Naval Gaming Introduction

Multiple line formations, although appearing to be complex organizations, are actually simple arrangements of basic line formations. Despite the possible combinations of the line formations, only two multiple line formations exist; the line of columns and the column of lines. Although distinct entities, these two formations normally appear identical when formed.

Multiple line formations are not combat formations. The outer lines of ships block the fire of the inner ships, and the force is not easy to maneuver. Any multiple line formation will always want and attempt to deploy into a line formation prior to entering combat.

Line of Columns

The Line of Columns is also known as Columns with Guides in Line Abreast, Columns of Divisions, or Columns of Squadrons. This is two or more column formations arranged side by side. Each column has its guide in the lead position, with the guides forming a line abreast. This disposition is by far the more commonly used of the two multiple line formations. It provides the maximum control for force commanders by placing the leaders of each unit at the head of their column. It is also easier to deploy from this disposition into a line of battle. The Line of Columns was the formation of choice for all large forces of ships at night prior to the introduction of radar. Even after the use of radar, units would still use this formation at night due to the relative safety provided by its regular spacing of the component ships. In the figures D = Distance, I = Interval. Figures are not to scale.

Column of Lines

The Column of Lines is also known as Lines with Guides in Column, Lines of Divisions, and Lines of Squadrons. This is a group of line abreast formations arranged one behind the other. Each column has its guide in the same position forming a column of the guides. The guide column is normally at one end of the lines. This disposition would not typically be used by battle forces for extended periods of time. Its primary purpose for such forces would be for shifting a Line of Columns sideways some distance. To deploy into a battle line first requires either that the ships execute a series of turns, or that the force change back to a Line of Columns.

Wheel

Also Known As. Formation Turn or Change of Front.

Purpose. A wheel allows a multiple line formation to change direction while retaining the relative positions of the ships in the formation. This would be the most common maneuver used by a multiple line formation to change direction.

Description. When the order to wheel is executed for a Line of Columns, the leading line of guides executes a wheel exactly as for a line abreast. The trailing ships follow their guides executing column turns. For a Column of Lines, the lead line executes a wheel as for a line abreast. Each following line abreast advances and wheels at the same spot as for the first line. Note that despite the technically different methods for wheeling Lines of Columns and Columns of Lines, the actual maneuvers would appear identical when executed.

Limitations. Neither multiple line formation may execute a wheel of more than 90°, as it is not possible for ships to reach their new formation positions without passing through other parts of the formation.

Problems. Ships on the outside of the turn must move rapidly to complete the turn, while ships on the inside of the turn must be slowed dramatically. The larger the formation in length or width, the harder it will be to execute a wheel without disrupting the formation.

Simultaneous Turn

Also Known As. Turn Together. Purpose. To change the direction of movement of the formation while keeping the absolute relations between the vessels. Description. When executed, all ships turn to the new heading at the same time. Limitations. Turns of more than 90° cannot be executed, as this would have the leading ships turning into the back ships of adjacent columns. Problems. The Simultaneous Turn is not a common maneuver for a multiple line formation. When in a Line of Columns or a Column of Lines, a 90° turn will shift one formation into the other. Any other amount of turn will result in an unstable formation and would not be maintained for an extended period of time.

Interval

A critical measurement in a multiple line formation is that of "Interval". Interval is the distance between the individual column formations within the multiple line formation. For a multiple line disposition to be able to deploy safely, there must be sufficient distance between the formations for all of the ships in a guide's column to fit between any two guides. This is covered more completely in Deploying a Battle Line. Interval is calculated by taking the distance used in the formation, and multiplying it by the number of ships in the longest column (for a Line of Columns) or the longest line (for a Column of Lines). This then becomes the interval between guides.