Calling all armchair generals! Boudica's Last Stand.

[Nathan Ross]

I am suggesting that the legate was with the main part of the legion in North Wales, while Postumus was in command of the veterans guarding the base fortress in Exeter, Gloucester or wherever it was.

Ah, righto, I see what you mean now - apologies for my confusion! Yes, we could imagine Postumus commanding a depot force in the west, perhaps, while the legate was away with the bulk of the legion in north Wales. That would explain a lot.

I do still prefer the idea that the entire Second were in the west, with their move eastwards intended as part of a coordinated three-pronged advance against the rebellion - this provides reason for Cerialis to be advancing with his force of the Ninth independently of Paulinus. He surely would not have done this without orders, and if it was merely an attempt to relieve Colchester Cerialis could not have been blamed for his haste!