• ummthatguy@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    9 months ago

    Let’s not leave out the flag bearers, creating a tempting target for any artillery or siege weapons.

    • PugJesus@piefed.socialM
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      9 months ago

      tbf, artillery was pretty inaccurate - by the time it was accurate enough to hit single individuals, sharpshooters were the bigger problem.

      But yeah, there’s a reason why flag-bearers have such ridiculous casualty rates. “HERE, SEE MY BRIGHT COLORS WAVING ABOVE MY HEAD? I’M WORTH BONUS POINTS”

    • Iunnrais@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      9 months ago

      In case anyone was ignorant amidst the jokes, the purpose of both flag bearers and drummers was basically communication, and was utterly crucial for command and control of an army. It wasn’t just an honor thing, though adding honor on top made sure that soldiers wouldn’t abandon it.