Skirmishing troops were important parts of Union and Confederate battleplans during the American Civil War. Ranging ahead of the main attack columns, skirmishers advanced in loose formations to harass the enemy, draw fire, and 'screen' the troops behind them ahead of a major bayonet charge.
Skirmishers deployed ahead of the main battle line to do damage by shooting and unsettle the enemy line prior to the assault. These detached soldiers would move ahead of the main body in extended order with gaps of perhaps five yards between men, making best use of the cover available, even trying to work in pairs, ideally using a fire and movement system as they advanced. Their aim was to draw the enemy’s fire and to do damage, making the enemy unsettled enough for a bayonet charge from the main body.
Skirmishers were not always used, however. Once deployed, they tended to become uncontrollable as each man sought to take shelter away from his officers. Rates of fire slackened as each man might try to take more careful aim with what was, actually, an inherently inaccurate weapon. They would also not be used where the aim of the battleplan was to inflict as much damage as possible by mass of firepower.
The models in this boxed set are suitable to represent Skirmishers for both Union and Confederate armies. They can equally be used to represent famous regiments such as Berdan's Sharpshooters on the Union side to the Rebel Whitworth Sharpshooters.
Boxed Set contains 10 stands of Epic Battles: ACW Skirmishers, suitable for both Confederate & Union Generals.
Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
