Prior to Fire by Rank being researched, only the first rank fires, followed by disorganized fire.
It effectively triples the amount of firepower a commander can put in one area with line infantry. Of course, this firing pattern also meant that only one man in three was ever loaded and ready to fire at any given time!įire by Rank is the first firing drill available for research. Deeper formations were tried, but there was always a risk to men in the forward ranks from careless shots from the rearmost ranks - men were shot in the back by inexperienced comrades. Historically, it was usual for units to draw up formations three ranks deep,this being considered the "best" compromise between weight of fire and ease of control. Carried out correctly, the result is a series of volleys that give enemies no respite from a hail of musket balls!
The drill involved in loading a smoothbore musket must also be mastered by every man in the unit. This requires a good level of discipline and obedience, as each rank must listen only to orders from the relevant officers and sergeants. By the time other ranks in the unit have fired on their turn, all men should have reloaded and ready to give fire once more. This firing pattern for infantry units produces a barrage of musketry by having each rank, or line of men, fire in turn.īy careful timing, it is possible for a constant fire to be maintained for,as soon as one rank has fired, it begins reloading.
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