Hello all!
This is a question also to community, of course. However I'm also interested on the opinion of JaMs himself too.
Bayonet charges were relatively common in 18th century warfare. Not necessarily actual bayonet melee, but charges were applied as shock tactic focused on breaking attacked unit with morale was already weakened by musket and/or artillery fire.
Fine, now - how to do it? At least how to do it in game environment with ER 4.8?
Frontal attack is in most circumstances suicidal. So firing few salvos, and then charge (even with advantage of terrain) is not realy an option. Casualties among own unit would be so high, that rather our own unit will breake and route before reaching enemy, or just after contact.
Only attack from the flank seems to be a valid option, but I would argue that cavalry is superior in this role, thanks to its speed and maneuverability.
Whats more, because games engine prevents routing "in afraid of upcomming charge", bayonet melee is made very vicious and decisive, with make it also rather costly affair (in terms of men lost). This mean even if flanking by infantry, it is more efficient to flank "by fire", than "by cold steel".
So only usage for bayonets I find in my battles is defending agains cavalry.
So, any suggestions, or advice?