Some broad conclusions may be reached taking the evidence of the various drill books and battlefield accounts.

1). All pre-war English systems and Elton's post-war work is firmly based on the Dutch although the German and Swedish shallower formations are making an impact. Monck is not contemptuous of the old Dutch system but sees advantages in the new Swedish salvees and it was certainly used by the royalists later in the war.

2). In all drills the enphasis is on maintaining a close, cohesive order. If the block was to advance or retire, it simply shouldered its muskets and marched, introduction or extroduction would have effectively complicated this.

3). The pre-war drills are as one in focusing on ranks who, having given fire, wheel in turn to the rear, introduction and extroduction being dismissed to the parade ground as antiquated and over complex. This applied also to skirmishing formations. The depth of the block reduces to six ranks as the influence of Swedish doctrines makes itself felt.

4). From Monck, supported by Turner and contemporary battlefield accounts we find, for close action, a three deep line giving fire in a single slavee. The three rank firing system is formed by doubling the ranks from six ranks deep to three ranks deep and firing in a single salvee. The musketeers reloading in situe or falling on with clubbed muskets and sword.

5). Although the account of Leipzig from the Swedish Intelligencer demonstrates the fire being delivered by six ranks, the first three firing together in a single salvee, then the next three, in Turner the recommendation is similar to Monck, ie when in close action (which most battle re-enactment is effectively simulating) you double your ranks from six to three deep, fire by salvee and then fall on with butt of musket. '..six ranks to fire at two several times is not at all to be used.'

More Give Fire: ECW Formations and Tactics

Introduction
Skirmishing
Pre-War
Wartime
Post-War
Contemporary Battlefield Accounts
Conclusion
Biographical Notes
Troops Disposition Diagrams (slow: 143K)

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