If you recall...I have mentioned in quite a few postings that a colonne d' attaque could mean a body of troops..or even a grand body of troops assualting the enemy.

I have also seen you mention the same thing in various postings as well. So we are all on the same sheet of music...

Therefore a colonne par regiment is also being mentioned as a colonne d'attaque.

The first time I read about a colonne par regiment, were in various orders that were given in 1805...

As an example...this one is still in my computer at work:

"...M. le maréchal Bernadotte, avec ses deux divisions d'infanterie, se portera, à sept heures du matin, sur la même position qu'occupe, aujourd'hui 10, la division du général Caffarelli, hormis que sa gauche sera à hauteur derrière le Santon , et y restera en colonne par regiment..."

The formation of a colonne par regiment was then mentioned being used in the manoeuvre de principes pour les colonne serrees et lignes en bataille doublee.

I was always under the impression that a colonne par regiment was a regiment that was in a closed column of contiguous battalions. So when I tried to apply this to Girads division...Hans - karl...pointed out that it was against the general principles and system of the French Army...and he was right.

But when Ralph mentioned Ney's Studies...then finding it in the book...the actual formation made sense...even for the formations in 1805.

I'm at work and I still owe you a reply to what "en colonnes d'attaque par bataillon" means...and I noticed that Ralph has a posting on the subject to...so if there is anything to add...then I'll do it when I get home.

Best Regards,
Art