SMASH AND GRAB

Grand battles are the names of places we remember which generally mark a high (or low) point in a campaign. They are about the defeat of the enemy and consequently the seizing of control over territory. Battles were for the most part rare. Raids, on the other hand, were generally smaller actions and far more common.

By Guy Bowers

Most warfare is effectively about the control of territory; raids are operations designed to strike into enemy territory, achieve an objective, and then retreat to the safety of friendly territory before the enemy can mount a coordinated counterattack. The aim is never to capture and hold territory. Typically taking place at night, when the enemy is sleeping and their guard is at its lowest, a raid aims to achieve its objectives whilst minimizing casualties among the raiding party. While many modern raiding forces consist of highly trained elite soldiers, raids can be conducted by any type of soldier. They are, in fact, often executed by irregulars. The defenders will typically be second-line troops. Raiders may come by land, by sea or by air. BY LAND The tactic of raiding is as old…

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Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy (Digital) - 1 Issue, WSS 127

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