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As I read the few articles available about melee training and combat, I liked bits and pieces, but was not completely satisfied with a piece as a whole.  So, I have attempted to use what others have presented along with my personal military experience to produce a comprehensive work for small teams, lances, and companies.
 
 

Individual Shield Work
See recommended reading.  I don’t believe I could cover this subject anymore thoroughly than Baron Niall DunUlric's work.  I include the outline for reference in training.
 

·         Stance	·         Shield position	·         Holding the line	·         Line formation
·         Blocking your neighbors	·         Clearing hooks	·         Working ends	·         Moving
·         Dying defensively	·         Filling a line	·         Charging	·         Accepting a charge

Team Formation

Order Or Unit Formation
 

Close order.  Almost shoulder-to-shoulder, with shields overlapping.  Provides a formidable defense, but can limit mobility.  Good for static defense.  Also, can have shield men alternate kneeling and standing; creates crenellating for long weapons to work.     “Limits in mobility and offense are a perceived limitation, not actual.  It is up to the leader of the unit to utilize this formation correctly.  Good uses of this formation are:  form a strong defensive position, punch through a line, and hold an opposing force.  It would also be suggested that the shieldmen refrain from using long swords; mid to short swords are best. In my opinion this formation is best for melee overall, unless working expressly as a light unit, utilizing mobility and never engaging in a permanent manner.      Also, this formation helps in getting the line used to each other.  Being able to 'feel' your fellow linemen will help teach them to work together without verbal aids.  Additionally, newer or inexperienced shieldmen will last longer in this position because the other shieldmen are there to help block and support them.” (Baron DunUlric)   Figure 1 Figure 2 Combat order.  Default formation.  About six inches between shields.  Allows good offense, defense, and mobility. The new MK combat order or at least, most used in the last few years.  Requires better-trained shieldmen.  Fighters need to fully control their own shields to prevent being shoved back or opened up to spears and poles, consequently opening up the next man in the line as well.  Figure 3 Open order.  More than six-eight inches but less than a full shield width apart.  Used to move quickly over terrain or to extend the line.  Allows greater mobility and flexible offense but defense suffers. Figure 4 Skirmish order.  Shields are more than on shield width apart, usually three to nine feet.  Long weapons move into the front line.  Used to move over broken terrain or to screen for another unit.  Offers greater mobility, but little defense.  Figure 5

Leaders and positioning
 

	·         Team Leader (TL).  Centered and behind the two team members.
	·         Corporal (Cpl).  Senior TL; Right-most team.
	·         Lance or Line CPL (LCpl).  Leader of three teams.

Note: I have avoided the rank of Sergeant, due to the officially recognized title bestowed upon Midrealm fighters for the Order of the Red Company.

Commands

PREPATORY COMMAND.  The prepatory command alerts the unit that the leader will be giving a command.  It will also give direction of movement or execution.

EXECUTION COMMAND.  The execution command tells the unit when to begin the movement or execute the maneuver.  Usually the execution command is MARCH, such as “FORWARD, MARCH.”

Leaders may give some commands that should be executed at the command, such as FORM-UP.  The singular command will be given mostly in front-line situations with units in contact.  Most commands, including CHARGE, should have a prepatory command, to ensure unit integrity during the execution of the command.  Unit SOPs determines what is generally practiced.
 

Movement And Maneuver
 
 

Figure 6

FORM-UP or FALL-IN.  Soldiers line up facing and centered on the leader who called the command.  Spacing or order is the Combat Order, the default formation.  Used while not in contact (See RALLY).  Shields can be held at the side.  The leader may also call the frontage or the number of shields in the front rank.

DRESS THE LINE.  Soldiers should look down the line by turning their head to the right.  Line up straight on the LCPL’s shoulder.  Adjust the spacing as per the default or called formation.  The unit leader may stand on the right side of the LCPL adjusting individuals.
 

Figure 7

ADVANCE or FORWARD, (MARCH).  Step off with the left foot.  Normal pace; 30-inch steps.

Depending on unit SOP, the unit may stay in-step or everyone’s left foot hits the ground at the same time.  Someone should call LEFT when the left foot should hit the ground.  Generally, this is not needed if a unit can advance at the same pace while maintaining a solid formation on the move.

DOUBLE TIME or AT THE DOUBLE, (MARCH).  Same as ADVANCE, but at a jog or trot.  Used for rapid movement.  The leader could lead the formation from the front, guiding the unit around in a snake-like fashion or from the rear if for a short distance.  A leader can also guide the unit at the double into an enemy unit for an organized coordinated impact, rather than a haphazard charge.

