"Passage of Lines" Topic

This is for all the experts in Napoleonic Drill and Formations. This has to do with the replacement of battalions in deployed in multiple lines. For purposes of clarity I will use the terminology "Lineb" to refer to a battalion formed in line. I will use the term "LineB" to refer to multiple lines of battle regardless of battalion formation.

We know that one battalion deployed in lineb in the first lineB could be replaced by a battalion in the second lineB (that also deployed in lineb). This was achieved by having the companies in both lines face to the right (or left), then march by the flank to the rear in the case of the forward battalion and to the front in the case of the rear battalion.

So, I have several questions concerning this. First, could columnar formations (column of companies or column of divisions) execute something equivalent to this. The second questions deals specifically with individual battalions formed in column. If formed in column of companies, was there a way to replace the first company with a second company. If formed in column of divisions, was there a way of replacing the first division with a second division?

Thanks, Rob

I had some images I wanted to post along with the message, but I could not figure out how to do it. Advice? Thanks

I had some images I wanted to post along with the message, but I could not figure out how to do it. Advice? Thanks

"Just type the photo's URL in your message, with nothing in front or behind it. The server will automatically convert the URL into a photo. So if you type (for instance): "
TMP link

Rob there is some useful info here

link

The main purpose of Passage of Lines is to sustain the attack or cover the retreat. The "line" here means the line of battle (your LineB) which may be formed of battalions in columns and have skirmishers in the gaps. The moving line normally forms in column and the static line creates gaps by wheeling files at the end of the battalions or companies if the Line of Battle is made up of deployed (in line) battalions.

As for a battalion in column, the column should have its companies in sequence 123456 or 654321 unless formed as a column on the centre. The sequencing is used to manage the deployment of the column into line or any other formation.

I am assuming your question is coming from the idea that the leading company has been shot to a halt and the column needs to continue advancing. Under heavy fire the remains of leading company might well be pushed out of the way by the ranks following without ceremony.

Excellent reference (your link) material "Mike the Analyst'
Very useful.

Rob, if you do not have the image saved so you can access url, but want to post image from your own photos, you can do this by following this process:

You can use your own photos. For instance, let's say I have a picture on my PC/phone/tablet.
I go to an online image hosting site like this one:
tinypic.com
It asks me to browse my photo files, which I do. The photo I want is a hideous alien invader. The app asks me what size I want, so I choose a thumbnail size. Otherwise it's too frightening :)
It offers several formats. I left click or select 'forums and message boards' (not 'websites' for TMP). Easy, and the photo will appear in your TMP forum message.

That's a useful tip, Condotta. Thanks!