Column Formation

Wilkinson's expedition is marching along the River Bakambo, heading north into hostile territory to put an end to the exploits of the slavers. Some scenarios include situations where either Wilkinson or a slave caravan must deploy in column formation. Unfortunately, the rules for MWWBKs don’t include any rules for columns. So I’ve come up with some of my own... 


Deploying in Column

- When a field force deploys in column, units must be placed in single file with each unit positioned within 2” of the unit to the front and/or rear. 

- If the number of units deployed on the table is not specified by the scenario, d3 units are deployed. 

- Units not deployed on the table are assumed to move onto the table as the column moves. 

- If the column breaks its formation before all units have entered the table, one off table unit may attempt to activate to move onto the table each subsequent turn. Units may only move onto the table from the column’s initial point of entry.

- The position of each unit within the column is at the controlling players discretion. 

- Units in column must conform to the following formations:


    Unit Size     Minimum Width     Maximum Width

1-6 1 figure 2 figures

7-12 2 figures 3 figures

       13-16 3 figures 4 figures



Activating a Column

- Columns may only be ordered to Stand To or Move

- Individual units in a column have no free actions so all column actions must be ordered. 

- At the start of a game, the column is assumed to be moving onto the board (regardless of how many units are initially deployed). 

- Orders are tested against the Discipline of the leading unit only. 

- When a successful order is issued, all units in the column are assumed to activate at the same time.

- When moving, the leading unit is moved first, immediately followed by each trailing unit in turn. Units in column must maintain the initial column formation. 

- All units will attempt to follow the same route and move the same distance as the leading unit. 

- Units in a column may not pass through or be passed through by another unit. 

- If an order is unsuccessful, the column will automatically activate to repeat the last successful action. If moving, the lead unit will always attempt to move its maximum permitted move allowance. If moving along a defined road/path, it will continue to follow the road/path. Otherwise the column will continue moving in the same direction, avoiding areas of difficult terrain and obstacles if possible. 

- If the leading unit exits the table, trailing units continue to move in each subsequent turn until the last unit exits the table or the column is broken. 


Attacking a Column

- Enemy units targeting a unit in column with ranged fire increase their firing value by +1. 

- If a unit in column is attacked in melee it fights with only half the number of the figures in the unit rounded down. 


Breaking the Column

- If the distance between any two units is ever greater than 2”, the column formation is immediately broken and all friendly units that were previously part of the column must take a pin test. 

- A column that attempts to cross an obstacle following a failed order is likely to become broken. If the column formation is broken all friendly units that were previously part of the column must take a pin test. 

- After a unit in the column is attacked in melee the column formation is immediately broken and all other friendly units that were previously part of the column must take a pin test. 

- If a unit in the column is pinned (eg due to taking casualties from enemy fire), the column formation is immediately broken and all friendly units that were previously part of the column must take a pin test. 

- A player may choose to voluntarily break the column formation by issuing an order to any individual unit before the column is activated.  Such an action does not result in a pin test. If the order is unsuccessful, the formation is not broken and the column repeats its last successful action. 

- Once the column formation has been broken, it may not be reformed again during the game. 


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