of Burgdale by William Morris

And I will lead the vanward Thorough the English country.’

From Ballads of Scottish Tradition and Romance Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Third Series by Frank Sidgwick

Then, Diomede, unaided as he was, Rush'd ardent to the vanward, and before The steeds of the Neleian sovereign old120 Standing, in accents wing'd, him thus address'd.

From The Iliad of Homer Translated into English Blank Verse by William Cowper by William Cowper

Nor lacks it gallant music to cheer it on its way, Nor flap of flame-tongued banner, like the Oriflamme of old, Its vanward cohorts heralding, in crimson, green, and gold.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 55, No. 339, January, 1844 by Various