Melee/Close Combat

[Justin Penwith]

We ran into this the other day, for the first time.

Swedish/Ottoman foot that has not fired previously receives a bonus +4 dice for melee (first bound).

We assumed that the original battalion involved, which has received the +4, loses the first fire bonus subsequent to the melee.

However, what about reinforcing battalions that have also withheld their first fire? Do they receive the +4, even though they cannot legally fire into melee (the bonus represents very close range shooting as per the rules). Do they NOT receive the +4, but keep their first fire bonus for later shooting?

As umpire, I ruled that the reinforcing foot did not get the +4, but also kept their first fire bonus as they went in with the cold steel.

[barr7430]

Justin, I would go along with your interpretation. It sounds sensible. Definitely no close combat bonus for the 'Reinforcers' the are NOT the principal unit who get the +2 for being supported in combat. Unlikely that much shooting would be done if running into an existing hand to hand combat.