Attack and Die

[Miss Markie]

Well, being of Irish descent, and from a long line of brawlers, I can think of quite a few places you would not want to make that 'ludicrous' remark , samgrant!

It might not be the end-all, be-all of all arguments, but I think several other writers have mentioned the strong Celtic heritage having some influences on the 'aggressive' nature of the southern common soldier.

Also, in the Southern army, the number one immigrant group in terms of soldiers in the field were Irish. And number 2 in the north (number one immigrant group there were the German).

[larry_cockerham]

It was that dumb*** Napoleon who caused most of the problems with civil war tactics that made Hood look aggressive. He was just dumb. Forrest tried to tell him. Holding hands walking straight face into the enemy will drive up your insurance rates at best.

[ole]

Now I'm confused. Were the Cavaliers or Roundheads Celtic? Are Scotsmen Celts? Are Saxons Celts? Angles? (I know the Normans aren't -- wink, wink.) Guess I'll have to dig out Albion's Seed and give it a look see.

Miss Markie: I think Owsley made a big deal out of Celtic blood and heritage, but I had thought the English weren't particularly fond of the Irish or Scots.

Now I'm really confused.
Ole

[gary]

The English outlawed all thing Celtic after they conquered the Scots. They raised the 42nd (Royal Highlanders) Black Watch as a local regiment to watch them. Then they shipped them off to America but it was believed they would easily counter the Red Man (big mistake). The English did the same for the Irish and still haven't given up on Ireland.

Now, why anyone would wish they were of Celtic heritage? To lay claim to the most popular restaurant in the world. McDonalds. Fine Irish/Celtic cuisine, anytime, anywhere.

[gunny]

I have read most, but not all of ATTACK AND DIE and agree with Gary.

It seems that behavior in battle really has so little to do with ancestry and more to do with military culture.

Military culture being that behavior which is bred out of predecessors actions in battle and the results of that behavior or actions.

Sounds alot fancier than I anticipated - but I think I understand me.

My point more specifically - that tactics called for frontal assaults - not celtic ancestry or any other. The men that made these assaults both north and south were undeniably muts of all origins and military customs required no matter your ancestry - that you will attack when orders are given.

A pretty good book on explaining Civil War tactics is "Battle Tactics of the Civil War" by Paddy Griffith.

[mobile_96]

Don't forget Monty Pyton.
And Tom Baker, as Dr. Who.
Watched a BBC Production of The Silver Chair, part of the Chronicles of Narnia
set, in which Tom Baker plays a charactor.
Chuck in IL.

[JerseyBart]

Also, the original The Office which led to the current The Office. And like I said, Eddie Izzard.

Bart

[whitworth]

Most of the top generals were trained at West Point and that was the basis for their command decision.

Whatever military school ever taught remaining on the defensive?

[Robert B. Condon]

Would William Wallace have occupied Cemetery Hill on the evening of the first day?

[Miss Markie]

Well I do NOT like gin, cannot tolerate gin, and I always tell my husband it is because of my Irish/Celtic ancestry. I also tell him that the English invented gin so the Irish wouldn't take over the world...