"Relative Position Clarification " Topic

In Empire and Revolution and Empire they have a basic rule about keeping all units of a corps in a position that is always relative to all other positions in the corps. Does this only apply to the Grand Tactical movement phase?
I think that this would be hard to keep track of. ie battalion x is 2 inches to the left of battalion y and 3 inches behind battalion z etc.
Im sure that in real life battalion x would not worry about being in perfect relative position to the units while in movement towards the enemy.
Why not a more simple rule that allows a particular battalion to be x inches from an adjacent battalion in the same corps.
I think you would need some sort of starting schematic to remember the exact relative positions of all units.

The deployment of a division is maintained until contact… that was the rule of the period, with exceptions of coarse.
These rules are more grand tactical than tactical play.. so yes such a rule is needed.

Communication was challenge at this period so to have so and so move here then there then… didn't usually happen until circumstances initiated such.
Orders were kept as simple as possible… 13th leger will follow the 17th on their right IN SUPPORT, maintaining two line checker board deployment lead by the middle ( 2nd) battalion.
THink "robots" until activated to do something more specific or the division's troops are all taped down on a large sabot, moved across the playing table.
In the example above, The colonel of the 13th isn't going to do anything to get an unwanted visit from the Gen de Div, with sharpe words about his lack luster maneuver progress of holding his position, until he can navigate under the support portion which may warrant more options such as charge or move up and give volley fire when contact with the enemy is made.
Essentially units would maintain this placement until, they couldn't… due to results of combat, or because of the combat, they took action that changed the relative positions ( IE. scot grays orders changed thus charging through the infantry brigade that was to their front- waterloo). Or the CO changed his attack plan and had these units of regt. A move from here to there etc.
SO yes the grandtactical placement of the units within the manuever element(a Division/brigade) is maintained with the exception of the allowed adjustments "under tactical maneuver" section or Re-deployemnt order that is received and then activated.
RE-read of the rules ( several times), unfortunately is in order for these complex rule set.
There are also many great books about the period that gives you the understanding why these rules address this. There will hopefully be some who will "chime in" and will give good recommendations of books on period.
Mine would be Imperial bayonets by George Nafziger as a good start.

Happy wargaming and good luck!

MG

Thanks for your insight. Makes sense.