KG Erwin
Posts: 8981
Joined: 7/25/2000 From: Cross Lanes WV USA Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Goblin Ski troops did not fight from their skis... That would have been suicide. They used the skis as transport, the same as bicycle troops did. Goblin Oh, yeah? Check this out: OriginsThe original Elverumske Skieløber Compagnie was first established in 1747, one of three companies (the Elverumske, the Hofske, and the Åmotske) that formed the Sønnenfjellske batallion of skiborn troops. A 3-company Nordenfjellske ski batallion (consisting of the Holtålske, Snåsenske, and Merårkerske companies) was formed at the same time. The men of the ski batallions were trained and organized as light-infantry soldiers, and were mainly employed on reconaissance and patrol duties. With the coming of the winter snows, however, ski-trained troops acquired great mobility and could, in some respects, function as light cavalry. The men were all conscripts, and remained on the Army List for a period of nine years. After basic recruit training, they were required to report for 12 days' service each year. The company could be speedily mobilised in the event of war. Defeat in 1814 saw the break-up of Denmark-Norway, and the union of Norway with Sweden. After 1814, the new military command considered the ski companies to be of minor importance, and they were disbanded in the period from 1818 to 1826. (Note: son of a gun -- the pictures didn't print, but these specifically showed the riflemen firing while mounted . Take my word for it -- this IS how they fought.) Contemporary Drawing by J. Senn ca.1811: "A norwegian ski soldier". Grüner's plate no. II, how to form a firing line. This tactic was established in the 19th century, so there you go.
< Message edited by KG Erwin -- 11/26/2005 2:34:17 AM >
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