Middle Earth Ambushes
Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 12:12 am
I was mulling over how does the Dunedain execute their mission of disrupting the Enemy with small unit medieval, primitive ambushes. Comparing with modern tactics, I joted down some various notes to start conversation and share thoughts.
1. Initiation of ambush or opening volley: highest casualty-producing device, i.e. machine guns, claymores, or other mines. ME lacks modern equitant. Rock or debris (avalanche) trigger.
2. Missile Fire. Bows have a higher rate of fire over a crossbow. Seven shots to one by some modern timing. Can crossbows be rigged for several to be command fired, similar to Tiger Bow? Still has lower rate of fire than modern weapons.
3. What prevents enemy from overwhelming the assault and/or support element if they contain greater numbers? . Does the Dunedain’s superior weapons training compensate for their smaller numbers?
4. The assault element assaults before the remaining enemy react. Would the Dunedain risk closing in with the enemy and possibly take casualties or would they melt away i.e. Vietcong tactics strike and run?
5. Baited pursuit. Hides small numbers and causes confusion in enemy ranks.
6. Obstacles to avoid enemy in closing in or moving out of kill zone.
A. Channnelization or Movement
1) Terrain
2) Barricade
3) Abatises
B. Wounding
1) booby traps
2) Spike Trap box
3) Barbed Spike Plate
4) Pointed Stakes along route in cover
5) Spike trap pit
6) Spike Board
7) Lassoes
C. Lethal
1) Tiger Traps
2) rolling logs
3) spiked logs
4) boulders
5) Trap Bridge
6) Steel Arrow Trap or Tiger Bow
7) Whip
8 Swinging spiked log
D. Scenarios from:
1) Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Ewoks Attack
2) Swiss Family Robinson
3) Rambo
7. Historical Examples:
A. Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Germanic tribes led by Arminius ambushed and destroyed three Roman legions led by Publius Quinctilius Varus.
B. Charlemagne's Spanish Expedition & Roncevalles
C. The March of al-Marzuban to the Rus and His Victory Over Them (332 A.H./943-944 A.D.)
D. Battle of Thurles (1174 AD). Normans Ambushed By the Irish
1. Initiation of ambush or opening volley: highest casualty-producing device, i.e. machine guns, claymores, or other mines. ME lacks modern equitant. Rock or debris (avalanche) trigger.
2. Missile Fire. Bows have a higher rate of fire over a crossbow. Seven shots to one by some modern timing. Can crossbows be rigged for several to be command fired, similar to Tiger Bow? Still has lower rate of fire than modern weapons.
3. What prevents enemy from overwhelming the assault and/or support element if they contain greater numbers? . Does the Dunedain’s superior weapons training compensate for their smaller numbers?
4. The assault element assaults before the remaining enemy react. Would the Dunedain risk closing in with the enemy and possibly take casualties or would they melt away i.e. Vietcong tactics strike and run?
5. Baited pursuit. Hides small numbers and causes confusion in enemy ranks.
6. Obstacles to avoid enemy in closing in or moving out of kill zone.
A. Channnelization or Movement
1) Terrain
2) Barricade
3) Abatises
B. Wounding
1) booby traps
2) Spike Trap box
3) Barbed Spike Plate
4) Pointed Stakes along route in cover
5) Spike trap pit
6) Spike Board
7) Lassoes
C. Lethal
1) Tiger Traps
2) rolling logs
3) spiked logs
4) boulders
5) Trap Bridge
6) Steel Arrow Trap or Tiger Bow
7) Whip
8 Swinging spiked log
D. Scenarios from:
1) Star Wars: Return of the Jedi – Ewoks Attack
2) Swiss Family Robinson
3) Rambo
7. Historical Examples:
A. Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Germanic tribes led by Arminius ambushed and destroyed three Roman legions led by Publius Quinctilius Varus.
B. Charlemagne's Spanish Expedition & Roncevalles
C. The March of al-Marzuban to the Rus and His Victory Over Them (332 A.H./943-944 A.D.)
D. Battle of Thurles (1174 AD). Normans Ambushed By the Irish