View single post by Kernow-Ox
 Posted: Sat Mar 8th, 2008 01:36 pm
PM Quote Reply Full Topic
Kernow-Ox
Member
 

Joined: Tue Feb 26th, 2008
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Posts: 142
Status: 
Offline
Mana: 
 What were the rules relating to the behaviour of pickets whilst on duty? I know they shouldn't fall asleep, but was communication across lines, or even fraternisation, officially forbidden?  More importantly, what were the rules of engagement: if an attack was about to begin, say, would the pickets be given a head start, or would they have realsied what was up and reported back anyhow?

Oh, and how far away from camp would they be placed?

I suppose what I really need is a crashcourse in 19th Century military organisation, but these questions have come to me whilst reading various memoirs.