Havnt seen this happen yet. Not in any big way that is. Columns all the way.
I can imagine it might work if you have more artillery and SK value.
I cant imagine ever doing it with my french, 1813, conscript division.
attacking in line
(5 posts) (4 voices)-
Posted 1 year ago #
-
Using 1805 Austrians with linear tactics I have no choice. I have found it can (but often does not) work.
Say you are facing 3 enemy columns with your large infantry unit in line.
In your turn, you fire at one of the enemy units. With 6 dice you can do a fair amount of damage, so hope to get a DISR or two. You then charge, wheeling slightly so you only contact the unit you fired at. If you get into contact, the combination of being a large unit and them being shot up can give you a good edge.
The main problem is the short move - it is hard to catch the enemy if they fall back, and if they are sensible they will not move into your charge range.
Cam
Posted 1 year ago # -
Most napoleonic armies used columns for attack and lines to defend, not only because column is an easier formation to green troops but because they are quicker to reach the enemy, and allow extra concentration to allow a quick decision in melee, as comtemporary tactics recomended. They are not "THE" formation, less able in defense and - as cam shows- dangerous to be approached.
Your french conscript are a great example of a force that should tend to columns, cams 1805 austrians are a force that must make a virtue of need and adapt its play to its historical tactics.
A perhaps not so evident advantage in line formation is the space they can defend. It is easier to keep in reserve units for a second line and then use "passage of lines" (a very common tactic in linear armies) to substitute damaged units in the fire line for fresh ones. Specialy with large units (6 bases are quite extra staging power ) it can be a very nasty (for your oponent) tactic to overcome
Posted 1 year ago # -
Sorry, i've not looked at the book for a while, "...passage of lines"?
Posted 1 year ago # -
<<Sorry, i've not looked at the book for a while, "...passage of lines"?
Excuse me for not exposing it in game terms, "passage of lines" it is a common tactic for linear armies, not a rule mechanic. In lasalle you can make it by combining a Retrograde maneuver for the former first line and Interpenetration maneuver (pg. 29) for the second line.
Posted 1 year ago #
Reply
You must log in to post.