HALF STEP, (MARCH).  Same as ADVANCE or FORWARD, but at a shorter (15”) step.  Can be used to slow a unit, but not bring them to a halt, allowing another unit to pass in front, for instance.

L/R FACE, (MARCH).  Soldiers turn in place 900 to the direction ordered.

STOP or HALT.  The unit name (i.e. Red Swords), unit size (i.e. company, brigade, regiment) or READY is the prepatory command.  HALT or STOP is the execution command.  For an obvious reason, avoid saying HOLD as a movement command for you unit.
 
 

Figure 8

ECHELON or OBLIQUE LEFT/RIGHT (L/R).  Angle line about 450.  Usually given with the FORWARD command.  Soldiers should be a step to the rear and in-line with the outside shoulder of the person in front of them.  Echelon left is generally more secure than echelon right, unless the echelon right is all left handed persons.  More difficult to perform while in Close Order.  In any formation, the unit will tend to steer themselves towards the angle.  Leaders should ensure the right most team leader or LCPL understands the direction of march or target.  Individuals should guide off the person to their front.  Some units may angle their shields, but this may be too awkward and lead to sloppiness in movement and posture.  This movement would be most effective when done initially from a Close Order with shields facing forward.  Since this movement implies that you are moving, move at a double or charge pace.  Most likely, the unit will attack with this formation, not run across a field to maneuver into position.  Any counter-attack or defense against this would have to enforce a full contact engagement.  The threat of spears would be reduce because of the speed and close distance between the fighters.

Figure 9

SLIDE L/R or L/R STEP, (MARCH).  For short moves, soldiers take a fifteen-inch step to the side, but still remain facing in their original direction.  For longer or more rapid moves, fighters can turn 30 degrees in the direction of the slide.  This will make the slide easier and faster for the line.  This maneuver should occur while not in contact with an enemy force.

Figure 10

ANGLE, GUIDE, or INCLINE L/R.  Used to make slight changes in direction to avoid obstacles while unit is moving.  Unit moves at a 450 angle or as per the unit commander’s direction, such as ANGLE AROUND THAT HOLE.  To move rapidly through trees, a leader may call GUIDE THROUGH THE TREES ON ME.

Figure 11

ABOUT FACE, (MARCH).  Individuals turn clockwise, until facing 1800 in the opposite direction.  The second and remaining ranks execute the movement as well, without moving or re-shuffling to get positioned behind the first rank. The last rank now becomes the new first rank.  A full unit with multiple ranks can also execute a modified ABOUT FACE or COUNTER-COLUMN-type maneuver.  The second and third ranks run between the front-rank shields as they reach their 90-degree point.  Thereby repositioning them behind the front rank.  This is easier to do in the combat order or any of the more open positions.  The modified ABOUT FACE or COUNTER-COLUMN-type maneuver should be well drilled and rehearsed prior to execution on the field. Unit SOP should dictate how to perform either method.

Figure 12

L/R TURN or Column L/R, (MARCH).  More of a parade or formal marching movement.  Same results can be obtained through a WHEEL movement.  Included only for explanation and thoroughness.

Figure 13

L/R WHEEL.  The direction given is the end of the line that remains stationary or the pivot person.  This person turns in place to the direction called. The person on the outside of the line moves quickly in an arc, maintaining a straight line until facing 900 from the original direction of travel.  The direction of the WHEEL command indicates the direction the unit should be facing upon its completion.  The person on the outside arc may have a tendency to crowd the line by making too tight of an arc, thereby constricting the line.

Figure 14

L/R FLANK, (MARCH).  Every individual turns in place 900 to the direction of the command.  If ordered while moving, the unit continues to move forward in the new direction upon completion of the flank maneuver.  When called under way, the prepatory command should be given when the opposite foot of the flank movement strikes the ground; the execution command, on the next step of the opposite foot.

Figure 15

DENY or REFUSE THE L/R.  Used to prevent the enemy from flanking your unit.  Essentially, the opposite execution of WHEEL.  WHEEL, people move forward quickly; REFUSE, people move backward quickly.  One end of the line remains stationary, while the line pivots around falling back.  The direction of the REFUSE command indicates the direction the unit should be facing upon its completion.  In an alternate method, the unit would refuse at an angle then back up straight after that.  Again, unit SOP should specify which method.  Still another alternate course is order a L/R FLANK and accept whatever weapon mix happens to be in place.  A leader could pre-plan for this maneuver by placing a specified weapons mix on the flanks prior to the engagement.

