Why did cavalry use wedge formation?

The advantage of the wedge was that it offered a narrow point for piercing enemy formations and concentrated the leaders at the front. It was easier to turn than a square formation because everyone followed the leader at the apex, “like a flight of cranes”.

What is the purpose of a wedge formation?

The Wedge Formation is an offensive upgrade for cavalry. In the wedge formation, cavalry form up into a triangular shaped formation, with the axis pointing in the direction the regiment is moving. Wedge Formations reduce the charging bonuses of enemy cavalry, but help split up enemy troop formations, reducing morale.

What happened during the cavalry charge?

The final U.S. charge took place in the Philippines in January 1942, when the pistol-wielding horsemen of the 26th Cavalry Regiment temporarily scattered the Japanese. Soon after, however, the starving U.S. and Filipino soldiers were forced to eat their own horses.

Why is the wedge illegal in football?

An illegal wedge penalty in American football is called on blockers when two or more of them line up in a “wedge” blocking formation, typically within two yards of each other connected by the arm, in an attempt to protect their ball carrier from being tackled by defenders on the opposing team.

Why is the flying wedge illegal in football?

The flying wedge play was originally drawn from military formations used in ancient times. The long line of injuries, deaths, and overall violent nature of the play eventually led the NFL to ban its use in 2009.

What is wedge formation in football?

College football has passed a new rule banning “wedge blocking” on kickoffs. Wedge blocking involves the blockers running shoulder to shoulder to form a high-speed shield for the kickoff returner, which forces the kicking team to employ “wedge busters,” who hurl their bodies into the wedge to, well, bust it.

Why is wedge blocking illegal?

Rules outlawing “wedge” plays were introduced as early as 1894 (too violent for the 1890s), and eventually forward motion behind the line of scrimmage was outlawed completely to prevent the offense from getting a vicious running start before the play.

How did heavy cavalry charge into line of prepared infantry?

I’d think that the reality was that heavy cavalry generally didn’t charge into a line of prepared infantry from the front. The tactic would be to use the horse’s speed to outflank the infantry line and hit them from the side or rear – which would break up the infantry formation and make it far easier for the cavalry to contine the attack.

How far can a cavalry charge?

@Jotunn: Cavalry charges in only two lines, with at least 20 yards between them at the full gallop (the last hundred yards or so). There is no pushing of the front line, a maneuver which would shock a cavalryman and quickly both knock horses over and risk dismounting riders.

How did Philip the Great Train his Macedonian cavalry?

To do this, he trained them in a special formation: the wedge. The wedge had been traditionally used among the Scythians and Thracians and it was Philip who adopted this formation for his Macedonian cavalry.

How far should a horse pull up from an infantry charge?

If the charge has been ill-timed, the horses pull up about 20 yards from the infantry, and the combination of frame saddle and stirrupsenable the riders to comfortably remain mounted.