07-12-2013, 01:05 AM
Most of us will be familiar with combatant support to the Heavy Infantry both Auxilia and Legionary drawn up int he line of battle.
These include pursuit and screening forces such as the "Light armed" troops and Cavalry and missle troops like slingers and Archers as well as Artillery of various type and sizes. What is less know about and not often discussed are the various support elements which might be present on the battlefield both Legionary or Auxillia members as well as military "civilian employees".
A few of these support troops are described or inferred by ancient writings are:
Legionary medics responsible for bandaging the wounded in the field
Mounted Legionaries responsible for evacuating the wounded during battle
Mounted Legionary messengers
Others who may have been present on the battlefield in logistical support of the Legions are:
Muleteers or teamsters
Servants of both the common soldiers and officers of the Legion
There are accounts of these personnel occasionally taking part in combat on there own which are recounted as exceptional occurrences. It is probably safe to make an assumption that they must have been first close enough to the battle front for this to have been possible and second to have access to weapons and at least some knowledge as to their use.
Some possible logistical support to the Legion in battle that may have been provided:
Recovery of the dead
Evacuation of the wounded
Salvage of weapons and equipment (This may have been important to prevent materials from falling into enemy hands if the
the battle line retrograded.
Provision of water
Resupply of ammunition from Legion reserves: Pila Javelins Arrows Sling Shot
And I will go out on a limb here as say resupply of Boots.
These include pursuit and screening forces such as the "Light armed" troops and Cavalry and missle troops like slingers and Archers as well as Artillery of various type and sizes. What is less know about and not often discussed are the various support elements which might be present on the battlefield both Legionary or Auxillia members as well as military "civilian employees".
A few of these support troops are described or inferred by ancient writings are:
Legionary medics responsible for bandaging the wounded in the field
Mounted Legionaries responsible for evacuating the wounded during battle
Mounted Legionary messengers
Others who may have been present on the battlefield in logistical support of the Legions are:
Muleteers or teamsters
Servants of both the common soldiers and officers of the Legion
There are accounts of these personnel occasionally taking part in combat on there own which are recounted as exceptional occurrences. It is probably safe to make an assumption that they must have been first close enough to the battle front for this to have been possible and second to have access to weapons and at least some knowledge as to their use.
Some possible logistical support to the Legion in battle that may have been provided:
Recovery of the dead
Evacuation of the wounded
Salvage of weapons and equipment (This may have been important to prevent materials from falling into enemy hands if the
the battle line retrograded.
Provision of water
Resupply of ammunition from Legion reserves: Pila Javelins Arrows Sling Shot
And I will go out on a limb here as say resupply of Boots.
John Kaler MSG, USA Retired
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
Member Legio V (Tenn, USA)
Staff Member Ludus Militus https://www.facebook.com/groups/671041919589478/
Owner Vicus and Village: https://www.facebook.com/groups/361968853851510/
