1st side vs 2nd side pros and cons

[Volcano Man]

Yes, but being second you get the heads up on the parting shots and can position your forces to disengage better for resting, fire away and use all your artillery and then withdraw to safety for example. I think it all evens out in the end.

Besides, as the second side, if you are really worried about what lurks two hexes away at night, fearing a surprise attack, the put some of your low fatigue companies on the line into Patrolling status.