Grand tactic's in operation

[Didz]

Zombiefriednuts started a thread on 'Tactic's you wouldn't normally think of' which led to a debate on the application of historical tactic's in ETW. So, I thought it would be interesting to look at how we are actually employing these tactic's in our battles.

Ordre Mixte [Mixed Order]
This tactical arrangment was introduced during the Napoleonic wars to try and retain the firepower available from the infantry line with the assault potential of the column. I've been using this tactic regularly in my Ottoman Army as it lends itself nicely to the mix of sword armed Jannisaries and musket armed line units.

This is my army deployed ready for battle. Notice that each of the musket armed battalions is supported behind each flank by a Jannissary column. The French would have referred to each of the three battalion groups as a Demi Brigade, and the two Demi-Brigades as a Division.


Note: That by grouping the entire army into a single group I can ensure that this formation is maintained for as long as I consider it appropriate. So, as you can see below I can decide where I want the Division to move to and see where each of its component units will end up.

Its best to do this with the game paused as it can take some to to get the placement just how you want it. But once you are happy just release the 'Pause' and each unit will path to its new position and facing thus retaining the integrity of the overall formation.

Once battle has been joined individual components of the formation can be given specific orders, and if necessary the formation itself can be broken down and seperate groups split off to perform specific tasks.

Here you see that the two Jannissary columns from the left hand Demi-Brigade have been committed to the assault on the building, whilst the line battalion provides supporting fire. At the same time the right-hand Demi-Brigade has been detached as a seperate group and has been swung out of line in order to provide enflidade fire on the town and additional support if the attack needs it.