By Brent Nosworthy (Original Publication: 1990)
The Mechanics of Combat: From Marlborough to Frederick
Introduction: The Anatomy of Victory is a seminal work that deconstructs the tactical evolution of European warfare over a pivotal seventy-five-year period. Brent Nosworthy moves beyond generalisations about "linear tactics" to explain the specific, technical developments in drill, formation, and firepower that defined the age. He meticulously tracks the transition from the pike-and-shot era to the sophisticated, high-speed manoeuvres of the Prussian army, providing the ultimate blueprint for understanding how battles were actually fought and won on the ground.
The 6mm Connection: For the Baccus 6mm enthusiast, this book is arguably the most important technical manual in the library. Nosworthy explains the "footprint" of a battalion in various formations—essential knowledge when we are deploying our 24-figure infantry stands. His analysis of the time taken to deploy from column to line, and the geometric precision required for the "oblique order," justifies the command mechanics we use for our overall commander (three mounted figures) and Brigade Commanders (two mounted figures). When you see your 6mm lines advancing, Nosworthy’s text allows you to visualise the specific files and ranks that our tiny figures represent, and why a 12-figure cavalry unit needs that specific depth to achieve shock impact.
Historical Insight: The most profound "lightbulb moment" in this volume is Nosworthy’s explanation of "fire doctrine." He clarifies the difference between the "platoon fire" favoured by the British and Prussians and the "rank fire" or "volley fire" used by other powers. Understanding that the Prussian advantage lay in the mechanical speed of their loading and the psychological impact of their advancing fire has completely changed how I handle artillery support and infantry exchanges. It makes our 3-gun 12-figure artillery batteries feel like integral parts of a larger, lethal machine rather than just static long-range snipers.
Conclusion: The Anatomy of Victory is an essential volume because it provides the "physics" of our wargaming world. It rounds out the project by ensuring our tactical decisions are based on the actual constraints and capabilities of 18th-century soldiers. For any wargamer who wants to move past the "toy soldier" stage and truly simulate the art of war in the Third Silesian War, Nosworthy’s masterpiece is the definitive guide to the science of the battlefield.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Muskets.
What do you think?
Have you read this volume? Let me know in the comments if you’ve used this research to inform your painting or game strategy!
Related project hubs for this period:
[The Silesian Wars 1740-1763 Project Hub] | [The Seven Years War 1756–1763 Project Hub]
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Andrew, Nosworthy's book belongs in the library of every "serious" student of wargaming the period. If you want details from period field manuals on formations, battlefield procedures, and maneuvering, this is one of the works to have at hand for helping to design and develop a set of wargame rules.
ReplyDeleteHi Jonathan. Absolutely spot on! It really is an essential manual. Having that level of detail on hand makes a massive difference when you are trying to represent the actual footprint of these units on the tabletop. Cheers for reading!
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