Figure 16

FALLBACK or WITHDRAW.  An orderly rearward movement, while maintaining unit integrity.  Soldiers remain facing their original direction, taking small (15 inch) steps backward.  Include a prepatory command of the unit’s name, so friendly units on the flanks do not follow, unless directed.

Figure 17

RETREAT.  More rapid, but less secure.  Warriors turn around 1800 in a clockwise direction and move at the double.  Stop at a distance where the unit can reform, a location called out with the RETREAT order, or a pre-determined rally point.

Figure 18

ADVANCE TO ENGAGE.  A maneuver to get the unit into position to fight.  A penetration or break-through is not desired.  The unit moves, then stops when within an effective range of the predominant friendly weapon type: 4’-6’ for spears with shields in front, 2’-4’ pole arms, or 1’-2’ shields/weapons.  Compare enemy and friendly unit composition to ensure the best weapons mix to achieve the unit’s mission and avoid losses from attrition.  When shield-to-shield with the opposing line, the close proximity reduces the number of potential attacks by reducing the number of weapons effective in a given area.

Figure 19

ADVANCE or WITHDRAW BY STEP, READY…STEP.  The execution of the ADVANCE STEP command contains two steps: the first step with the left, lead foot is a “Stomp,” a small, 15 inch step forward.  The second step is a “Drag” or recovery step with the right foot.  This maintains good balance with assertive movement.  Upon the completion of the STEP, you should be back into a good fighting posture, waiting for the next command.   To continue movement, the leader gives subsequent commands with another READY…STEP.  The right foot should be the first step for the WITHDRAW STEP; then the left lead foot as the recovery step.

Figure 20

PREPARE TO CHARGE, CHARGE.  By default, units should destroy the ranks, disrupt and penetrate the enemy line, then reform.  “Meet you on the other side” attitude.  Consult the named references below for specifics on impact training and techniques for charges.  I would include a prepatory command based on observations of leaders calling a charge and disastrously charging by themselves.  The unit was a split second behind because there was no forewarning of the command.  Unit cohesion creates decisive action at the point of impact.  The mass and synchronization of the force compensates for the split second of surprise you loose to the enemy by calling the PREPARE TO CHARGE.  Silent signals or codewords could be developed for the PREPARE TO CHARGE command.

After training or depending on the unit’s experience and cohesion, charging a line would not necessarily mean penetration.  Leaders may call charges for different purposes:
 

REGROUP, REFORM, RALLY.  Unit members immediately proceed to the rally point.  The leader can call the rally at the source (default), RALLY ON ME.  Also, the leader can declare a specific location where to regroup, RALLY ON THE HILL, REGROUP BY THE REZ POINT, or REFORM ON THE BANNER.  It is helpful to call the unit’s name if there are many units in the area.  Usually called after a charge’s penetration succeeds or the unit has been split.  Depending in the unit SOP, soldiers either form around the leader facing outward in a 3600 defensive perimeter or fall-in a line formation facing the leader.

ACCEPTING RETREATING SPEARS

Shield men must quickly allow spearmen to get back to safety before the EN can engage them in close combat.  Gatekeepers or swingmen should be designated prior to engagement and clearly identified to spearmen.  Upon pressure on the spearmen, these gatekeepers will move back behind the shield man on their right.  The spearmen retreat through the line.  The gatekeepers close the gap.  If the EN attempts to crash through the gate, the gatekeeper either closes the gap and prevents the easy entry or pushes them to the left.  The retreating spears should get back in action to help with any enemy penetration.
 

Sources and Recommended Reading:

The Shieldman’s Basic Melee Skills, Baron Niall DunUlric.
An Essay On Melee Tactics, HRM Kein MacEwan, 9 Oct 1997.
Large Melee Tactics Class, Sir Al Harad al Hadi, Fighters Collegiums, AS XXVI, 28 Oct 1991.
Shield Manual For Melee Fighters, Lord William Campion.
 

Thanks, to Baron DunUlric for his commentary and suggestions.
 
 

Further Reading:

I recommend the Melee Tactics Article by Jester of Anglesey at the SCA Melee Website.
Also visit the Red Company site on the Midrealm web page and the Rivenvale links page.

Have fun, be safe, and fight well.  See you on the field.

Beornmann on Ceaster
Soldier of the Middle Kingdom
December A.S. XXXV