Colonial Campaigns Club (CCC)

This topic has been discussed before but as I was reading George's note and after some recent experiences I wanted to ask for some comments on their use historically.

1. Since X Order simulates the expansion of ranks - not the kind of skirmishing that we see in Napoleonic warfare then are we to assume that they would block all small arms that otherwise could be directed at troops behind them?

Folks use the Lights in Extended Order as sort of a LOS screen. Their formed units fall in behind them and never get hit even with the ADF turned on. If done right you can sneak the entire army right up to the front line without taking a hit. Even with a one level elevation cannon cannot fire on the units behind these X Order troops.

Is there a historical use that backs up that kind of usage? Were the troops behind hit by residual fire or over shooting? At long ranges cannon fire should go through both the X Order troops and into the units behind them at this small scale. We dont have plow-through (for lack of a better term) in the Napoleonic engine but certainly at this smaller level residual casualties should apply.

2. Does anyone use a House Rule on limiting this usage and what do you do to historically portray the Lights ability to use X Order to screen troops.

For years I played Brandywine as the American without using my militia in X Order and I have only lost one game. I am in a game now with Phil Wilson and Tom Sparrow (Jeff Bangma is my partner) and the Americans are using X Order alot as I am as well with my British Lights.

My feeling is that the Lights would be used to weaken the lines and then the formed units would attack. I doubt that it was as per the Napoleonic period nor was it like the ACW skirmishing of that period.

The British used their lights differently than the US player. The Militia fought in a broken formation - not as per the British Lights. To better portray them it would seem better to have the Napoleonic skirmisher unit. Weaker in melee than X Order but with all around facing.

I know I can be wrong on this - its not one of my stronger topics. Can one of you guys (Al or Rich White or Rich Hamilton or Dierk or whoever) point out some things to us?

I would great appreciate discussing this again.