Extended line formations

Posts : 558 Join date : 2012-05-05

Why was the Extended line formation introduce when breechloaders came into play. Had this formation been tested in combat prior to Isandlwana. The Zulus used mass formation when attacking, did the British now have a plan B or C which could be instigated dependant on the enemy and the type of terrain they were fighting in?

What was the recommended spacing between men, when using extended line formation.

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Because a new "FIELD EXERCISES AND EVOLUTIONS OF INFANTRY" was published in 1877, superceding that of 1870.

And after the defeat at Isandhlwana. The "British Square" was born!

Guest

And after the defeat at Isandhlwana. The "British Square" was born!
Shocked

Posts : 2308 Join date : 2010-07-02 Age : 44

Ha yes!! That would have been the expression on the Zulu's face, at Ulundi!

Guest

And after the defeat at Isandhlwana. The "British Square" was born!
...................Merry Christmas! impi Very Happy

take it easy, there's
a long way to go! Salute

Guest

Ulundi ,Lester and impi ,the recommended spacing between men, when using extended line formation with MH was of three paces between each man (7 1/2 ft ) , but the officer in command had leeway to open out further if required.

But the Extended line formations emerged with the influx of MLR in the battalions, for example I remember that during the revolt of the sepoys, a general went personally berate, a battalion commander at the beginning of a battle, because his unit was in close order to attack ...

This is because if the MLR's shooting slower than the muskets models 1842 ,they shot so far and accurately, that some felt that the close order was outdated.

Pascal

Posts : 24 Join date : 2012-05-30 Location : United States

Does anyone know whether volley fire was conducted while companies were in extended order, or were they limited to conducting independent fire while in this formation?

Guest

Cetewayo

For the soldiers can shoot volley fire, they need their officers can control each salvos and as the fire of these salvos was concentrating, they certainly were not in extended order ...

Independent fire is best for the extented order but could be used in any formation ...

» Formations of the British infantry in combat ...
» Martin Foley
» The Battle of Isandlwana