"OTR - change formation then charge." Topic

OTR – Koch updated by Mark Severin.
A unit in line is 2 inches from the enemy, it changes formation to attack column, can the unit charge – test to roll under its cv?
Can a unit form reinforced line and charge?
A very simple set of rules, and the longest one our group has played, yet it continually throws up new concepts, especially when someone reads the rules. 😜

Why would you form reinforced line (essentially a
defensive gambit) and charge ?

As to all that, I played OTR for a long time (and
used to give it away here until Mark bought the rights)
and I never allowed a unit to change formation and
then charge.

Remember, those are BRIGADES and I've always felt that
changing formation for a unit of that size and then
charging would be difficult in the time-frame
represented in the rules.

I agree with Ed on this matter. To reform a brigade is not a matter of a few moments. Such a change would take 15 minutes or even longer depending on th experience level of the unit in question. Charging after that while under fire, doubtful.

And most "charges" in the ACW made by brigades were in line or reinforced line formation. I'm with Ed and Bill on this, you are trying a "gamey" tactic that would not have been used on the field of battle.

Jim

Talk to the Napoleonic French about changing formation under fire. Maybe if you pass two tests, a single fail makes you disorganized.

I would love to talk to the Napoleonic French, alas, even if I could find a true medium, I haven't the language skills to chat about their drill. I have no doubt that they may have been able to do so, but 1863 Volunteers from Minnesota were not so well drilled.

Not sure where to start. Certainly Napoleonic doctrine would be to form line to engage the enemy, not change from line to column.
As stated above, it would take time. What are the enemy doing while you carry out a parade-ground manoeuvre directly to his front?
Even if allowed by the rules, don't do it.
Play the period, not the rules.

Ed Mohrman said it. Seems unnatural to allow a unit to change formation and charge that close to an enemy.

I would love to talk to the Napoleonic French, alas, even if I could find a true medium, I haven't the language skills to chat about their drill.

The French intended to move in column rapidly toward the enemy and deploy in line at about 100 yards…the range the musket starts to become a little bit deadly.

The tactic failed in battles where reverse slope tactics were employed because the enemy could not be seen until the crest was crossed, by that time, the column was only about 30 yards from the enemy…very deadly range. Changing formation under galling fire proved impossible.

Remember also, smoothbore muskets were out of general use by mid 1862 and rifles would be deadly at a much greater range. Again, such a tactic would be unlikely and probably suicidal. I think I recall some CS units stopping to dress their lines at Malvern Hill, and it was viewed as an extraordinary event by witnesses.

Ok, thanks.
😁