Other spacingsFor nearly all drill and maneuvers, Open Order is the widest necessary. Open Order is sufficient to permit doublings. There are wider (and longer) distances, too. These were not often used historically and today are rarely seen among re-enactors (with the exception of the first one below for ranks and files of pikemen):
For marching re-enactors, these two distances present the temptation for audience members to cut through the formation on some urgent errand like fetching a beer. Today, we don't have the options our ancestors did who could scold, arrest, or even beat any civilian who dared trespass into a formation. (Or possibly pressing an errant male civilian into service: "Since you like being among my soldiers, you will join us!") Our only recourse is to avoid presenting temptation as much as possible. |
|