Expanding into overlap

[MatteoPasi]

Hy,
during last match we had a situation that , HIMO, It’s not completely clear how to handle (we rolled a dice).
You can see the photo of the situation: a bg of Gendarme is facing a bg of Horse and has other 2 enemy units in Its sides.

Questions are:
1. Does the bg of horses on the right give overlap ? HIMO the right answer must be “no” as they are side to side with a bases non actually fighting (2nd rank of Gendarmes doesn’t fight in any ways);
2. Can the bg of Gendarmes expand (in their turn) in order to get an overlap (see second photo) ? rules state that there must to be the place (and in these case there is the place for the base) but what about the movement necessary in order to reach the place ? there must be room for the “move” or this is not required ?

Thanks
Matteo

[rbodleyscott]

1) No (even if the 2nd rank Gendarme base could fight - it is not in front edge contact with the overlappers' friends).
2) Yes (there is no requirement for any gap to move through - think that if necessary rear ranks of the front element can spread out).

[MatteoPasi]

Thanks

[ilbarizio]

If the Btg on the flank was a friendly Btg, can expend in anyway?
if yes, in this case a base can path trough any troops, friend or foe?
Bx

[gibby]

Yes, as long as there is space for the base that is expanding and you are allowed to expand.

Don't think of it as moving through any other unit friend or foe nearby but as a natural spreading out of the fight.

cheers
Jim

[ilbarizio]

So, in our game , Matteo was right.
Thx
Bx