Formations in Republic to Empire

[Anonymous]

Hi Barry,

While reading the rules for RtE I came to the part with the possible formations. All seems to be OK on my part, only that a company column is a not usable fighting formation gives me some headaches.
What should I do with a nation that didnt know any other formation then line and column of companies, in my case Saxons 1810-1813. Infantry was formed as follows:
Each Regiment has 10 companies (150-200 men each), 8 of fusiliers and 2 of grenadiers in 2 Batallions. That gives 4 fusilier-companies in each Battallion. Grenadiers where brigaded with 2 other companies to form a Grenadier-Batallion attached to the brigade with there parent regiments. How do I form an attack column? I couldnt find any historical backround that they were able to form anything other then line or column.
But this question will also fit on other states like Austria and all others who formed not after the french model.
Maybe I overlooked something on my way?

On the other hand maybe I think to much, so I just form the unit into a dense column and there they go

Cheers

Günter

[barr7430]

Hi Gunter,

there are a few ways round this. The column of companies is one company wide. If the Saxons and Austrians formed more than one company wide in battle then it is by definition a Column of attack for R2E.

If you want to penalise the Saxons and Austrians and prevent them from using French style Colonne d'attaque then minimise the the combat modifier down a little. The colonne d'attaque is perhaps over emphasised in many historical accounts as the French would often try and deploy OUT of it just before contact and go into Line.

I would not worry too much.. I think it is a good question though!

[Anonymous]

Hi Barry,

Thank You, that should do it Now back to the study of the rules

Cheers

Günter