Prussian Line

Caius · 01-02-2008, 01:33 PM,

Happy New Year to all. Currently I have HPS Waterloo. Not played a game yet. I noticed as same for Battleground Waterloo that there are no limitations on Prussian Battalions forming line. From what I understood only certain Prussian troops were trained to form line. For instance Fusilier battalion and the other two in the Regiment fought in column. Ldw also in column. Maybe my info is incorrect. Any comments from you guys?

Caius

Havoc · 01-03-2008, 03:55 PM,

This is from an Osprey book on Prussian infantry 1792-1815:

"At the beginning of this period, the battalions of the Prussian Line usually fought in a linear formation three ranks deep, overwhelming the enemy with fire before a well-timed bayonet attack. By the end, the preferred formation was eight to 12 ranks deep. The responsibility for conducting the fire-fight was now given to the skirmish elements and the artillery. The formed battalions provided support for the fire line, and conducted the decisive bayonet charge. Whatever the change, the spirit and ability of the infantry remained consistently high throughout this bloody period."

So it would seem that you are correct in that they preferred deep formations, but they were capable of fighting in line.

FM WarB · 01-04-2008, 02:11 AM,

In game terms, using the line movement restriction optional rule simulates the difficulty non elite units would have moving in line or deploying into line too close to the enemy. If you use this rule, infantry units will spend alot more time in column and be better targets who dont fire too well. If you have ever wondered how a thousand man infantry batalion could form three deep line in 100 meters, thus becoming a lesser target with great firepower, you'll understand why in my oobs, no infantry unit is stronger than 600.