WR - Commands Question (4)

[Bryon Byers]

>What is the 'flank' of a shield wall unit?  Is one flank more important
>than the other and why?
>
>Brita
>

    Well, here I go again :)
    The flank of a unit is the sides, thus usually the area that the
soldiers are not facing, directly. When soldiers are facing enemy on 2
fronts they tend to get REALLY nervous. :)  In such combat where units or
blocks of troops are needed, Flanks are important. Were several units lined
up and marched toward each other, The soldiers in the middle need not
immediately worry about thier own flanks. The units on the end or far left
and right are responsible for protecting the "flank" from being enveloped.
Should this happen, the flank begins to collapse allowing the enemy to
advance toward the center's unprotected flank. On the other hand, Should the
unit on the flank have the opportunity, they may advance and do the same to
the enemy, Thus GREATLY improve their chances of victory.
     Upon the active use of cavalry, this allowed an army the ability to
place a fast moving force, upon an unprotected flank or even the rear of the
enemy. Thus exploiting the flanks.

So in short, the flanks are the "sides" of the unit and both flanks are
important.

In service,
Magnus von Mendersham


============================================================================
Go to http://lists.ansteorra.org/lists.html to perform mailing list tasks.