He also ordered that where a body of men were engaged, if…
““He also ordered that where a body of men were engaged, if any subordinate division of them, as one company in a regiment, or one regiment in a battalion, should break ranks and fly before the order for a retreat should have been given by the proper authority, the rest were to leave fighting the enemy, and attack the portion flying, and kill them all upon the spot.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Discipline demands that any unit breaking without orders be pursued and eliminated by comrades to maintain order and deter desertion.
In simple terms: Soldiers must not flee without command; they are to be stopped.
Key Takeaway
Enforce strict obedience to prevent chaos.
Themes
discipline
military order
cohesion
Mood
stern
authoritative
Type
military
historical
When to use this quote
- battlefield
- training drills
- penal units
- historical reenactments
Key Concepts
command hierarchy
unit cohesion
deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders enforce discipline without fostering fear?
- What alternatives exist to punish desertion?
A Different Perspective
May cause morale issues and excessive harshness; modern ethics differ.