Thankfully we do not have that problem with Napoleonics; 1st Legion has great mounted and dismounted officers for this purpose and others.There does seem to be a shortage of officers and sergeants in the correct poses for many of the musket era series. I usually just try to find and adequate substitute or leave the figure off altogether. You could just say he jogged off to the nearby shrubbery to answer natures call or got deep sixed with the first volley, aim for the officers first and all that.
According to Dundas (the British Bible for this), the commanding officer was on the extreme right of the front line with his sargent in the line behind. The second in command was on the left side of the line with his sargent behind. Also each rank was one pace from the one in front and behind and each file was lightly touching or about 22 inches per man (e.g. 60 men in 2 ranks would cover a front of 18 yards). Thus your officer would be correct to be shown on the left if the commanding officer had been downed.
In Dundas manual, the extra line officers and sargents are shown behind their companies. Dickinson's manual, another source of the time, shows an open order advance (two versus one pace rank seperation) with an officer for each side and one in the center for advances, with sargents behind and between each company. His closed order advance is the same as Dumas but with more sargents behind. For both, the regimental CO and his exec (usually a colonel and lt. colonel) were in the middle between two companies just in front of the ensign color bearers and their sargents. Dickinson also notes that some variations in regimental formations were acceptable and then we have the question of how the practice and the stress of combat changed the principles. It seems safe to say that that Patriot variation was proper at least in part.Without opening a can of worms on the inaccuracy of 'The Patriot', this shot shows atleast 4 officers along the line.
Is this shot accurate in terms of having that many officers in an advancing line or should the officers be at the ends of the line only or does that only apply only for a firing line and those officers in front would fall in when the line open fire?
Without opening a can of worms on the inaccuracy of 'The Patriot', this shot shows atleast 4 officers along the line.
Is this shot accurate in terms of having that many officers in an advancing line or should the officers be at the ends of the line only or does that only apply only for a firing line and those officers in front would fall in when the line open fire?
I really considered the movie "The Patriot" more of a documentary than a movie - the Highly talented and non-biased Actor/Director Mel Gibson - seems to have a firm grasp on British History. I have looked in awe of the accurate films about the British Empire which Mr. Gibson has done.
I believe Rob shares my view on this talented individual.
I do agree about Gibson, he is very talented when he puts his mind to it. Unlike many, I have no need to share the political or social preferences or of an artist to enjoy their work and can appreciate their craft even if their conduct is stupid to me. Of course just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I can't get along with them; there is far too much divisiveness in the world as it is lately. One would almost think we are regressing as a species. Just be easy on the four legs mate, I am rather fond of those me self.
You can criticize my politics or my religion, just don't go messin with me furry friends.
