Slitherine

In a game yesterday we had a situation where infantry were within 1 MU of an artillery unit but were outside their forward firing arc. If the infantry were to assault the artillery would the artillery be able to fire defensively?

I've attached an actual photo.
The French Infantry above the two purple counters is the unit that may choose to assault - the artillery is just ahead and to the left.

Another French unit in front of the artillery (to the left of purple counters) is within medium range.

I'd say yes. Unless Artillery are actually assaulted in the flank.

For to hit in assaults Infantry must start a base width outside the firing arc, so I'd say they would be hit on 4's as well.

(just opinion)

The infantry will wheel so that their centre lines up with the artillery unit then moves forward, stopping at 2MU for the defensive fire. The artillery fire six dice needing 4+ to hit as the infantry started within a base width from the artillery.

To count as a flank charge, the infantry need to have started with their front edge behind the artillery's front edge (pg 33). Unless assaulting a flank or rear a unit always counts as assaulting the front and will receive defensive fire. The score needed to hit is either a 4+ or 5+ depending on where the assaulters started in relation to the target.

1) Not a flank charge. It doesn't meet that definiation.
2) As Kendall posted, the infantry need to wheel to contact and that will bring them into arc.

That's great.

Thanks all for clearing it up.

Mark