Tactics

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Mohican WWWboard ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Bill Rooks on December 30, 1997 at 09:23:33:

Kathy brought up a point which can be elaborated upon. The different
tactics seen in the movie. The British regulars were well trained troops used to European fighting. Drilled in the use of musket and
bayonet. They trained to advance in steady lines with bayonet fixed,
fire a volley or two, then advance in three or four rows abreast with
bayonets. The sight of those several long rows of bayonets advancing upon your position with grim determination could be very unsettling for men trying to defend a fixed position. The British were trained
to ignore shot and shell and fill in the front rank from the back ranks as men fell. Grimly march on. And engage and rout the enemy at
bayonet point.

Frontier fighting was NOT done that way. In the movie during the ambush you will notice that the Indians duck and cover just when the
volley was being fired. Then rush out and get in close and wreak havoc. That was a common tactic for irregular troops. Get the regulars to fire their volley, then rush in while they were trying to reload. Mix them up and break up the formation. Nibble away at the
ranks from cover. Come at them from all sides. Once you were in among the regulars the effectiveness of the formation, and the bayonets, was negated. THEN the tomahawk and knife were most effective.

Gee I love this stuff!!!

Comments? Elaborations?

Bill R.

Follow Ups:

Re: Tactics Tim 02:58:35 12/31/97 (0)

Post a Followup

Name :
E-Mail :
Subject :

Comments:
: Kathy brought up a point which can be elaborated upon. The different
: tactics seen in the movie. The British regulars were well trained troops used to European fighting. Drilled in the use of musket and
: bayonet. They trained to advance in steady lines with bayonet fixed,
: fire a volley or two, then advance in three or four rows abreast with
: bayonets. The sight of those several long rows of bayonets advancing upon your position with grim determination could be very unsettling for men trying to defend a fixed position. The British were trained
: to ignore shot and shell and fill in the front rank from the back ranks as men fell. Grimly march on. And engage and rout the enemy at
: bayonet point.

: Frontier fighting was NOT done that way. In the movie during the ambush you will notice that the Indians duck and cover just when the
: volley was being fired. Then rush out and get in close and wreak havoc. That was a common tactic for irregular troops. Get the regulars to fire their volley, then rush in while they were trying to reload. Mix them up and break up the formation. Nibble away at the
: ranks from cover. Come at them from all sides. Once you were in among the regulars the effectiveness of the formation, and the bayonets, was negated. THEN the tomahawk and knife were most effective.