Napoleonic Portuguese light infantry

[whill4]

Did Portuguese light infantry battalions mostly fight lines and send out companies of skirmishers or did the whole battalion break down in skirmish order? The reason I am asking is to determine how to base my figures.

Thanks.

[meninobesta]

the light infantry batallions were reffered to as Caçadores (which translate to "Hunters") (the ones with the brown uniform) and were used in a role similar to the English Riffles (mostly as skirmishers)
If I'm not mistaken, they had some riffles on the elite company (Atiradores) but they were mostly armed with muskets

If Rumacara sees this topic he'll have some more info to add and probably correct mine

[PAULSPENCE]

Hi,

Believe that they could fight as skirmishers and in line.

Therefore basing can be a problem.

Duplicating the figures on different size bases works for me.

I've got 2 battalions based in 2 rank deep lines in close-order plus the equivalent of 1 battalion based in skirmish order.

This allows me use the skirmishers on their own in a skirmish screen where the scenario requires it.

Alternatively this also allows me to use the 2 battalions deployed in skirmish order i.e. half in skirmish order with the other half remaining in close order behind.

This way I can way I've got full flexibility.

I've not yet done this my my British Light Infantry battalions but will eventually get round to doing that too.

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Paul

[whill4]

Thank you for the replies. I appreciate the help.