Loss of Nerve / Retire Order
If the brigadier of an infantry brigade on "Hold" order loses his nerve, the brigade order is changed to "Retire" (p. 23, 25). When and how is this movement executed? Is it a) handled the same as cavalry with "Horses Blown" (p. 53): using charge movement rates, about face for free and executed during the normal movement phase (4.7, p. 19) or b) Normal movement: movement rate acording to formation, spending 1/2 turn to about face or step back of 3" allowed, executed during the normal movement phase. (I note that a prussian infantry unit in line isn't able to fulfill the required half move of 4" by stepping back (7.7, p. 35) alone due to the maximum of 3" while an austrian infantry unit would. Therefore, the prussian unit would be forced to present its back to the enemy, wouldn't it?!) c) Involuntary movement similar to broken brigades: involuntary movement rate, facing does not change, terrain has no effect, unformed (?!?), executed during the involuntary movement phase. More often then not every inch counts. Many thanks Olaf

Olaf, that's a good question - I see we didn't specify the way it worked properly. I feel option C is the most appropriate. Do you agree? Best Wishes, Angus Konstam www.edinburghwargames.com

Olaf & Angus, you may find the following instructive, from the original General de Brigade rulebook, p. 21, 2nd Ed., under the 'Loss of Nerve Table': "On receipt of a retire order brigade units must retire at least half a move per turn until either the C-in-C or a successful brigade initiative die roll changes the order." In other words, it's an Order change pertaining to movement executed in the Normal Movement phase, per the usual movement rules--at least in GdB. The brigadier may have lost his nerve, but that shouldn't mean the troops are suddenly 'broken', as if subjected to a 'Retreat' or 'Rout' result in combat (and therefore subject to involuntary movement in the Compulsory Movement phase). Just my 2P.

Bryce, Quite Right - I actually meant to type "Option B", which is closest to the GdeB definition of what happens. Thanks for the heads up... Angus

Bryce, Thanks for the clarification and the reasoning! I do not own the GdB ruleset. How is "stepping back" handled in GdB? Are units able to step back the full half move, i.e. maintaining their facing towards the enemy, or do they have to do an about face to be able to retire? I assume they retire facing the enemy, therefore I will allow the prussian infantry in DKK to step back 4" (equal to half their move) instead of the overall 3" limit (DKK Rule 7.7, p. 35). All the best Olaf

Hi Olaf, To be clear, stepping back in GdB (as well as Guns at Gettysburg) is simply one type of normal movement, like wheeling, about face, etc.: "Infantry and cavalry units may step back up to a maximum of 5cms (3") per move regardless of their current formation. Artillery units may not step back, though players may manhandle batteries backwards." When troops step back they maintain facing towards the enemy. Whether executing a stepping back move "satisfies" the requirements of a Retire Order depends on each unit's formation and movement allowance. I do not yet own a copy of DKK, so cannot comment on specifics.