The Use of Concealment in 18th Century European Military Tactics

The concept of concealment and surprise in warfare is often attributed to more recent military strategies, but its roots trace back to much earlier times. From the Mongol Empire to ancient battles like Lake Trasimene, concealment and surprise have been essential elements in military operations across various civilizations. However, misconceptions surround the use of these tactics in the 18th Century European military, leading many to believe that surprise tactics were considered "ungentlemanly". This article explores the reality of 18th Century military tactics and the role of concealment and ambush.

The Role of Weaponry in Military Tactics

The true driving force behind the use of open battlefield formations and the requirement for large-scale engagement was the weaponry of the time, in this case, single-shot muzzle-loading smoothbore muskets. These weapons were powerful and deadly, but their effectiveness depended on the soldiers being in open formation. The need for massed fire led to the development of complex maneuvers designed to maximize the impact of these weapons.

While European armies of the 18th century often sought open battlefields to employ these drills and coordinated maneuvers, this did not mean they eschewed the use of concealment and ambush. For instance, the American Revolution provides a rich case study in these tactics. A popular but fictionalized narrative highlights the Continental Army as disorganized and untrained. However, the reality is that the Continental Army was directly modeled after the British military, and even in the initial engagements like the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where regiments of Minutemen faced off against British regulars, traditional infantry maneuvers were utilized.

British Military Mastery of Tactical Use of Terrain

British officers were particularly adept at using the battlefield to their advantage. One of the most famous examples of this is the Battle of Long Island in 1776, where a significant victory was achieved largely due to the British finding an unguarded pass through the hills. This allowed them to outflank the Continental Army and launch a surprise attack, nearly resulting in their annihilation. The use of terrain to conceal troop movements and launch surprise attacks extended to battles like Brandywine in 1777, where similar tactics were employed to achieve victory.

Irregular Forces and Ambush Tactics

Irregular forces, such as the Queens Rangers, were highly skilled in ambush tactics. These groups, often operating in conjunction with Native American allies, inflicted significant defeats on their opponents. For example, the Battle of Wyoming in 1778 saw British and Loyalist forces led by John Butler using ambush tactics to great effect. In the Civil War-like settler struggles, these same tactics were employed in battles like Kings Mountain in 1780, where British forces took cover behind trees to repel Continental attackers. Similarly, the Battle of Ninety-Six in 1781 saw British forces using concealed fortified positions to withstand and outmaneuver attacking Continental forces.

Conclusion

18th century European militaries were undoubtedly products of their time. They were acutely aware of the benefits that could be gained from tactical surprise, concealment, and ambush. However, due to the nature of their weaponry and the need for open formation to maximize firepower, they often found the most significant success in forced engagements on open fields. As a result, accounts of these battles often depict the chaotic use of open fields, neglecting the strategic and tactical brilliance that underpinned the use of concealment and surprise.