NEW RULES FOR GRANDES BANDES
1. Any Light or Line Battalion deploying more than 50% of its strength is classed as in Grand Bandes, (Open order) and not as skirmish order.
Light battalions are now restricted to deploying a maximum of 50% of their strength in skirmish order. (This was the standard amount usually deployed, I know that occasionally more were committed to the skirmish line but that was rare, so for the sake of simplicity and realism, we’ll keep it to 50%.)
2. Grandes Bandes is regarded as a close order formation in “open order” and not skirmish order. There must be a minimum of half-base width between each base. All companies are placed in the line; there is no command base to the rear.
3. 1 Turn is required to form or reform from Grandes Bandes. Must reform into line formation prior to any other formation change.
4. Target modifier = -2.
5. Fire as close order infantry.
6. May charge/stand in melee as normal without restrictions.
7. Classed as formed infantry for movement purposes – except Grandes Bandes move at column speed.
8. Classed as formed for all morale purposes. (Unless faltering or unformed through melee, etc.)
9. Classed as an unformed unit for all melee purposes, when opposing close order troops, (including artillery).
10. Skirmishers treat grandes bandes as close order troops for all purposes. (I.E. skirmishers may not charge units in grandes bandes.)
11. Grande Bandes use the Light Battalion Recall Table. All French units from 1796-1809 receive a +2 modifier. French, British & Prussian infantry receive a +1 modifier from 1810-1815.
12. Any infantry type, (Line Light, Grenadiers, etc) may deploy into Grande Bandes (Open order). Only Light infantry may deploy in skirmish order.
