rear support question

stefoid · Post by **stefoid** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:59 am

I cant remember the exact wording, but to claim rear support, you have to be basically behind the unit being supported, more or less.

But to actually offer rear support... as in you actually want to MOVE the supporting BG to threaten or engage the enemy, you are better off being to one side or the other of the supporting BG, so that you dont have to have ugly interpenetrations in order to do so.

is there a mismatch there?

philqw78 · Post by **philqw78** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:15 am

(just about) The only formation changes allowed in charges are to pass those you may be supporting

stefoid · Post by **stefoid** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:41 am

philqw78 wrote:(just about) The only formation changes allowed in charges are to pass those you may be supporting

does it work well?

Ive found that offset and recessed BGs provide the best support - they protect the flank and threaten any potential pursuers with a flank charge themself.

philqw78 · Post by **philqw78** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:47 am

stefoid wrote:does it work well?

Ive found that offset and recessed BGs provide the best support - they protect the flank and threaten any potential pursuers with a flank charge themself.

Not really as they don't get to intercept to protect the flanks if the troops they are supporting are charged. But then I suppose you could put them closer so any chargers have to step forward on to them.

SirGarnet · Post by **SirGarnet** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:05 pm

stefoid wrote: Ive found that offset and recessed BGs provide the best support - they protect the flank and threaten any potential pursuers with a flank charge themself.

Yes, it's all about the situation and positioning.

They are flank protection if they can hit enemy seeking a flank attack with a charge or intercept before they can hit the flank being protected, which depends on who is positioned where and where they can move. This could be tucked behind the BG being protected, also giving rear support but in trouble should the front BG rout, or could be in echelon (I've referred to these as flank guard positions as they can directly prevent an enemy flank charge), or farther out where they may be unable to intercept but could distract attackers or threaten to hit them in the flank or rear should they charge in (less direct support that I've referred to as far flank cover).