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Hessian Line Infantry (ETW unit)

Hessian Line Infantry
Hessian Line Infantry
Category: Infantry
Class: Line Infantry
Men: 40 / 80 / 120 / 160
Range: 70
Accuracy: 30
Reloading skill: 20
Ammunition: 15
Melee attack: 4
Charge bonus: 8
Defence: 11
Morale: 5
Unit limit: 5
Turns to train: 1
Recruitment cost: 870
Upkeep cost: 210
Requires
Building (minimum level)
Etw eu city government lvl1.png

Magistrate

These musket-armed troops use massed volleys to break an enemy, relying on discipline to withstand any counter fire.

“Marching regiments” or “line battalions” make up the majority of units in European-style armies. They are so called because they form the line of battle, not because they always deploy in lines. Indeed, over time the capabilities of line infantry should improve as new tactics, drill and weaponry are developed.

These soldiers carry muzzle-loading, smoothbore muskets firing lead balls as wide as a man’s thumb. These are inaccurate weapons, effective only over 200 paces or so and when fired in massed volleys. The ability to fire and reload with machine-like regularity with shot and bullet flying and comrades falling all around is what wins battles.

Historically, in many armies colonels received a fee to raise regiments, which remained their personal property and commands. They jealously guarded their rights to appoint friends, relatives and hangers-on as regimental officers. This contractor system, however, allowed unscrupulous officers to make handsome profits by pocketing the pay of non-existent soldiers. The better colonels did take a pride in their regiments, spending their own fortunes on good uniforms and weapons. The capabilities of a “standard” line infantry unit therefore varied between nations and over time. It wasn’t until the 1760s that anything approaching uniformity of drill, equipment and regulations became the norm.

Line infantry regiments remained unchanged throughout the period, and their organisational pattern still forms the basis of modern military units.

Abilities

Can guard
Can hide in woodland
Grappling hooks

Technological abilities

Plug bayonet
Ring bayonet
Socket bayonet
Chevaux de frise
Earthworks
Fire and advance
Fire by rank
Square formation

Available for:

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Great Britain

External links