Flying Wedge
The wedge formation is a very old and very effective formation when employed correctly. Historically used with cavalry, the formation involves a mass of troops in a triangular wedge with the tip charging at the enemy. The ensuing charge would penetrate into the ranks of the enemy, usually infantry, and scatter the opposing force. When charging thinner lines, the wedge could completely separate a line into two groups, dividing a force and making them easier to defeat.
In antiquity it was often used by heavy infantry to break static shield walls, forcing the defenders to fight individually. The heaviest Cataphract cavalry could be very successful with wedge formations, their sheer momentum being able to drive deep into enemy formations. Some Germanic armies and Vikings used a modified wedge formation to house skirmishers in the center and deployed spearmen on the flanks at the base of the wedge. It was intended to quickly break an enemy, but if it didn’t, it could become surrounded and then easy to combat.
Alexander the Great personally led his cavalry in a flying wedge to great effect in many battles, most notably his resounding victory at Gaugamela. The wedge could also be applied to multiple unit formations. An army in a hollow wedge with a reinforced center could overwhelm the enemy center, while withholding and protecting vulnerable flanks, potentially winning the battle after engaging less than half of their forces. The Flying Wedge was also used to great effect during the era of the Napoleonic wars. Cavalry armed with guns could maximize their fire and then utilize lances or sabers to punch through the thin firing lines.
The wedge is used today in various roles though its function is slightly different. Armored vehicle wedge formations as well as light infantry wedges allow for visibility and supporting fire by each unit while affording the opportunity to get maximum firepower in a fight. Riot police will often employ a wedge to divide small groups or to separate thin lines in two manageable groups.
In antiquity it was often used by heavy infantry to break static shield walls, forcing the defenders to fight individually. The heaviest Cataphract cavalry could be very successful with wedge formations, their sheer momentum being able to drive deep into enemy formations. Some Germanic armies and Vikings used a modified wedge formation to house skirmishers in the center and deployed spearmen on the flanks at the base of the wedge. It was intended to quickly break an enemy, but if it didn’t, it could become surrounded and then easy to combat.
Alexander the Great personally led his cavalry in a flying wedge to great effect in many battles, most notably his resounding victory at Gaugamela. The wedge could also be applied to multiple unit formations. An army in a hollow wedge with a reinforced center could overwhelm the enemy center, while withholding and protecting vulnerable flanks, potentially winning the battle after engaging less than half of their forces. The Flying Wedge was also used to great effect during the era of the Napoleonic wars. Cavalry armed with guns could maximize their fire and then utilize lances or sabers to punch through the thin firing lines.
The wedge is used today in various roles though its function is slightly different. Armored vehicle wedge formations as well as light infantry wedges allow for visibility and supporting fire by each unit while affording the opportunity to get maximum firepower in a fight. Riot police will often employ a wedge to divide small groups or to separate thin lines in two manageable groups.
Type
Infantry
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